About the Photos

Making Data Make Sense

Ever wonder what doctors and hospitals do with all of the data they collect from patients? Well, advanced computer systems are allowing researchers to use that information to improve health care and ensure that delivery systems are effective and efficient.

People working in health information management (HIM) design and maintain systems that receive data at every level of health care. Some of these professionals then sort the numbers, looking for trends and patterns that will assist researchers, or enable public agencies to plan healthcare facilities and programs. Tracking demographic information, for instance, allows healthcare providers to target services to the specific locations where they're needed most.

Other HIM professionals ensure that each patient has an accurate and secure medical history, available whenever and wherever it's needed. They protect patient privacy while providing doctors and nurses with the information they need to administer safe and timely treatments.