How to Become a Medical Records Technician
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of a Medical Records Technician
What does a Medical Records Technician do?
A Medical Records Technician abstracts clinical information from medical records and assigns the appropriate ICD or CPT codes using industry-standard coding guidelines. Assigns required DRG (diagnosis-related grouping) codes. Being a Medical Records Technician works with coding databases and software to input and maintain data according to standard procedures. Performs quality audits of work. Additionally, Medical Records Technician maintains and up-to-date knowledge of coding and documentation requirements. Does not require a medical coding certification. Requires a high school diploma. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. The Medical Records Technician works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
A medical records technician maintains files, records and health related documents.
These commonly include medical charts, liability release forms and patient or family communications with physicians or medical facilities.
This data normally includes details on medical procedures, medications, complications and referrals to other physicians or facilities.
Medical files are highly confidential and are generally expected to be protected from outside sources.
Community colleges often offer associate degree programs in medical records technology.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become a Medical Records Technician
Best tips for those who want to become a Medical Records Technician
Here are some tips to become a Medical Records Technician.
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Medical records technician interview question.
Medical billing and coding programs are available at the certificate and associate's levels.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for Medical Records Technician
Best colleges and universities for Medical Records Technician
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be a Medical Records Technician
Is being a Medical Records Technician Worth it?
These people are medical records technicians, and they are in one of the fastest growing and one of the top ten careers in the health industry.
The nature of work for medical records technicians includes maintaining patient records by entering doctor observations, medical or surgical interventions, and treatment outcomes.
Medical records technicians organize and evaluate these records for completeness and accuracy.
Education requirements for entry into the medical records technician career field include earning an associate degree from a community or junior college.
Graduates from associate programs are expected to take and pass the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) and American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) certification examinations.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being a Medical Records Technician
What skills do you need to be a Medical Records Technician?
Supporting level roles often require a broad range of skills to ensure jobs can be executed accurately and efficiently. Some of the more relevant day-to-day skills for this role include: Abstract Treatment Information, Health Information Management, HIPPA Compliance, Internal Audit, Medical Coding, Medical Record Keeping, Records Management, JCAHO Standards Compliance. In this role, you should command of the following: Electronic health records (EHR) Software. Success in this function is highly dependant upon these skills, as well as others specific to each individual company.
Ensures medical record availability by routing records to admissions and emergency departments, physicians, and other authorized hospital staff; maintaining chart location systems.
They rather focus their attention and skills on accurately recording and organizing the medical histories, symptoms, diagnoses, and prescribed treatment and procedures for insurance billing.
Ability to keep the medical records of patients in confidence without divulging same to unauthorized persons.
Current Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification required.
Two years’ experience in medical records or back office required; three to five years’ experience preferred.
Step 6: View average salary for Medical Records Technician
How much does a Medical Records Technician make?
The average salary range for a Medical Records Technician is from $38,111 to $48,398. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for Medical Records Technician jobs
Step 7: Find relevant Medical Records Technician jobs, and apply.
Looking for Medical Records Technician jobs?
Here are some Medical Records Technician jobs in the United States.