Medical Records Technician: Employment Info and Requirements for a Career As a Medical Record Technician

One of the only healthcare careers that does not involve working directly with patients, Medical Records Technology focuses on accurate transcription and organization of patients' medical histories, symptoms and diagnoses, as well as categorization of treatments and procedures for insurance billing. Those with a medical technology (MT) certificate or a 2-year associate degree in health information management (HIM) can enter the Medical Records Technology field and advance through on-the-job training and further education. Continue reading for more information about becoming a Medical Records Technician.

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Career Definition: Medical Records Technician

Medical Records Technicians play a crucial role in ensuring that physicians' offices, outpatient clinics and hospitals remain organized and maintain thorough records of patients' visits, including symptoms, test results and medical histories. Using computer programs and filing systems, Medical Records Technicians input and update information for doctors' and insurance companies' reference. Some specialize in standard coding systems used to categorize conditions, treatments and diagnoses for insurance processing, while other Medical Records Technicians pursue further education and training to enter the medical information management field, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), www.bls.gov.

How to Become a Medical Records Technician

Required Education for a Career in Medical Records Technology

To enter the Medical Records Technology field, most people earn a certificate in Medical Technology (MT), which takes three to six months, or a 2-year associate degree in Medical Technology or health information management (HIM); HIM programs must be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Graduates of an accredited associate degree program are then qualified to take a certification exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), www.ahima.org, to earn the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) designation. Coding specialists may become certified in coding, as well, through the Board of Medical Specialty Coding, the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists (PAHCS), or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Skills Required for a Career in Medical Records Technology

Medical Records Technicians must be extremely detail-oriented, proficient with computer systems and technology, and thoroughly familiar with general medical concepts and terminology. Working knowledge of medical records procedures and organization is important as well, according to the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), www.opm.gov. For coders, a high degree of accuracy in using standard industry codes is imperative, as medical facilities depend on their work for Medicare and insurance reimbursements.

Career Outlook: Medical Records Technology

According to the BLS, the field of Medical Records Technology is one of the fastest growing in the healthcare field; employment is expected to rise by 18% in the coming years. Medical coding skills will be especially in demand among employers as government healthcare regulations change and insurance systems evolve. According to SalaryExpert, www.salaryexpert.com, wages are the highest in high-density urban areas like New York and Houston, TX, with potential earnings ranging from $35,000 to $45,000 per year.

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