OVERVIEW
What Is a Medical Records Technician?
Ěý
MRTs are healthcare professionals who specialize in medical coding systems and digitizing patient information into accurate electronic health records. Some of the patient information they work with includes:Ěý
- Reason for visit
- Symptoms exhibitedĚý
- Diagnosis givenĚý
- Test resultsĚý
- Treatments prescribedĚý
- Further tests neededĚý
MRTs code and categorize this patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. It’s also their job to properly handle patient information so that it’s kept secure and confidential, according toĚý.ĚýĚý
You can also find the role of medical records technician listed under titles such as “health information technician,” “health information specialist,” and “health information management technician.”
RESPONSIBILITIES
What Does a Medical Records Technician Do?
As an MRT, you’ll handle a variety of administrative tasks, mostly related to the organization and protection of patient medical records. Some of these responsibilities can include:
- Reviewing patients’ recordsĚýfor timeliness, completeness, and accuracy.
- Organizing and updating informationĚýin clinical databases or registries.
- Creating and maintainingĚýmedical records.
- CollaboratingĚýwith other healthcare staff to ensure an organized workplace.
- Communicating detailsĚýto healthcare providers and insurers.
- Using classification systemsĚýto assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis.
- Electronically recording dataĚýfor collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting.
- Maintaining confidentialityĚýof patients’ records.
EDUCATION & BEST DEGREES
How Do I Become a Medical Records Technician?
Becoming a medical records technician involves the completion of a training program—usually a certificate or associate degree.ĚýBut if you really want to stand out to potential employers, consider the following educational path:ĚýĚý
- Earn your bachelor’s degree:ĚýAĚýhealth information management degreeĚýis a great way to get ahead in this career field. This type of degree program covers both the healthcare fundamentals involved in medical records as well as the technical aspects and software systems that record technicians need to knowĚýin order toĚýbe successful.Ěý
- Get certified:ĚýMany employers prefer applicants with certifications, such as the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT). The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) offers this credential to those who complete the training and pass a written examination. You can also get certified through the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialist (PAHCS) or the Board of Medical Specialty Coding & Compliance (BMSC).
- Pursue a specialty:ĚýEach workplace for medical records technicians meets the needs of different health conditions, age groups, and communities. Consider if there is a healthcare setting that appeals to you. If so, then seeking a specialty certification can maximize your skills and help you remain competitive in this field.
Best Degrees for a Medical Records Technician
Health & Nursing
Health Information Management – B.S.
A program designed for future leaders in HIM....
A program designed for future leaders in HIM.
- Time:Ěý61% of grads earned this degree inĚý36 months or less.
- Tuition:Ěý$4,210 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 36 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program:
- Medical Terminology
- Healthcare System Applications
- Health Information Law and Regulations
- Healthcare Project Management
- Data Analytics and Information Governance
This CAHIIM-accredited program makes you eligible for the RHIA exam.Ěý
Business
Healthcare Administration – B.S.
You can become a healthcare industry leader:...
You can become a healthcare industry leader:
Compare with B.S. Health Information Management
- Time: 63%Ěýof graduates finish within 17 months
- Tuition:Ěý$3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
Skills for your rĂ©sumĂ© you will learn in this program include:Ěý
- Management
- Communication
- Team Leadership
- Operations
- Scheduling
- StrategicĚýPlanning
The online courses in this career-focused business degree program will prepare you with management-level skills and an up-to-date understanding of our healthcare delivery system.
How Much Does aĚýMedical Records Technician Make?
$47,180
The median annual wage for medical records and health information specialists isĚý, according to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% earned less than $31,710, and the highest 10% earned more than $75,460.
What Is the Projected Job Growth?Ěý
8%
According to the BLS, the employment for medical records and health information specialists isĚýĚýfrom 2022 to 2032, with 37,100 new jobs expected during that timeframe.
SKILLS
What Skills Does aĚýMedical Records Technician Need?
Some commonly listed skills in MRT job descriptions include:
- Knowledge of electronic medical record management systems such as RXNT and AdvancedMD.
- Attention to detail.
- Ethical integrity.
- Experience in data encryption and protection.
- Ability to use computers and different kinds of software.
- Extensive experience in categorizing and coding written and spoken patient information.
- Proficiency in medical terminology and collaborating with healthcare professionals.
- Ability to maintain and update medical records.
- Ability to perform detailed tasks under pressure.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
MRTs are highly organized, tech-savvy, and detail-oriented individuals.ĚýTo enter this career field, it’s importantĚýto have a basic understanding of the healthcare system, an interest in medical coding, and a balance of soft skills that allow you to work with insurance companies and providers.Ěý
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