What will I do in this job?

Every time health care personnel treat a patient they record what they observed and how the patient was treated medically. This record includes information the patient provides concerning their symptoms and medical history, the results of examinations, reports of x-rays and laboratory tests, diagnoses, and treatment plans. If you choose a career as a Medical Records Technicians/Health Information Technicians, you will organize and evaluate these records for completeness and accuracy.

Some of the tasks that a Medical Records Technicians has are:

• ensuring all forms are completed and properly identified and signed and all necessary information is in the computer
• assigning a code to each diagnosis and procedure (The assigned code determines the amount of reimbursement if the patient is covered by Medicare or other insurance program)
• using computer programs to tabulate and analyze data to help improve patient care or control costs, for use in legal actions, or in response to surveys
• paying close attention to detail

Do I need a special license?

No, but examination is offered by AHIMA.

What type of education do I need?

Most technicians have an associate degree through Community College Programs. On-the-job training offered by some employers.

Will I find a job?

Job prospects for formally trained technicians should be very good. Employment of Medical Records Technicians/Health Information Technicians is expected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations through 2006. Hospitals will continue to employ a large percentage of technicians. Rapid growth is also expected in clinics, nursing homes and home health agencies.

How much money will I make?

Median Salary: $31,872 (Ranges from $28,000-$35,000)
(2000-2003)