What is a Medical Records Specialist Job?
A medical records specialist job is a healthcare role that involves managing and organizing patient health records, medical histories, treatment plans, and other important healthcare information. Medical records specialists are responsible for ensuring that medical records are accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible to healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies. This role is essential in ensuring that healthcare providers have the necessary information to make informed decisions about patient care.
What do Medical Records Specialists Usually Do in This Position?
Medical records specialists are responsible for a variety of tasks, including:
- Organizing and maintaining patient health records, medical histories, and treatment plans.
- Ensuring that medical records are accurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible to healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies.
- Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and confidentiality.
- Collaborating with healthcare providers to ensure that medical records are complete and accurate.
- Providing administrative support to healthcare providers, including scheduling appointments, managing billing and insurance claims, and handling patient inquiries.
Top 5 Skills for the Position
- Attention to detail: Medical records specialists must be able to accurately organize and maintain patient health records, medical histories, and treatment plans.
- Communication skills: Medical records specialists must be able to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, patients, and insurance companies.
- Organizational skills: Medical records specialists must be able to effectively manage and organize patient health records, medical histories, and treatment plans.
- Knowledge of healthcare laws and regulations: Medical records specialists must be familiar with healthcare laws and regulations regarding patient privacy and confidentiality.
- Computer skills: Medical records specialists must be familiar with electronic health record (EHR) systems and other computer programs used in healthcare settings.
How to Become a Medical Records Specialist?
To become a medical records specialist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent. Some employers may require additional education or certification in medical records management or healthcare administration. Relevant coursework may include medical terminology, healthcare laws and regulations, and computer skills.
Average Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for medical records and health information technicians was $44,090 as of May 2020. Salaries may vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and employer.
Roles and Types
Medical records specialists may work in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Some common roles and types of medical records specialists include:
- Health Information Technicians: Health information technicians are responsible for managing and organizing patient health records, including medical histories, treatment plans, and diagnostic test results.
- Medical Coders: Medical coders are responsible for assigning codes to patient diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance purposes.
- Cancer Registrars: Cancer registrars are responsible for collecting and maintaining data on cancer patients for research and treatment purposes.
Locations with the Most Popular Jobs in the USA
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the states with the highest employment level in medical records and health information technicians as of May 2020 were:
1. California
2. Texas
3. Florida
4. New York
5. Ohio
What are the Typical Tools?
Medical records specialists typically use a variety of tools and technologies to manage and organize patient health records, including:
- Electronic health record (EHR) systems
- Medical coding and billing software
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Scanners and other document management tools
In Conclusion
Medical records specialists play a critical role in healthcare by managing and organizing patient health records, medical histories, and treatment plans. To become a medical records specialist, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, although some employers may require additional education or certification. The average salary for medical records and health information technicians is $44,090 per year, and the highest employment levels are in California, Texas, and Florida. Medical records specialists typically use a variety of tools and technologies to manage and organize patient health records, including electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical coding and billing software, and document management tools.