Health informatics and health information management focus on managing and using patient information, and the titles are somewhat interchangeable. Yet, there are key distinctions between the two.
So, what is the difference between health informatics vs. health information management?
The field of health information management is driven largely by the growth of information technology in healthcare. It involves storing a patient’s medical data and history, such as physical exams, lab results, and symptoms.
They engage in various jobs that impact the quality of patient information and patient care at every stage of the health care delivery cycle to correctly and securely handle patients’ medical data. Moreover, health information management professionals are trained to comprehend recent information management applications and the current healthcare system.
On the other hand, health informatics leverages collected and maintained data by health information management systems to develop knowledge and entails modifying enterprise-wide data to enhance results, procedures, and costs.
It focuses on the design, development, and deployment of data-driven applications in various health information systems. Health informatics professionals’ responsibilities include ensuring that information systems adhere to numerous laws and regulations, troubleshooting, and implementing new procedures.
Individuals who choose to study in these areas may choose health informatics if they like working with data. In contrast, they may choose a degree in health information technology if they are driven to work behind the scenes with the systems and platforms that serve as the backbone of informatics.
The most notable difference between the two fields is that health information managers are frequently concerned with the technology required to store and access patient records safely. Alternatively, most health information occupations concentrate on data analytics to improve the delivery of modern health care.
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River Axe is a health IT company that serves cutting-edge technological solutions for government clients. Contact them at 336-493-3665 or visit their website www.riveraxe.com/ for more information.
