Hospital Records Manager: Job Description and Information for Students Considering a Career in Medical Information and Records Management

Hospitals rely on accurate patient records in order to deliver quality care and ensure that both patients and insurers are billed properly. A hospital records manager makes sure that information is compiled accurately and that appropriate steps are taken to ensure patient confidentiality.

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Hospital Records Manager Job Description

A hospital records manager oversees a hospital's records, manages databases and ensures the security and privacy of patient records. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), records managers must be competent with computers in general as well as specific filing and database software (www.bls.gov). Because medical facilities might use a proprietary electronic records management system, some training might take place on the job. Hospital records managers also must be able to monitor regulatory and legal changes in laws regarding patient record compilation and storage.

Educational Requirements

To work as a hospital records manager, an individual usually needs to hold a bachelor's degree in health information management from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Another option is to complete a CAHIIM-accredited post-baccalaureate certificate program in health information management. Master's degree programs in health informatics or information management can qualify graduates for advancement in the field.

Professional Certification

While it's not required to work as a hospital records manager, professional certification can increase an individual's employability in that field. The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers the Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) and Certified in Healthcare Privacy and Security (CHPS) credentials. The latter is intended for records managers who are interested in information security compliance.

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the BLS, the median salary for medical and health services managers was $93,670 as of May 2010. However, both the BLS and AHIMA note that salaries can vary significantly according to a hospital records manager's job level as well as the type of facility in which he or she works. The BLS indicated that jobs in health services management were likely to increase by 16% from 2008 through 2018.

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Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics