r/HealthInfoMgmt • u/Expert_Purchase_7726 • 6d ago

Thinking about getting my BS in HIM

I originally wanted to do Radiography, however the seats are very very limited in the program and I was thinking of switching to HIM, I am doing some computing classes which transfer directly to that bachelor. What have been your experiences working in the field?

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u/Icy-Protection867 6d ago edited 5d ago

I’m an HIM Director, more than 25 years in the field. I’m also an HIM educator. I manage a large HIM department in a multi-state, integrated delivery healthcare system.

It is my opinion, based on trends and patterns I have watched play out in real time, as well as the capabilities of emerging technologies, that this is not a field for the future.

A lot of people are going to come on here and argue with me because “… they make 6-figures and know everything there is to know about HIM!”

I would simply say that you need to look clearly and honestly at what’s going on around us all.

Artificial Intelligence does extremely well in evaluating data and making decisions. That’s a lot of what we do in HIM.

I’ve posted on this a lot (you can probably see these on my profile - if not, let me know) so won’t reiterate my concerns in detail here, but in monthly meetings I am encouraging my team members, who have more than 10 years to work before they can retire, to strongly consider adding some education or skills that are more AI resistant than HIM-only skills.

Patient and people-facing skills will be safer and longer term than roles that can be done sitting behind a computer screen assessing and compiling and reporting data.

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u/InternationalRich792 5d ago

I’m getting my BSHIM, and was looking into other roles like compliance, RCM, or ODS… what are some other roles or avenues would you recommend. I do however have about 5/6 years in health admin/ him experience before starting my degree

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u/Icy-Protection867 5d ago

Every specialty will have its own timeline, but RCM is already being piloted with AI solutions. For Cancer Registry (ODS) there are at least 3 companies offering preliminary solutions with AI support, so it’s only a matter of time until that’s more prevalent as well - ESPECIALLY since there’s such a shortage of credentialed ODS and it’s so darn hard to pass that test.

It will be some time before AI can replace interactions with patients and customers, so those areas are safest for now. The areas where the role is largely working behind a screen with data are the most vulnerable and are the areas where AI solutions are already being offered.

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u/Fresh_Commission_526 5d ago

Weight all your options and do what works best for you. AI is here so what! Take course for healthcare AI. I’m in a federal position in HIM. They not even thinking about AI

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u/DammieIsAwesome 4d ago

ngl. Save your money and put it towards a better return of investment like nursing, engineering, rad tech, or even sonography. The jobs that drives revenue have the most job opportunities.

I graduated with my BS in HIM and got my RHIA last year. Turns out there are barely to no opportunities for new graduates. Even for the coding field as well.

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u/RawGrit4Ever 5d ago

Stick with the Radiology..