HIP Week 0: Bravo to Heal Information Managers

HIP week 2013 is here and Health Information Professionals across the country should be celebrated for their efforts in continually improving the process of managing healthcare information.The role of the Health Information Manager is no easy task. Like a conductor leading an orchestra, they must lead a wide range of health information initiatives across multiple departments to keep their health system in tune. And with the healthcare data explosion driven by Meaningful Use, the electronic medical record, and clinical imaging there is a huge imperative to manage increasingly diverse types of information.

So how can a Healthcare Information Manager keep up with their health systems' adoption of the electronic medical record without missing a beat?A recent survey of over 200 health information managers from providers across North America sheds light on the areas of the transition to the electronic health record that are the most challenging. By recognizing these challenges, health information managers can develop their own strategy for a painless EMR transition creating harmony with their clinicians and the patients they serve.

The survey revealed some interesting facts:

Paper in Person- No matter how pervasive the EMR is becoming, paper-based patient records are part of the equation. 80% of the survey respondents are using paper charts in some, or all, parts of the health system. These records must be properlystored, indexed and managed throughout the transition to the EMR, but that doesn't mean they need to be kept onsite forever. While there may be a need to keep some active patient files close at hand, the remainder can move to a secure, offsite storage location. This strategy can help to repurpose space and increase efficiency while enabling rapid access to needed records when required.

Document Imaging Imaging patient records is also a critical part of supporting the transition to electronic records, and this activity can be a significant drain on resources. The survey revealed that 81% of the respondents are using either full time or part time employees to manage their scanning. By outsourcing this activity, the staff can support more strategic initiatives such as Meaningful Use and ICD- 10.

Secure Shredding Managing the disposition of records at the end of their retention period is also an important part of the HIM function, but 58% of those surveyed don't know what records are actually authorized for destruction. And as the risk of audits increases, health information managers need to develop sound retention and destruction policies that improve efficiency and enhance compliance.

While the transition to the EMR may present some challenges, early indications of the improvements to the efficiency and quality of patient care validate the return on this effort. As HIP Week 2013 begins, healthcare information managers should take a bow for their great work over the past year, as we all look forward to a great encore performance ahead.

LINK:	http://blog.ironmountain.com/2013/healthcare-information-management/hi...
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