What is a Medical Records Administrator Job?
A Medical Records Administrator job is a crucial position in the healthcare industry. Medical Records Administrators are responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and confidential. These professionals work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. The primary goal of a Medical Records Administrator is to ensure that medical records are accessible to authorized personnel, and they are in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
What do Medical Records Administrators do?
Medical Records Administrators are responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records. Some of the common tasks that they perform include:
- Ensuring the completeness and accuracy of medical records
- Managing electronic medical records (EMRs)
- Organizing and maintaining patient records
- Ensuring compliance with medical records laws and regulations
- Developing and implementing medical records policies and procedures
- Training staff on medical records management
- Assisting with medical record coding and billing
Top 5 Skills for the Position
To be successful in a Medical Records Administrator job, you need to possess specific skills. Here are the top 5 skills that are essential for this position:
- Attention to detail: Medical Records Administrators must be detail-oriented and have excellent organizational skills to ensure that medical records are accurate and complete.
- Technical Skills: These professionals must be familiar with various medical records software, databases, and electronic health records (EHRs) to manage and organize patient records effectively.
- Communication Skills: Medical Records Administrators must have excellent communication skills to interact with healthcare providers, staff, and patients to ensure that medical records are accurate and complete.
- Knowledge of Medical Terminology: These professionals must have a good understanding of medical terminology to ensure that medical records are complete and accurate.
- Regulatory Compliance: Medical Records Administrators must be knowledgeable about state and federal regulations concerning medical records management and ensure that their facility is compliant with these regulations.
How to become a Medical Records Administrator?
To become a Medical Records Administrator, you need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. However, most employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor's degree in health information management, medical coding, or a related field. Additionally, certification from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) can enhance your chances of getting hired.
Average Salary
The average salary for a Medical Records Administrator is around $45,000-$65,000 per year. However, this can vary based on your experience, education, and location.
Roles and Types
There are various roles and types of Medical Records Administrators, depending on the healthcare setting. Some of the common roles and types include:
- Health Information Manager
- Medical Records Coordinator
- Medical Coders and Billers
- Medical Records Analyst
- Medical Records Clerk
Locations with the most popular jobs in the USA
There are several locations in the USA where Medical Records Administrator jobs are in high demand. Some of these locations include:
- California
- Texas
- New York
- Florida
- Illinois
What are the typical tools?
Medical Records Administrators use various tools to manage and organize patient medical records. Some of the typical tools include:
- Electronic medical records (EMRs)
- Medical coding and billing software
- Medical terminology reference materials
- Medical records management software
- Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
In Conclusion
Medical Records Administrator jobs are essential positions in the healthcare industry. These professionals are responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records, ensuring they are accurate, complete, and confidential. To be successful in this career, you need to possess specific skills like attention to detail, technical skills, communication skills, knowledge of medical terminology, and regulatory compliance. If you are interested in pursuing a career in this field, you can start by obtaining an associate or bachelor's degree in health information management or medical coding and billing. Certification from AHIMA or AAPC can also enhance your chances of getting hired.