OVERVIEW
What Is a Medical Records Technician?
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:
- Reason for visit
- Symptoms exhibited
- Diagnosis given
- Test results
- Treatments prescribed
- Further tests needed
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 to HIPAA compliance standards.
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’ records for timeliness, completeness, and accuracy.
- Organizing and updating information in clinical databases or registries.
- Creating and maintaining medical records.
- Collaborating with other healthcare staff to ensure an organized workplace.
- Communicating details to healthcare providers and insurers.
- Using classification systems to assign clinical codes for insurance reimbursement and data analysis.
- Electronically recording data for collection, storage, analysis, retrieval, and reporting.
- Maintaining confidentiality of 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. But if you really want to stand out to potential employers, consider the following educational path:
- Earn your bachelor’s degree: A health information management degree is 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 know in order to be successful.
- Get certified: Many 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: Each 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: 61% of grads earned this degree in 36 months or less.
- Tuition: $4,085 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.
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% of graduates finish within 17 months
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 40 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Management
- Communication
- Team Leadership
- Operations
- Scheduling
- Strategic Planning
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 a Medical Records Technician Make?
$47,180
The median annual wage for medical records and health information specialists is $47,180, 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?
8%
According to the BLS, the employment for medical records and health information specialists is projected to increase by 8% from 2022 to 2032, with 37,100 new jobs expected during that timeframe.
SKILLS
What Skills Does a Medical 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. To enter this career field, it’s important to 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.
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