One of the biggest news stories to impact the health information management field is the alliance between IFHIMA (International Federation of Health Information Management Associations) and WHO (World Health Organization). This relationship was solidified with the election of Ms. Yukiko Yokobori. Ms. Yokobori is the IFHIMA director of Southeast Asia and she has now also been elected to co-chair the WHO-FIC (Family of International Classifications) Network for a two-year term.

Global Impact on Health Information Management

For those who are unsure of the impact this will have on the health information management field and how it relates, here is some clarifying information:

The IFHIMA is an official NGO (non-governmental organization) of WHO. It also represents the largest group (internationally) of health information management professionals, of which there are also several regional groups such as AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association). For those students who wish to enter the Health Information Management Field, this group is one to get certified through and is also an invaluable resource for health information management information in the United States. 

Most people will have recently heard a lot about the WHO related to the major health crisis, Ebola. The WHO is an authority for health and disease for the United Nations and is responsible for leading global health efforts, research, treatment, standards, and awareness. 

The collaboration of these two internationally-powerful groups has some major implications, especially for those in the health information management field.  Most notably, it is expected that it will further strengthen, expand, and allow more implementation of health information management programs and use on a global scale. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the health information field will see a 22% increase between 2012 and 2022. This means that students interested in obtaining their degree in Health Information Management and using it abroad have an excellent opportunity to get into a field that is on the move.

International Opportunities in Health Information Management

This association has also resulted in a current joint project between the IFHIMA and WHO-FIC (also known as the WHO-FIC IFHIMA Joint Collaboration). This project is meant to construct and promote a new international training strategy for those in the health information management field, as well as looking more into the development of an international certification strategy for coders.

The outcome of this project could mean that health information management professionals from every continent who want to work with an international organization such as WHO, or who wish to become certified and work abroad in their field will have the same education and ability as anyone else who has had this education. It will also create a much simpler transition between countries and foster better communication of health information between them for improved quality of care, research, and disease information. 

All of these changes could well set stage for some exciting opportunities. Health information management professionals could have a chance to impact and improve global health in a very significant way.

Interested in a career in health information management? Contact ECPI University TODAY for more information about earning your Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management! At ECPI University you could earn a bachelor's degree in as little as 2.5 years or an associate's degree in as little as 1.5 years through our year-round schedule. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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