Transforming the HIM department into a strategic resource.

The transformation of a traditional (HIM) health information management department into a "virtual" HIM department can offer an IDS substantial economic advantages, improve patient satisfaction levels, enhance the quality of care, and provide greater accuracy in measuring and demonstrating healthcare outcomes. The HIM department's mission should be aligned with enterprise strategies, and the IDS should invest in technology that enables HIM to respond to enterprisewide information requirements.