A medical records technician maintains health-related files, records, and documents, including handwritten documents. They ensure the accuracy of patient information and maintain files on topics that may affect funding or be important in medical research. Discretion is important, and a high school diploma or equivalent is required.
A medical records technician maintains health-related files, records, and documents. He or she usually reports to the medical records administrator. Your workplace may be a convalescent facility, medical clinic, hospital, or clinic that includes multiple physicians.
Computerized records often comprise the bulk of what a medical records technician is normally expected to keep. However, a significant number of important documents in your control are handwritten. This often includes medical records, liability release forms, and patient or family communications with physicians or medical facilities.
Whether on a computer or a hard copy file, it usually takes a medical records technician to ensure the accuracy of all patient information. He is expected to update patients’ medical information daily. This data typically includes details about medical procedures, medications, complications, and referrals to other doctors or facilities. The accuracy of your work is especially important when processing medical insurance claims and is vital to correctly treating the patient if he returns to the medical establishment.
In addition to maintaining patient records, a medical records technician is often required to maintain files on topics that may affect funding or be important in medical research. This information generally pertains to the types and frequency of illnesses treated at the facility. Recurrence rates for injuries and certain illnesses are also statistics often collected by a person in this job position.
In some healthcare settings, a medical records technician is required to transfer patient records into codes. This system often simplifies the process of cross-indexing information about physicians, disease names, and treatments. The purpose of this coding system is to make similar information readily available to physicians without having to dump a lot of files.
Discretion is an important asset for a person with this job. Medical files are highly confidential and are generally expected to be protected from outside sources. Files usually require storage in a secure location, typically locked or equipped with an alarm. Typically, a medical records technician is expected to confine his discussion of patient files to the registered physician.
This position usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer training at a vocational or technical institute. Community colleges often offer degree programs in medical records technology. Some regions require a license or certificate to hold this position. Work experience in a medical environment is desirable for a significant number of potential employers.
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