Also called:
Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech), Medical Records Clerk, Medical Records Coordinator, Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
In the Air Force:
Aerospace Medical Service; Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Flight and Operational Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Allergy/Immunization Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Helper; Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician; Dental Assistant; Dental Assistant Helper; Health Services Management Apprentice; Health Services Management Journeyman; Health Services Management Superintendent
In the Army:
Combat Medic Specialist; Patient Administration Specialist; Unit Supply Specialist
Every time nurses or physicians treat their patients, they need to record what they have seen and done; from x-rays and examination notes, to forming diagnoses and treatment plans. Medical records technicians organize and maintain these medical documents. These technicians do not provide patient care; instead, they work behind the scenes with care providers to fill in missing information, process forms, and ensure that insurance companies receive correct records. They use coding systems to document patient information for billing and recordkeeping, and are responsible for the privacy of patient files. These technicians work at a computer for prolonged periods. Whether they’re updating clinic records or tracking a patient's outcomes, accuracy is essential, so medical records technicians must pay strict attention to detail. Some work with data to analyze health care costs and identify health data trends. Most health information technicians work full-time. In health care facilities that are open 24/7, such as hospitals or nursing care facilities, technicians may need to work evening or overnight shifts. While it’s possible to enter the field with a high school diploma and work experience in a health care setting, most employers prefer to hire candidates who've earned a certificate in this field. Passing a certification exam is often required. Medical records technicians provide a service that is critical for quality patient care.
What they do:
Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Classify medical and healthcare concepts, including diagnosis, procedures, medical services, and equipment, into the healthcare industry's numerical coding system. Includes medical coders.
On the job, you would:
Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
Knowledge information for this career will be available soon.
Skills information for this career will be available soon.
Abilities information for this career will be available soon.
Information for this career will be available soon.
In the Air Force:
Aerospace Medical Service; Aerospace Medical Service Apprentice, Flight and Operational Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Craftsman, Allergy/Immunization Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Helper; Aerospace Medical Service Helper, Neurodiagnostic Medical Technician; Aerospace Medical Service Journeyman, Flight and Operational Medical Technician; Dental Assistant; Dental Assistant Helper; Health Services Management Apprentice; Health Services Management Journeyman; Health Services Management Superintendent
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