Honoring the Experts Behind the Health Information

Honoring the Experts Behind the Health Information

April 24, 2025

Meet the Experts Behind the Health Information at CyncHealth

At CyncHealth, better care starts with better information—and that information requires dedicated professionals to manage, protect, and deliver it. This Health Information Professionals Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the experts – Andrea Haldeman, Clinical Knowledge Specialist; Ken Shriver, Senior Integrations Analyst; and Sarah Lane, Lead Integrations Analyst – who transform complex health records into actionable insights.

These professionals work behind the scenes to ensure health records are organized, accurate, and accessible—enabling providers to make more informed decisions and patients to experience more seamless care. Their work drives key aspects of healthcare, from maintaining accurate longitudinal health records to enhancing the coordination that healthcare systems depend on daily.

Andrea, our Clinical Knowledge Specialist, knows firsthand how health information can change lives. “My late grandfather and children inspired me to pursue a career in health information,” she shared. After feeling unfulfilled in a previous role, she returned to school to earn her college degree and start a new chapter. “It was meaningful to show my children the importance of a college education—and that if you have the drive and determination, you can achieve anything.”

Andrea recalls a pivotal moment: her grandfather suffered a cardiac emergency while wintering in Texas, far from his primary care team in Nebraska. “The hospital had no prior knowledge of his medical history and had to rely on my grandmother for details. That situation brought to light the importance of a longitudinal health record—how essential it is for healthcare providers to have accurate, detailed health information at the point of care.”

 

Superpowers in Health Information

In celebration of the week, we asked three of our team members—Ken, Sarah, and Andrea—an important question: If you could have any superpower to make your workday easier, what would it be? Their answers? All mind-related. Ken would choose telekinesis, while Sarah and Andrea both picked telepathy.

It’s a fitting theme. So much of their work involves anticipating needs, making connections, and processing complex data to drive more comprehensive patient care. These “mind powers” reflect the critical thinking and adaptability they bring to every task—skills vital to supporting seamless information exchange and advancing interoperability across systems.

 

Bridging Gaps, Powering Innovation

Despite the critical nature of their work, Health Information Professionals often work behind the scenes and are not spotlighted for the vital part they play. Ken explained that a common challenge is similar to what clinicians face: “We share a lot of the burdens healthcare providers do. We’re often limited by the information we have—whether that’s due to the timeliness of operative reports or the level of detail captured. One of the greatest things about working at CyncHealth is that I get to bridge those gaps.”

At CyncHealth, these efforts directly support more advanced, connected systems—reducing redundant testing, supporting research, and creating pathways to better outcomes.

Sarah added, “Health information is so much more than coding. While that’s a foundational skill, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Health Information Management (HIM) is about seeing the person behind the code and understanding how information moves between providers, payers, public health, and the patient. When that communication breaks down, it directly impacts the quality of care.”

Andrea emphasized that although many CyncHealth team members don’t work directly with patients, the impact of their work is deeply personal. “We may not be in the room with patients, but we understand the value of our data, tools, and services. They affect patients, providers, and the health of entire communities.”

 

Looking Ahead

The future of health information is full of promise—and responsibility. “Health Information Professionals are the backbone of any healthcare system,” Sarah said. “We ensure compliance, protect patient privacy, and support the seamless flow of data that makes high-quality care possible.”

Andrea echoed this, adding, “Health information is shaping the future of care in many meaningful ways—by simplifying communication between providers, improving public health surveillance, supporting quality measurements, and even reducing healthcare costs.”

Last week, Governor Jim Pillen issued an official proclamation recognizing Health Information Professionals Week across Nebraska. Educators, students, and HIPs from across the state joined together in Lincoln to celebrate this critical field and the people who make it work. At CyncHealth, we’re proud to recognize the incredible minds powering health information—and to continue building more connected, healthier communities one data input at a time.

 

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