Medical Records Administration

<h2 id="section---IsMedicalRecordsAdministrationForMe">Is Medical Records Administration for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Medical records administration workers compile, update and organize medical records in hospitals, physicians' offices and other healthcare facilities. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_Medical_Records_Technician.html">Medical records technicians</a>, administrative medical assistants and <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Medical_Secretary.html">medical secretaries</a> all fall under the general category of medical records administration. As a medical records administrator, you'll most likely work a 40-hour week; part-time or weekend positions may also be available. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that employment opportunities for medical records technicians were expected to increase by 22% nationwide between 2012 and 2022; a 29% growth in jobs was projected for medical assistants during the same period. As of May 2013, medical assistants, who also perform some clinical duties, earned a median annual salary of $29,610. In the same month, the median annual salary for medical records technicians was $34,970 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIBecomeAMedicalRecordsAdministrator">How Can I Become a Medical Records Administrator?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>Although some aspiring medical records technicians may find a job with little postsecondary education, an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Medical_Administration_Associates_Degree.html">associate's degree in medical administration</a> or another closely related field is usually required to work with medical records. Core coursework can include topics in medical terminology and coding, medical data collection and reimbursement systems. Completion of a bachelor's degree program in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Core_Courses_of_a_Degree_in_Health_Information_Management.html">health information management</a> or other relevant major might qualify you for a position as a medical administration manager. In addition to learning how to find, maintain and store medical data, you might have the opportunity to examine some of the legal issues associated with healthcare and records management. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredSkills">Required Skills</h3> <p>Communication skills are key to working in medical records administration, especially when interacting with patients and other agencies. An attention to detail and an understanding of computer technology are also required, as you'll be responsible for making sure that electronic records are accurate and secure. </p> <h3 id="section---Certifications">Certifications</h3> <p>Certifications can be helpful if you wish to work in medical records administration. You can obtain the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/How_Can_I_Become_a_Registered_Health_Information_Technician_RHIT.html">Registered Health Information Technician</a> designation from the American Health Information Management Association by completing an associate's degree program and passing the organization's exam. To demonstrate your expertise in administrative and clinical procedures, you can also earn the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Certified_Medical_Assistant.html">Certified Medical Assistant</a> credential, available from the American Association of Medical Assistants. This certification must be renewed every five years, so it's important to keep up with the latest procedures and technology used in the healthcare industry.</p>