The cog that keeps the wheel spinning; without Clinical Coders and Health Information Managers the hospital could not operate. Much like how our arteries fuel our bodies with oxygen, the dispersing of information to and from the hospital floor falls on the shoulders of the health management team.
In 2017, hospitals’ and major facilities pride themselves on providing exceptional customer service with a focus on delivering data quality. This is great news for Clinical Coders and Health Information Managers (HIM’s), as it means you’re in HIGH DEMAND.
The Rise in demand
The Australian Healthcare system has acknowledged the need to invest in the training of health information professionals for many years; subsequently setting up the Australian Health Information Council in the early 2000’s. In fact, there was a national action plan set up in 2003, to address the skill shortage in this area.
According to a survey conducted by the Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA) in 2013, the demand for Clinical Coders has risen by 62% over the past decade; and since this survey was conducted, we can see this trend continuing.
Did you know? In the last two week’s there have been 354 jobs listed on Seek for Healthcare Medical Administration roles, of which there are approximate 80 roles that sit in the Clinical Coding and Health Information Management space.
Pay Scale for HIM’s and Clinical Coders
Australian HIM’s and Clinical Coders are generally paid under the Award rates for Healthcare Administrators for each State or Territory.
According to Neuvoo’s salary survey, the average salary of a Clinical Coder in 2017 is +$76,000 (or $39 per hour). The average salary of Health Information Managers is +$88,000 (or $45 per hour). In both disciplines, more experienced workers can expect to earn well into the six figures.
For more information on Clinical Coding & Health Information Management Remuneration Scales for Queensland and New South Wales, see below:
Queensland: https://www.health.qld.gov.au/hrpolicies/wage_rates/admin
New South Wales: http://www1.health.nsw.gov.au/pds/ActivePDSDocuments/IB2014_034.pdf
