How to become a certified medical records specialist
Wide range of job opportunities
Competitive salary
Career growth opportunities
Becoming a medical records specialist online is an excellent career choice for those who are interested in healthcare and want to work in a behind-the-scenes role. As a medical records specialist, you will be responsible for organizing and maintaining patient medical records, ensuring that they are accurate and up-to-date. Our goal is to provide you with accurate, informative, and useful information that can help you succeed in this career path. We’ll provide you with insights on the skills, training, and certification requirements needed to become a successful medical records specialist.
By pursuing a career as a medical records specialist online, you will have the opportunity to learn on your own schedule and at your own pace, making this career path a flexible option for those who have other commitments.
What does a medical records specialist do?
A medical records specialist is a healthcare professional responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date medical records for patients. These records include a patient’s medical history, diagnosis, treatment plan, medications, and other pertinent information.
A medical records specialist typically manages and maintains paper-based medical records, including patient charts, lab results, and other important medical documents. They may be responsible for ensuring that records are accurate and up-to-date, organizing and filing records, and responding to requests for medical records. They work closely with healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. They may also interact with insurance companies to ensure that patient records are properly maintained.
Some of the specific functions of medical records specialist may include:
Record keeping
One primary functions is keeping accurate and up-to-date records of patient medical information.
Quality Assurance
Review medical records to ensure they are complete and accurate, and may also perform audits.
Data Entry
Entering patient information into electronic health record systems or other databases.
Coding
May use medical coding systems, such as ICD-10 or CPT, for billing and reimbursement purposes
Release of information
Responsible for ensuring that the release of information complies with privacy laws and regulations.
Record Storage and Retrieval
Responsible for maintaining and organizing physical and EMR for easy retrieval.
Electronic Medical Records Specialist
Job outlook and salary for medical records specialist
- Salary High $74,200
- Salary Median $46,660
- Salary Low $29,430
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of medical records and health information technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is attributed to the aging population and the increasing need for healthcare services.
Medical records specialists play a crucial role in the healthcare industry by managing patient records and ensuring their accuracy and completeness. They work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and insurance companies. With the growing demand for healthcare services, the need for skilled medical records specialists is also on the rise.
The median annual wage for medical records specialist and health information technicians was $46,660 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $29,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,200.
The salary for medical records specialists can vary depending on a variety of factors such as experience, education, location, and type of employer. Those who work in hospitals and other healthcare facilities tend to earn higher salaries compared to those who work in nursing care facilities and government agencies.
Medical records specialist skills needed
Medical records specialists play a crucial role in ensuring that patient information is accurately recorded, stored, and retrieved. They are responsible for maintaining medical records, including patient histories, diagnoses, test results, and treatment plans. A career as a medical records specialist requires a unique set of skills that allow for successful management of these tasks. In this article, we will explore seven essential skills that are required for a medical records specialist.
Technical proficiency
A medical records specialist must have a high level of technical proficiency. They should be comfortable working with electronic health record (EHR) systems and other medical software. They should also be familiar with medical coding and billing systems, as well as the various types of medical documentation.
Organizational skills
Medical records specialists are responsible for managing large volumes of patient data. Therefore, they must have strong organizational skills to keep everything in order. They should be able to prioritize tasks, manage their time effectively, and maintain accurate records.
Attention to detail
Medical records contain critical information, and even a small mistake can have severe consequences. Therefore, a medical records specialist must have excellent attention to detail. They should be able to spot errors and inconsistencies in medical records and be meticulous in their work.
Analytical thinking
Medical records specialists must be analytical thinkers. They should be able to interpret medical data and identify patterns or trends. They should also be able to use this information to make informed decisions about patient care.
Communication skills
A medical records specialist must have excellent communication skills. They should be able to communicate effectively with other healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. They should also be able to communicate clearly and concisely in writing.
