Benefits of Health Information Management: 10 Ways It Impacts Patient Care

Health information management (HIM) bridges the gap between the operational side of healthcare and the growing demand for patient-centered care. In today’s fast-paced, data-driven healthcare landscape — shaped by electronic health records (EHRs), strict privacy regulations, and evolving patient expectations — HIM professionals play a vital role in driving both clinical excellence and operational efficiency. 

At the heart of this field is health informatics — the discipline focused on leveraging data, technology, and analytics to improve patient outcomes. Keep reading to discover how health information management directly impacts and improves the quality of care patients receive: 

How Health Information Management Improves Patient Care

Behind every effective healthcare organization is a team of health information management (HIM) professionals working to turn data into better patient outcomes. From improving communication between providers to empowering patients with access to their own records, HIM plays a critical role in advancing the quality, safety and efficiency of care. 

Here are 10 ways HIM directly impacts and improves the quality of care patients receive: 

1. Empowering Patients with Access to Their Health Records

Giving patients access to their own medical records fosters transparency and engagement in their care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 88% of office-based physicians in the U.S. have adopted electronic health record (EHR) systems, with nearly 78% using certified systems. 

Health informatics professionals ensure these systems are user-friendly, secure, and accessible, allowing patients to schedule appointments, view lab results, and communicate with providers — all of which contribute to better care outcomes. 

2. Safeguarding Sensitive Patient Data

Healthcare providers collect a vast amount of sensitive data — from personal contact information to medical histories and payment details. HIM professionals are at the forefront of cybersecurity efforts, implementing robust security protocols to prevent data breaches and ensure compliance with privacy regulations like HIPAA. 

3. Supporting HIPAA Compliance

Compliance with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a cornerstone of healthcare operations. Health informaticists develop and enforce policies that safeguard patient information, including encryption standards, data access controls, and breach response procedures. These efforts protect patient privacy while fostering trust in the healthcare system. 

4. Using Data Analytics to Improve Patient Safety

By analyzing large sets of healthcare data, HIM teams can identify safety risks and prevent medical errors. For example, data mining can reveal trends in hospital-acquired infections or medication errors, allowing providers to implement proactive solutions to prevent harm. 

5. Ensuring Accuracy in Patient Records

Accurate patient records are essential for effective care delivery. Health information management professionals review, audit, and correct medical records to ensure completeness and accuracy — a critical step in diagnosis, treatment planning and continuity of care. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) identifies accurate documentation as a fundamental pillar of quality care. 

6. Standardizing Medical Terminology

HIM professionals help create a standardized language for healthcare data, ensuring that information is clear and consistent across providers, departments and even healthcare systems. Standardized coding systems like ICD-10 or SNOMED CT reduce misinterpretation and foster more reliable communication about patient care. 

7. Improving Care Coordination Across Providers

When healthcare providers have real-time access to accurate and up-to-date patient information, they can collaborate more effectively. HIM teams build and maintain systems that enable seamless care coordination — reducing duplicative tests, preventing medical errors, and improving patient outcomes. 

8. Facilitating Communication Between Clinical and Administrative Teams

HIM professionals often serve as the bridge between IT, administrators, and front-line caregivers. Their work ensures that data flows securely and efficiently across systems, reducing miscommunication and enabling faster, better-informed clinical decisions. 

9. Integrating Financial and Clinical Data for Better Decision-Making

By combining clinical data with financial insights, health informaticists help healthcare leaders evaluate service costs, patient outcomes and operational efficiencies. This integrated approach enables smarter resource allocation and supports value-based care initiatives. 

10. Enhancing Health Literacy for Patients

Effective healthcare isn’t just about data — it’s also about communication. HIM professionals help design patient-facing tools, portals and educational materials that simplify complex health information. These efforts break down barriers to understanding and help patients take a more active role in their care journey. 

Position Yourself to Lead with an MS in Health Informatics

Health information management is shaping the future of healthcare — and skilled professionals are in high demand to lead these efforts. 

The University of Scranton’s online Master of Science in Health Informatics prepares graduates to harness the power of data and technology to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. With a curriculum designed to blend technical expertise with healthcare knowledge, students gain valuable skills in: 

• Health data analytics 

• Cybersecurity and compliance 

• Healthcare information systems 

• Data-driven decision making 

• Patient-centered innovation 

Whether you're looking to advance in your current healthcare role or pivot into an emerging field, Scranton’s program equips you to make a meaningful impact at the intersection of healthcare, technology and patient care. 

Help Shape the Future of Healthcare

With the right knowledge and skills, you can help drive meaningful change — improving not only healthcare operations, but also the lives of patients and communities. Learn more about how the University of Scranton can set you up for success.

Explore the online MS in health informatics program today!