In response to your peers, discuss the information they have provided. How is the information useful or not useful to you as a professional in this field of study? 

Theresa Post

Health information Management in the 19th and 20th centuries created with pen and paper and kept in file cabinets. The files could easily be misplaced or misfiled. If there was a fire the patient charts would be gone forever. That system lasted up until the 1970’s. In 1972 the first medical information database was introduced it was called EHR program. Clement McDonald help develop the program. However, it was expensive, and many clinics or hospitals could not afford it. In 1996 The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act became law and there was a rush for new electronic systems to protect patients and their data. It helped create the next evolution in the EHR systems. The 2000’s began a new generation of EHRs that are still in place today.

Technology has changed the landscape by Being able to communicate in real time to save lives. It provides a platform for experts to diagnose and treat patients without a trip to the doctor’s office. It also gives healthcare providers advances to be able to screen and track diseases. It provides the administrative healthcare, medical, and mental support to communicate with one another. Electronic records are easier to maintain and store. Able to provide information to the public with accurate effectiveness. The roles and responsibilities of the HIM departments will continue to stive for maintaining records and protecting patients’ data.

Carolyn Post

Healthcare information management (HIM) has come a long way over the years, starting from a time when patient records existed solely on paper. Back then, keeping track of patient information was a cumbersome process, involving endless filing and documentation. It was a world filled with stacks of charts and handwritten notes, which often made accessing critical information a challenge for healthcare providers.

The real game-changer arrived with the introduction of electronic health records (EHRs). This shift allowed us to store patient information digitally, transforming how we manage healthcare data. Today, systems like Xifin, Epic, and Meditech enable healthcare organizations, including my workplace, to access and update patient information quickly and efficiently. Gone are the days of rifling through paper files; instead, we can find what we need at the click of a button.

Technology has also significantly impacted the way we connect with patients. Telemedicine has revolutionized healthcare, allowing doctors to conduct video consultations right from their phones or computers. This not only makes healthcare more accessible for patients who may have difficulty traveling to an appointment, but it also ensures that important conversations and visits are documented as part of their health records. It’s exciting to see how we can provide care across distances, bringing healthcare into the comfort of patients’ homes.

However, with these advancements comes the critical need for proper HIM practices. As the volume of electronic data grows, ensuring the accuracy, privacy, and security of this information becomes essential. We must stay on top of regulations and compliance standards to protect patient data and maintain trust. As we embrace technology, it’s vital to remember that effective management of health information is key to improving patient care and outcomes.

In summary, the journey of healthcare information management reflects a remarkable transformation from paper to digital records. As we continue to integrate technology into healthcare, the importance of skilled management practices will grow even further, paving the way for a future where patient care is seamless, safe, and effective