Behind every piece of health information is a person.
From clinical coding and health records to data analytics, funding, research and quality improvement, Health Information Managers (HIMs) help turn health information into insights that support better patient care and a stronger health service.
“Health Information Management is a profession for people who are curious about how healthcare works and interested in the role that information and technology play in improving it. As healthcare becomes increasingly digital and data-driven, the skills of Health Information Managers are more important than ever,” says Odette Taylor, Director, Health Information Services, Northern Health.
At Northern Health, HIMs work across a broad range of areas, including clinical coding, health information services, data analytics, digital health, information governance, funding and performance reporting, research, quality improvement and leadership.
It’s a diverse career that can make a meaningful difference to patients and the health system, without requiring a clinical role.
One of the key pathways into the profession is the Bachelor of Health Information Management at La Trobe University, one of Australia’s longest-standing Health Information Management programs.
The course combines healthcare knowledge, data management and digital health, with students developing skills in areas including:
- Clinical classification and coding
- Health data analytics
- Health informatics and digital health
- Health law, ethics and privacy
- Epidemiology and research methods
- Healthcare funding and activity-based funding
- Health records management
- Quality improvement and performance reporting
Students also undertake professional placements, gaining hands-on experience in hospitals and other healthcare organisations.
Northern Health is proud to support the development of the future HIM workforce. Our Health Information Managers, including Nick Caruana, David Managano, Claire Poulter and Odette Taylor, regularly contribute to the Bachelor of Health Information Management at La Trobe University, sharing their knowledge and experience and helping inspire the next generation of professionals.
For David Mangano, Associate Director HIS at Northern Health, the breadth of career opportunities is one of the profession’s greatest strengths.
“There are opportunities to develop your career in different directions, from clinical coding and data analytics to digital health, research, quality improvement, information governance and leadership.”
“If you are a healthcare professional considering a new direction, or someone looking for a career change, Health Information Management could offer the combination of healthcare, technology and data you have been looking for. Come and speak to any of our Health Information Managers and discover where a career in Health Information Management could take you,” David says.
For Patricia Savino, who has been a HIM Manager for 33 years, including 30 years at Northern Health, working with people and sharing knowledge have been highlights of her career.
“One of the things I enjoy most about being a HIM is the opportunity to liaise with people at all levels of the organisation. No two days are ever quite the same, and there is always something new to learn. I enjoy mentoring the next generation of clinical coders and sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career. I love watching coders grow in confidence and develop their skills.”
For Lana Austin, Acting HIS Manager, Emergency Services, discovering the HIM profession was the beginning of a career she could shape over time.
“When I finished school, I was unsure about exactly what I wanted to study, but I knew I wanted to pursue something within the health field. I came across the HIM profession simply by browsing through courses on the La Trobe website. It sparked my interest because I liked the idea that I could work within the health sector while having the opportunity to develop and move into different areas throughout my career,” she says.
For Belinda Moutsatsos, EMR Test and Release Manager, Digital Health, the HIM profession provided the perfect opportunity to combine her technical background with her passion for healthcare.
“With a long-standing interest in health and over a decade of experience in IT testing, I was ready for a career change that could bring together both worlds. After a lot of searching for a connection, the HIM profession offered the perfect intersection of my technical background and passion for healthcare.”
Leanne Stojcevski, Manager of Reporting and Analytics within the Decision Support Unit at Northern Health, has been a HIM for 23 years and says the profession’s breadth continues to be one of its greatest strengths.
“HIM offers a wide range of career pathways, including clinical coding, leadership and management, digital health, research, operations, project management, analytics and more. It is a profession that provides continuous opportunities to learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution to healthcare.”
HIM is a profession that attracts people with a wide range of skills and interests. Whether your interests lie in data, technology, healthcare, research, quality improvement or leadership, there are opportunities to build a career that evolves with you.
At Northern Health, we know that behind every piece of health information is a person – and getting that information right helps us deliver better care to our community.
Pictured in featured image: HIM Coding Team based at Northern Specialist Care.