Medical Records Technician Job Description And Duties

The role of a Medical Records Technician, also known as a Health Information Technician, is crucial in the healthcare industry. These professionals are responsible for managing and maintaining accurate and up-to-date medical records, ensuring the confidentiality and security of patient information, and providing support to healthcare providers and other medical staff.

In this article, we will delve into the job description and duties of a Medical Records Technician, as well as the skills and qualifications required to excel in this role.

Key Responsibilities of a Medical Records Technician

Medical Records Technicians are responsible for a range of tasks related to the management of medical records. Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Maintaining accurate and up-to-date medical records, both electronic and paper-based
• Ensuring the confidentiality and security of patient information, in accordance with federal and state regulations
• Organizing and filing medical records, ensuring easy access and retrieval
• Reviewing medical records for completeness and accuracy
• Correcting errors or discrepancies in medical records
• Providing support to healthcare providers and other medical staff, including retrieving medical records and responding to requests for information

Medical Records Technician Job Duties

Some of the specific job duties of a Medical Records Technician include:

• Data entry: entering patient information, medical history, and treatment plans into electronic medical records systems
• Coding: assigning codes to diagnoses and procedures, using classification systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT
• Record retrieval: retrieving medical records from storage, either physically or electronically
• Record analysis: reviewing medical records to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement
• Compliance: ensuring that medical records are in compliance with federal and state regulations, including HIPAA
• Training: providing training and support to healthcare providers and other medical staff on the use of electronic medical records systems

Skills and Qualifications Required

To be successful as a Medical Records Technician, you will need to possess a range of skills and qualifications, including:

• Post-secondary education in health information technology or a related field
• Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Familiarity with electronic medical records systems and software applications
• Understanding of federal and state regulations, including HIPAA

Work Environment and Salary

Medical Records Technicians can work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They may work in an office environment, or may be required to work on-site in a healthcare facility.

The salary for Medical Records Technicians varies depending on location, experience, and employer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for Medical Records Technicians was $42,820 in May 2020.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the role of a Medical Records Technician is critical in the healthcare industry, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and attention to detail. With post-secondary education and certification, Medical Records Technicians can excel in this role, providing support to healthcare providers and other medical staff, and ensuring the confidentiality and security of patient information.

Medical Records Technician Image Gallery

We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences in the field of Medical Records Technology. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about this career path, please don't hesitate to ask.