By effectively organizing and managing medical records, health information and medical records technicians play a key role in helping ensure that patients receive the medical care they need. A career as a medical records and health information technician can be a great fit for someone who is interested in the medical field and enjoys helping people. This career field is particularly suited for those who have the ability to read and understand medical records and diagnoses and the analytical skills to code them properly in patient records and insurance filings. Technicians should also have an eye for detail as accuracy is vital to patients’ well being and plays a key role in determining future treatment and other medical decisions.
Interpersonal and technical skills are also important. Technicians must be able to discuss patient information with other medical personnel, including physicians, nurses and administrative staff. As more and more medical providers are implementing electronic health records systems, technicians will need the technical skills to use coding and classification software effectively and efficiently.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician Job Description
Medical records and health information technicians document patient health information, including medical and health histories, examination and diagnostic test results, treatments and any other relevant information. They assign classifications and clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and assist with data analysis. They are also responsible for ensuring the accuracy, completeness and security of patient medical records.
Medical records and health information technicians work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, nursing care facilities and home health care services. Most technicians work standard weekday shifts, but in healthcare facilities that are open 24 hours a day, they may work evening, weekend or overnight shifts.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician Career Outlook and Salary Potential
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook published in August 2012, jobs for medical records and health information technologists are expected to grow by 21 percent nationally between 2010 and 2020. The anticipated job growth is projected to be fueled by the aging population, which will undoubtedly result in increased demand for healthcare.
As a large segment of the population continues to age, patients will need more medical care, which will in turn generate additional medical records and claims to file with insurance. Cancer registrars will also be in demand as there will likely be new registries that come about as new illnesses and treatment protocols are discovered and developed.
The same BLS study lists the median annual salary of medical records and health information technicians at $32,350 as of May 2010. Those who are interested in this career opportunity are encouraged to conduct independent research as employment opportunities and salary may vary depending on location, experience, education and other factors.
Medical Records and Health Information Technician Education and Training
Candidates for medical records and health information technician positions typically need at least a postsecondary certificate in health information technology. An associate’s degree in health information technology can also be very helpful in obtaining a position in this field. Many employers also require professional certification, such as Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR), among others.
As with many professions, higher-level degrees and professional certifications often lead to enhanced career opportunities and higher salaries. Courses in health, computer science, math and biology can be helpful in gaining entrance to a degree program. According to the BLS, “degree programs…often include courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health data requirements and standards, classification and coding systems, healthcare reimbursement methods, healthcare statistics and computer systems” in order to prepare candidates for a career as a medical records and health information technician.
