course material

1. Discussion: Role of HIM professionals
Discussion: Role of HIM professionalsDiscussion: Role of HIM professionalsAccording to the
Robert Woods Johnson Foundation, the nation’s largest philanthropic organization devoted
solely to the public’s health, “there is a consensus emerging in the health policy community
that informed and engaged consumers have a vital role to play in improving the quality of
care that the US health system delivers to patients. The question is how to ensure that they
have the tools and information they need to play the role that is being asked of them”
(Robert Wood Johnson Foundation 2007). In the current healthcare environment,
consumer-maintained or accessible personal health records (PHRs) is a trend that is gaining
significant momentum and is an important component of the national health information
strategy. Some healthcare systems already offer PHR views into their EHRs through patient
portals.As consumers become more knowledgeable about healthcare matters, they seek
access to more information about their own and their family members’ health and
healthcare. The employer- and insurance-sponsored consumer-directed health plans also
are encouraging patients to become more knowledgeable about health and healthcare. This
trend affects health information management, as HIM professionals become not only patient
advocates in the emerging electronic health information environment, but also knowledge
and content experts related to consumer rights, needs, and modes of access to their
personal health information. Although this changing model for engaging consumers in their
healthcare and healthcare decision making is forecasted and signs of its emergence in
practice are everywhere, just what form it will take is not at all clear. This lack of clear
direction presents a real-life strategic challenge for HIM professionals who must consider
plausible alternate futures for engaging with consumers to serve their needs for access to
health information and their electronic health records.In a minimum of 300 words, respond
to the following questions listed below. Use APA format for any references used.1. How
might the development of personal health records change the role of HIM professionals who
work for healthcare organizations?2. What types of personal health record products and
services are on the market today, and what might consumers look for in a product or
service?3. What does research tell us about consumer attitudes toward health
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