Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Medical records and health information technicians need to be able to discuss patient information and discrepancies with other professionals such as physicians and insurance personnel.
| Quick Facts: | |
|---|---|
| 2010 Median Pay | $32,350 per year $15.55 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Postsecondary non-degree award |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2010 | 179,500 |
| Job Outlook, 2010-20 | 21% (Faster than average) |
| Employment Change, 2010-20 | 37,700 |
What Medical Records and Health Information Technicians Do
Medical records and health information technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories.
Work Environment
Most medical records and health information technicians work in hospitals or physicians’ offices. Most technicians work full time.
How to Become a Medical Records or Health Information Technician
Medical records and health information technicians typically need a postsecondary certificate to enter the occupation, although they may have an associate’s degree. Many employers also require professional certification.
Pay
The median annual wage of medical records and health information technicians was $32,350 in May 2010.
Job Outlook
Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.
- Summary
- Career:
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
- Ave Starting Salary:
- approx. $23,500yr
- Ave Median Salary:
- approx. $32,350yr
- Job Outlook:
- Good
- Education Required:
- Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder (Approved Training Program)
