Medical Records Technician Vs Medical Coder What Does A Medical Records Technician Do? An Informative Guide

Medical records are an essential part of the healthcare system, and they need to be managed accurately and efficiently to ensure the best possible patient care. This is where medical records technicians come in. They are responsible for organizing and maintaining medical records in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. If you're looking to start a career in healthcare but don't want to become a doctor or nurse, then becoming a medical records technician could be the perfect fit for you. Let's dive deeper into what the job entails and what you need to do to become a medical records technician. As a medical records technician, your primary responsibility is to ensure that all patient records are accurate and up-to-date. You will need to work with electronic health records (EHR) systems to enter and update patient information, codes, and diagnoses. Additionally, you will be responsible for organizing and storing paper records, such as medical charts and test results. In order to succeed as a medical records technician, you'll need to have excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. You will need to be able to work efficiently and accurately under pressure, as medical record-keeping is a critical element of patient care. You'll also need to be comfortable working with EHR systems and other technology-based tools. One of the advantages of a career as a medical records technician is that it doesn't require extensive education. Many medical records technician positions only require a high school diploma, although some employers may prefer candidates with a postsecondary certificate or two-year associate's degree. To start your career as a medical records technician, you can complete a medical records technician training program at a community college or vocational school. These programs typically take one to two years to complete and cover topics such as medical terminology, health information law and ethics, and records management. Once you've completed your training, you can begin looking for medical records technician positions at hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities. It's also a good idea to become certified through an organization such as the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), as many employers prefer certified candidates. As a medical records technician, you can expect to earn a median salary of around $40,000 per year. However, this can vary depending on where you work and your level of experience. Many medical records technicians work full-time, although part-time positions are sometimes available. In conclusion, becoming a medical records technician is an excellent career choice for those who want to work in healthcare without becoming a doctor or nurse. It provides a critical service to healthcare providers and patients alike and offers the opportunity for steady employment and career growth. If you're interested in pursuing a career in medical records technology, consider enrolling in a training program and becoming certified to increase your job prospects and earning potential.