Executive Summary
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Executive Summary Advocating for the Health Information Professional Position
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Introduction
This executive summary aims to strongly advocate for the imperative inclusion of a
Health Information Professional role within the framework of Lincoln Medical and Mental
Health Hospital. In a healthcare landscape increasingly reliant on data-driven decision-making,
this position serves as the linchpin for managing, safeguarding, and leveraging critical health
information resources.
The relentless evolution of healthcare technology underscores the significance of a
specialized professional equipped to navigate the complexities of Electronic Health Records
(EHRs) and ensure long-term, meaningful use compliance. This summary underscores that
effective Health Information Management (HIM) is not merely desirable but an absolute
necessity, vital for data accuracy, regulatory adherence, patient privacy, and, ultimately, the
delivery of high-quality care.
Need for a Health Information Professional
The inclusion of a Health Information Professional at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health
Hospital is imperative to navigate the intricate landscape of modern healthcare. Their role is
pivotal for several reasons.
Firstly, previous assessments, such as those outlined in (Slight et al., 2015) and (Rathert
et al., 2019), have consistently highlighted the challenges associated with Electronic Health
Records (EHR) and meaningful use compliance. These findings underscore the pressing need for
a dedicated professional to ensure the hospital’s adherence to regulatory standards, safeguard
patient data, and streamline information exchange.
Secondly, healthcare IT systems have evolved into complex ecosystems with layers of
complexity. In today’s healthcare environment, these systems are not merely repositories of data
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but integral components of clinical workflows and decision-making processes. The expertise of a
Health Information Professional is indispensable in managing and optimizing these intricate
systems (Dash et al., 2019). Moreover, the growing emphasis on interoperability, data analytics,
and patient engagement necessitates a specialist who can orchestrate the seamless integration of
diverse healthcare technologies while maintaining data integrity (Farahani et al., 2018).
The need for a Health Information Professional at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health
Hospital is evident. Their presence is vital to address the challenges identified in prior
assessments, guarantee compliance with evolving regulations, and effectively manage the
complexity of modern healthcare IT systems.
Financial Impact Analysis
A Health Information Professional brings both short-term expenditures and long-term
financial benefits to Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Hospital. The initial cost of hiring and
employing such a professional includes recruitment expenses, salary, and ongoing training.
According to Zip Recruiter website, this investment, estimated around $83,372 per annum,
ensures access to a specialized skill set crucial for managing Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
and ensuring long-term, meaningful use compliance (ZipRecruiter, 2023).
However, these expenditures are dwarfed by the potential cost savings and revenue
generation that a Health Information Professional can bring. The hospital can avoid penalties,
audits, and legal fees by optimizing data management processes, reducing errors, and ensuring
regulatory compliance. These proactive measures protect the hospital’s financial standing and
enhance its reputation, attracting more patients and fostering loyalty. Research from (Kaplan,
2020) indicates that healthcare organizations with efficient Health Information Management
systems experience fewer denials, leading to increased revenue.
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In addition, the professional’s ability to streamline workflows and improve billing and
coding accuracy can directly impact revenue cycle management, accelerating reimbursements
and reducing revenue leakage (Campbell & Giadresco, 2019). while the initial investment in a
Health Information Professional is notable, the long-term financial impact is overwhelmingly
positive. It encompasses cost savings, revenue generation, and enhanced financial stability,
making it a sound financial decision for Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Hospital.
Evidence to Support Hiring
To secure leadership buy-in for the Health Information Professional position at Lincoln
Medical and Mental Health Hospital, it is essential to present compelling evidence from research
and assessments and reference industry best practices and standards.
Firstly, research studies such as those (Haux 2006) and (Yen & Leasure, 2019) have
consistently demonstrated the positive impact of Health Information Professionals in healthcare
settings. They underscore the correlation between effective Health Information Management and
improved patient outcomes, reduced medical errors, and enhanced data accuracy. These findings
provide concrete evidence that the presence of a specialized professional can significantly
contribute to the hospital’s overall performance and patient safety, aligning with the
organization’s mission.
Secondly, referencing industry best practices and standards, such as those outlined by
Thomas, M. A. (2019), reinforces the need for compliance and adherence to recognized
benchmarks. It substantiates the argument that hiring a Health Information Professional is not
merely a discretionary choice but an essential step in aligning with industry norms and ensuring
data security, privacy, and interoperability. These standards are vital for achieving meaningful
use and maintaining the hospital’s reputation.
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Conclusion
In summary, establishing the Health Information Professional position at Lincoln
Medical and Mental Health Hospital is imperative. It responds to the critical need for effective
Health Information Management (HIM) in an era of healthcare information technology’s rapid
evolution. Research and assessments consistently emphasize the position’s role in ensuring data
accuracy, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. Furthermore, industry best practices
and standards underscore the alignment of this position with recognized benchmarks. The
evidence is unequivocal: hiring a Health Information Professional is a strategic imperative.
Beyond the immediate advantages, the long-term benefits of this strategic hire are
substantial. It will fortify the hospital’s resilience in an ever-changing healthcare landscape,
ensuring adaptability to evolving regulations and technologies. The professional’s expertise will
drive cost savings, revenue generation, and enhanced patient care quality, culminating in
improved patient experiences and outcomes. This investment in HIM will safeguard the
hospital’s financial stability and reputation while fostering innovation and growth.
To hospital leadership, we strongly encourage your support for hiring a qualified Health
Information Professional. The evidence is compelling, the need is evident, and the benefits are
far-reaching. This strategic move aligns the hospital with industry standards, fortifies financial
stability, and enhances patient care. By embracing this role, Lincoln Medical and Mental Health
Hospital secures its leadership position in healthcare excellence and innovation.
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Reference
Campbell, S., & Giadresco, K. (2019). Computer-assisted clinical coding: A narrative review of
the literature on its benefits, limitations, implementation, and impact on clinical coding
professionals.
Health Information Management Journal
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https://doi.org/10.1177/1833358319851305
Dash, S., Shakyawar, S. K., Sharma, M., & Kaushik, S. (2019). Big data in healthcare:
management, analysis and future prospects.
Journal of Big Data
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https://doi.org/10.1186/s40537-019-0217-0
Farahani, B., Firouzi, F., Chang, V., Badaroglu, M., Constant, N., & Mankodiya, K. (2018).
Towards fog-driven IoT eHealth: Promises and challenges of IoT in medicine and
healthcare.
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Haux, R. (2006). Health information systems – past, present, future.
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Medical Informatics
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Kaplan, B. (2020). Revisiting Health Information Technology Ethical, Legal, and Social Issues
and Evaluation: Telehealth/Telemedicine and COVID-19.
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Rathert, C., Porter, T. H., Mittler, J. N., & Fleig-Palmer, M. (2019). Seven years after meaningful
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McCourt, B. J., McNamara, M., Menachemi, N., Payne, T. H., Spooner, S. A., Schiff, G.
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Meaningful Use of Electronic Health Records: Experiences From the Field and Future
Opportunities.
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https://doi.org/10.2196/medinform.4457
Thomas, M. A. (2019). Evaluating Electronic Health Records Interoperability Symbiotic
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dissertation). Northcentral University, School of Business.
https://www.proquest.com/openview/19b1d289dc52f8ed896a62bdf4e568b7/1?pq-
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Yen, P. H., & Leasure, A. R. (2019). Use and Effectiveness of the Teach-back Method in Patient
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ZipRecruiter. (2023). Health Information Specialist Salary. Retrieved from
https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Health-Information-Specialist-Salary