Every time nurses or physicians
treat their patients,
they need to record what
they have seen and done;
from x-rays and examination notes,
to forming diagnoses and treatment plans.
Medical records technicians organize
and maintain these medical documents.
These technicians do not provide patient care;
instead, they work behind the scenes
with care providers to fill in missing information,
process forms,
and ensure that insurance companies
receive correct records.
They use coding systems to document
patient information
for billing and recordkeeping,
and are responsible for
the privacy of patient files.
These technicians work at a computer
for prolonged periods.
Whether they’re updating clinic records
or tracking a patient's outcomes,
accuracy is essential,
so medical records technicians
must pay strict attention to detail.
Some work with data to
analyze health care costs
and identify health data trends.
Most health information technicians
work full-time.
In health care facilities
that are open 24/7,
such as hospitals or nursing care facilities,
technicians may need to work evening
or overnight shifts.
While it’s possible to enter the field
with a high school diploma
and work experience in a health care setting,
most employers prefer to hire candidates
who've earned a certificate in this field.
Passing a certification exam is often required.
Medical records technicians provide a service
that is critical for quality patient care.