Medical Records Technician
| Overview: | They update and manage medical records of hospital and clinic patients. Decide how to categorize illnesses, surgeries, diagnoses and treatments into classes established by physicians. Direct the information to the billing/records departments in hospitals, clinics and insurance companies. |
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| Duties: | They analyze each patient's medical records in order to classify symptoms, diagnosis and treatments into categories which are used for billing, insurance and making decisions about patient care. They transmit the patient information to appropriate departments in a hospital or a clinic such as administration, billing, cost accounting, medical library, x-ray, diet, etc. They use computer software to prepare statistical reports for physicians that tabulate the percent of patients with specific profiles of symptoms, treatment administered and recovery rates. They prepare bills and reports for insurance companies. They participate in administrative research teams to advise about the clarity and ease of use of the medical coding schemes. |
| Degree(s): | A.S. Health Sciences A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) |
| Job Outlook: | Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations. |
| Salary Range (National Average): | $22,000 to $26,000 |
| Growth: |  |
| Education Level: | Training for this occupation generally requires a High School Degree, plus additional coursework in a vocational or technical school. In some cases, employers may require an Associate Degree. |
| Additional Training/Education: | Medical record technicians entering the field usually have 4 to 6 months of training in a technical institute or an associate degree from a 2-year Community College. The American Health Information Management Association also offers similar training programs. Most employers prefer to hire accredited record technicians who have passed the necessary examinations. |
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* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .
* For New York salary data information .
* For New York green job information .
Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.
