In order to become a medical records technician it requires an associates degree from a community college. There are opportunities for a medical records and health information technician to become registered. As a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) your employment chances increase with this certification. Online courses may be offered by some junior colleges to aid in completion of an associates degree, making this a desirable form of education. Of course as a medical records and health information technician there would be general classes to take, and in addition, this field may require courses in anatomy, medical terminology, coding, database management and computer sciences. At times some hospitals may advance a general clerk to a medical records and health information technician usually after several years of on the job experience and a hospitals own training program. This is a field that continues to grow, especially as our population ages, there will be an on going need of medical records and health information technicians.
What does a Medical Records and Health Information Technician do?
Anytime a person becomes a patient in a hospital, nursing home, public health organizations, physicians office ,records are kept and maintained. It is the duty of the medical records technician to organize and evaluate , and store these records. They must accurately assemble patient information, test results and history. This information must then be stored in the computer. This data is important for physicians to improve patient care, research health information and for documentation in legal issues. There are technicians that specialize in coding, they are called medical record coders or coding specialist. They assign a code to every procedure and diagnosis. This classification , at times, is called a diagnosis-related group or DRG. This software ,specifically designed for this field decides the reimbursement to the hospital or insurance company. This is one of only a few health related fields, that does not require hardly, if any patient contact.
How Much Do Medical Records and Health Information Technician Make?
The health information technician that evaluates medical records for accuracy, and files the records can expect to earn an annual median income of $22,566 to $27,287. These are national average statistics. The medical records coder , who applies codes to patient records have an opportunity to annually earn a median income of $35,676. to $44,160. A coding manager who supervises and trains, can achieve an annual median income in the area of $57,313. to $68,411. Once again, these figures are based on a national average, and it is important to realize experience, type of facility and education play a major roll in earning possibilities.
What Skills or Qualities Do I need to Become a Medical Records and Health Information Technician?
To be a Medical Records and Health Information Technician you must be accurate and have a keen eye for detail. These skills are necessary to store patient information in computer databases, in order to provide all electronic medical records per federal legislation. They must also communicate with various facilities and agencies at times,therefore, the need to communicate well is desirable. Computer knowledge is essential in this field. At times a Medical Records and Health Information Technician could have to work evenings and weekends, flex ability then becomes a valuable quality. As with most work environments ,organizational skills are an asset. An employer always looks for a person willing to work had and be a dedicated employee.
Who Are Some Influential Professionals in this Field?
For decades the the Medical Records Technician has been an employee, at times known as a medical transcriber. For years the medical transcriber took handwritten notes. Then transposed that information via a typewriter. Those days gone, the Medical Records Technician now uses a computer to transpose information to electronic records. More often than not this profession goes unrecognized, as a behind the scenes employee. The information that they record, involves a persons health.
What Are Some Leading Organizations in this Field?
The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), of Chicago, Illinois, offers a written exam, allowing a technician to possess a (RHIT) Registered Health Information Technician certificate. A large number of employers prefer this registration for their employees.
Refer to The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) , who offer training and certification requirement information for medical coders.
The National Cancer Registrar Association of Virginia, can assist those Medical Records Technicians interested in a specialized field.
What are the Top Cities for a Medical Records Technician?
The need for a Medical Records Technicians expertise is growing rapidly. This field promises opportunity ,due in large part of the interest in our health and that of the growing population of aging baby boomers. Technology has spawned an increase in patient screening, testing and procedures. All of which need to be recorded ,requiring a Medical Records Technician. Areas of the country where growth of medical hospitals and physicians offices have positioned themselves will be of the greatest interest to a Medical Records Technician.