Familiarity with Electronic Health Records (EHRs)
Electronic health records are rapidly replacing paper-based medical records. Medical records specialists should be familiar with the use of EHRs, including how to enter, store, and retrieve patient information. Understanding of data security and patient privacy
Medical records specialists are responsible for managing and organizing patient information accurately and efficiently. To be successful in this role, they must possess a unique set of skills that allow for effective management of medical records.
Education and online training for medical records specialist
Online Training:
Education and online training programs for medical records specialists are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage and maintain patient records accurately and efficiently. These programs typically cover topics such as medical terminology, health information management, coding and classification systems, and electronic health record systems. Additionally, many programs offer hands-on training opportunities that allow students to gain practical experience in managing medical records.
One of the most significant benefits of online training programs is their flexibility. Many programs allow students to complete coursework at their own pace, making it easier to balance work and other commitments. Additionally, online programs often offer a more affordable option for those seeking to obtain a degree or certification in medical records management.
Certification:
Certification is another essential aspect of education and training for medical records specialists. Certification programs demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and proficiency in managing medical records, making them more competitive in the job market. There are several certification options available, including the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and the Certified Tumor Registrar (CTR) certification offered by the National Cancer Registrars Association (NCRA).
Obtaining certification can also lead to higher salaries and greater career advancement opportunities. Employers often seek certified professionals to manage medical records due to the level of knowledge and experience they bring to the job. Additionally, certified professionals are often eligible for promotions and specialized job roles that are not available to non-certified professionals.
Top online schools for medical records specialist
It’s important to highlight that as the healthcare industry becomes more digitized, numerous medical records specialists have received training in EHR systems and gained expertise in managing electronic medical records. To learn more about this topic, we recommend reading more at Electronic Medical Records Specialist.
Considering factors:
Accreditation or approved
The online school should be accredited by a recognized accrediting organization, such as the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Or approved state boards of education.
Curriculum
The curriculum should cover topics such as medical terminology, healthcare data management, coding and classification systems, healthcare privacy and security, and electronic health record systems. Additionally, the program should offer opportunities for hands-on experience, such as internships or practicums.
Resources and support
The online school should offer resources for student support, such as academic advising, tutoring, and technical support.
Cost and financial aid
The cost of tuition and fees should be reasonable and transparent, and the school should offer financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Faculty
The faculty should be knowledgeable and experienced in the field of health information management and medical records.
A career as a medical records specialist offers job security, career advancement, and the opportunity to make a positive impact on patients’ lives. If you have a passion for healthcare and a desire to play a critical role in improving patient outcomes, a career as a medical records specialist may be the perfect fit for you.
Medical records specialist pros and cons
Pros
Job Security
Medical records specialists are in high demand in the healthcare industry, which means there are plenty of job opportunities and job security.
Flexible work hours
Medical records specialists may have flexible work hours, as many healthcare facilities offer shifts that can accommodate different schedules.
Opportunity for growth
With experience, medical records specialists can advance to supervisory or management positions, or even transition to related fields like medical coding or healthcare informatics.
Competitive salary
Medical records specialists typically earn a competitive salary, which can be a stable and rewarding career path.
Work environment
Medical records specialists work in a clean, organized, and relatively low-stress environment, without direct patient care responsibilities.
Cons
Confidentiality
Medical records specialists must maintain strict confidentiality of patient health information, which can be stressful and requires strict adherence to regulations and policies.
Repetitive tasks
Medical records specialists may perform repetitive tasks, such as data entry, filing, and record retrieval, which can become monotonous.
Technical skills required
Medical records specialists must have strong technical skills to work with electronic health record (EHR) systems, and may need to constantly learn new software and systems.
Detail-oriented
The job requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy, which can be stressful and tedious at times.
Sit for long periods
Medical records specialists may sit for long periods of time, which can lead to health problems such as back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and eye strain.
Ultimate
“With the demand for qualified medical records specialists on the rise, this is an excellent career path for individuals who are interested in a fulfilling career in healthcare that provides job security and room for growth.“