The progression of the roles and functions of HIM professionals: a look into the past, present, and future.

Several studies have analyzed the roles and functions of health information management (HIM) professionals. Prior studies have focused on practitioners‘ daily routines across the HIM workforce, from those working for large direct-care providers and small rural physician offices, to consultants and industry sales professionals, to administrators and educators. Data have been published in a variety of media and have provided information on ways that HIM professionals can better market their skills in the everchanging healthcare environment. 1–10 Looking back provides the opportunity to assess past trends and predict emerging roles and functions that will help to create a vision for the future of HIM.