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Whether it’s documenting patient records, reporting information to physicians, or liaising with insurance providers, communication is at the core of Health Information Management work.
According to the National Library of Medicine, poor communication in healthcare can lead to errors, delays, and even compromised patient safety. For Health Information Management professionals, clear and accurate messaging—especially in documentation—is key to ensuring the right data reaches the right people.
This doesn’t just apply to writing. Effective communication also means being able to explain policies or privacy rules clearly, collaborate with clinical staff, and respond to information requests professionally.
How to build it:
Practice writing case summaries, technical emails, and standardized forms. Join class discussions or role-play workplace scenarios to get feedback on your clarity and tone.
In the Health Information Management field, small mistakes can have big consequences. A single error in a medical code, patient identifier, or data entry field can affect billing, diagnosis, or even patient safety.
The Government of Quebec highlights that Health Information Management professionals must ensure that health data is accurate and reliable because it directly impacts healthcare quality and administration. This requires a strong focus on detail and thoroughness.
Health Information Management professionals must also be able to spot inconsistencies in reports, patient histories, or insurance information—and resolve them quickly.
How to build it:
Develop systems that reduce the chance of errors: checklists, naming conventions, and review protocols. Tools like Excel or Electronic Medical Record systems often offer validation rules—learn how to use them.
Working in Health Information Management field means handling highly sensitive data, everything from a patient’s mental health history to their social insurance number. In Canada, professionals are bound by strict privacy legislation such as PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) and provincial health acts.
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada emphasizes that only authorized personnel may access, collect, or share health information. Manhandling data not only breaches trust, it could lead to legal consequences.
Health Information Management professionals must be discreet, ethical, and trained to recognize when and how to share information appropriately. Trust is non-negotiable.
How to build it:
Familiarize yourself with privacy laws and your institution’s confidentiality policies. Practice navigating scenarios involving data breaches, patient consent, and third-party disclosures.
Health Information Management professionals collaborate with doctors, nurses, IT specialists, and administrators to ensure accurate and timely data sharing. Strong teamwork allows healthcare providers to deliver coordinated care and ensures patient safety.
The World Health Organization highlights that collaborative practice improves health outcomes, reduces duplication, and strengthens healthcare systems. Whether you’re updating a record or auditing a system, knowing how to work well with others is essential.
How to build it:
Engage in group projects, take part in interdepartmental discussions, and practice active listening. Learn how to handle conflict and give constructive feedback when needed.
The Health Information Management landscape is changing fast. Advances in artificial intelligence, digital records, and cloud-based platforms are reshaping how health information is stored and shared.
Adaptability is more than just being flexible; it’s about responding to change with a problem-solving mindset. According to Indeed Career Guide, adaptable professionals are better equipped to handle workplace changes, stay calm under pressure, and continue performing well even when things shift unexpectedly. For Health Information Management professionals, this might mean learning to use new software quickly, adjusting to revised data entry protocols, or managing shifting priorities in a hospital or clinic setting.
How to build it:
Stay curious. Follow news on health tech trends, join webinars, and take courses that explore the digital side of HIM. Embrace change as an opportunity to grow your career.
Learn more about online programs designed to help you prepare for the field.
Health Information Management is a dynamic and evolving field. It blends precision and professionalism with compassion and adaptability. And while technical skills will always matter, it’s the soft skills—communication, confidentiality, attention to detail, teamwork, and adaptability—that truly set Health Information Management professionals apart.
For those exploring a future in this field, there are online training options designed to help build both practical knowledge and workplace-ready skills.
The information contained in this post is considered true and accurate as of the publication date. However, the accuracy of this information may be impacted by changes in circumstances that occur after the time of publication. Ashton College assumes no liability for any error or omissions in the information contained in this post or any other post in our blog.
