Medical Records Technician Or Health Information Technician
Medical Records Technician Or Health Information Technician ensure the quality of medical records by verifying their completeness, accuracy, and proper entry into computer systems.They may also use computer applications to assemble and analyze patient data for the purpose of improving patient care or controlling costs.
They may specialize in coding diagnoses and procedures in patient records for reimbursement and research.
They may serve as cancer registrars who gather and maintain data on cancer patients.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Completion of an associate degree from a school accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). (California has nine of these schools located throughout the State.)
- Pass a certification test given by AHIMA to become a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
- Detail oriented and accurate.
Wages
- Medical Records and Health Information Technicians Median hourly wage: $13.99
- Average annual wage: $31,772
Job Outlook
- Estimated number of Medical Records and Health Information Technicians in 2002: 15,000
- Estimated number of Medical Records and Health Information Technicians in 2012: 21,200
- Estimated annual job openings: 830
Possible Career Paths Medical Records and Health Information Technicians include becoming a :
- Medical Coder
- Insurance Adjuster
- Medical and Health Services Manager (Health Information Administrator)