What is a Medical Records Technician Job?
If you're interested in a job in the healthcare field but don't want to work directly with patients, a career as a medical records technician might be the right fit for you. Medical records technicians, sometimes called health information technicians, are responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records. These records include everything from medical histories to test results and treatment plans. The information in these records is crucial to the healthcare providers who treat patients, as it helps them make informed decisions about care.
What do Medical Records Technicians Usually Do in This Position?
Medical records technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks related to managing patient medical records. Some of the most common duties include:
- Organizing and maintaining medical records
- Ensuring that medical records are accurate and up-to-date
- Entering patient information into electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Protecting patient privacy by adhering to HIPAA regulations
- Responding to requests for patient medical records
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure that patient care is coordinated and effective
Top 5 Skills for the Position
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a medical records technician, there are several key skills that you'll need to have. These include:
- Attention to detail: Medical records must be accurate and complete, so it's essential that medical records technicians are detail-oriented and able to catch errors.
- Technical skills: Medical records technicians work with electronic health record systems and other software programs, so it's important that they are comfortable using technology.
- Analytical skills: Medical records technicians must be able to interpret medical records and understand medical terminology to ensure that records are accurate and complete.
- Communication skills: Medical records technicians often work with healthcare providers and patients and must be able to communicate effectively in both written and verbal formats.
- Organizational skills: Medical records technicians are responsible for managing a large volume of information and must be able to organize and prioritize their work effectively.
How to Become a Medical Records Technician
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a medical records technician, there are several steps you'll need to take. First, you'll need to earn your high school diploma or equivalent. From there, you can pursue a degree or certificate in health information management or a related field. Many community colleges and technical schools offer programs in this area.
Once you've completed your education, you'll need to gain experience in the field. Many medical records technician positions require at least one year of experience in a healthcare setting. You can gain this experience by working in a medical office or hospital.
Finally, you'll need to obtain certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). This certification demonstrates that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to be a successful medical records technician.
Average Salary for Medical Records Technicians
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical records and health information technicians was $42,630 as of May 2020. The highest 10% of earners in this field made more than $71,150 per year, while the lowest 10% made less than $28,240.
Roles and Types of Medical Records Technician Jobs
There are several different types of medical records technician jobs, each with its own set of responsibilities. Some of the most common roles include:
- Medical records coder: These technicians are responsible for assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures, which are used for billing and insurance purposes.
- Cancer registrar: These technicians specialize in managing cancer patient records and ensuring that they are accurate and complete.
- Health information manager: These professionals oversee the management of all patient medical records in a healthcare facility.
- Medical records technician supervisor: These technicians are responsible for managing a team of medical records technicians and ensuring that all records are accurate and up-to-date.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
Medical records technicians are in demand across the United States, but some states have more opportunities than others. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment levels for medical records and health information technicians are:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Pennsylvania
What are the Typical Tools Used in This Job?
Medical records technicians use a variety of tools and technologies in their work. Some of the most common tools include:
- Electronic health record (EHR) systems: These software programs are used to manage patient medical records and can include features like patient scheduling, billing, and lab test results.
- Medical coding software: Medical records technicians who specialize in coding use software programs to assign codes to medical diagnoses and procedures.
- Health information exchange (HIE) systems: These systems allow healthcare providers to share patient medical records electronically, which can improve patient care coordination.
In Conclusion
If you're interested in a career in the healthcare field but prefer to work behind the scenes, a job as a medical records technician might be the right fit for you. This role is critical to ensuring that patients receive high-quality care, and it offers opportunities for growth and advancement. By pursuing the necessary education and certification, you can prepare yourself for a rewarding career in this field.