WHAT IS AN MEDICAL RECORDS SUMMARISER JOB
A medical records summariser job is a position within the healthcare industry that involves the organization and summarization of patient medical records. These professionals play a crucial role in ensuring that patient information is accurately documented and easily accessible for healthcare providers. The main responsibility of a medical records summariser is to review and condense complex medical records into concise and comprehensive summaries. This allows healthcare professionals to quickly and efficiently obtain the necessary information for patient care and treatment.
WHAT USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION
In a medical records summariser job, there are several tasks that are typically performed on a daily basis. These include:
1. Reviewing medical records: Medical records summarisers carefully review patient medical records, including physician notes, test results, and treatment plans.
2. Identifying key information: They identify and extract key information from the medical records, such as diagnosis, treatment history, and medication details.
3. Condensing information: Medical records summarisers condense the information from the medical records into concise summaries, ensuring that all relevant details are included.
4. Organizing records: They organize the summarized medical records in a systematic manner, making it easier for healthcare professionals to access and retrieve information when needed.
5. Maintaining confidentiality: Medical records summarisers adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines to protect patient privacy and ensure compliance with healthcare regulations.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR THIS POSITION
To excel in a medical records summariser job, there are several skills that are essential. These include:
1. Attention to detail: Medical records summarisers must have a keen eye for detail to accurately extract and summarize relevant information from complex medical records.
2. Analytical skills: They need strong analytical skills to identify patterns and trends within medical records, ensuring that all relevant information is included in the summaries.
3. Organizational skills: Medical records summarisers must be highly organized to efficiently manage and organize large volumes of medical records.
4. Communication skills: Effective communication is crucial in this role, as medical records summarisers need to clearly and concisely convey information to healthcare professionals.
5. Knowledge of medical terminology: A solid understanding of medical terminology is essential to accurately interpret and summarize medical records.
HOW TO BECOME A MEDICAL RECORDS SUMMARISER
To become a medical records summariser, certain steps can be taken to prepare for this career path. These include:
1. Education: While a specific degree may not be required, a background in healthcare or a related field can be beneficial. Taking courses in medical terminology, health information management, and medical coding can also provide valuable knowledge.
2. Gain experience: Entry-level positions in healthcare settings, such as medical offices or hospitals, can provide valuable experience in handling medical records and familiarizing oneself with the healthcare industry.
3. Develop relevant skills: Focus on developing skills such as attention to detail, analytical thinking, and organizational abilities. These skills can be honed through practice and on-the-job experience.
4. Certification: Although not always required, obtaining certification as a Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) or a Certified Professional in Health Informatics (CPHI) can demonstrate proficiency and enhance job prospects in this field.
5. Network: Building professional connections within the healthcare industry can provide opportunities for job openings and career advancement in medical records summariser roles.
AVERAGE SALARY
The average salary for a medical records summariser can vary depending on factors such as location, experience, and the employing organization. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for medical records and health information technicians, which includes medical records summarisers, was $44,090 as of May 2020. However, it is important to note that salaries can range from around $28,000 to over $71,000 per year, depending on individual circumstances.
ROLES AND TYPES
Medical records summariser jobs can be found in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, physician offices, and insurance companies. Within these settings, there are different roles and types of medical records summarisers. Some may specialize in specific areas such as oncology, cardiology, or pediatrics, while others may have a broader scope and handle medical records across multiple specialties. Additionally, some medical records summarisers may work remotely, providing their services to healthcare organizations on a contract basis.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN THE USA
Medical records summariser jobs can be found throughout the United States, but certain locations may have a higher demand for these professionals. Some of the locations with the most popular jobs in this field include:
1. New York City, New York
2. Los Angeles, California
3. Chicago, Illinois
4. Houston, Texas
5. Atlanta, Georgia
These cities have a high concentration of healthcare facilities and large populations, leading to increased job opportunities for medical records summarisers.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS USED
Medical records summarisers utilize various tools and technologies to perform their job duties efficiently. Some of the typical tools used in this role include:
1. Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: These systems are used to access and review patient medical records electronically, allowing for easier navigation and organization of information.
2. Health Information Management Software: Specialized software is often used to manage and analyze medical records, aiding in the summarization process.
3. Coding Systems: Medical records summarisers may use coding systems, such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) or Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), to accurately classify and summarize medical information.
4. Microsoft Office Suite: Applications like Microsoft Word and Excel are commonly used for creating and organizing medical record summaries and related documentation.
IN CONCLUSION
In summary, a medical records summariser job is a vital role within the healthcare industry, responsible for reviewing, condensing, and organizing patient medical records. This position requires strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and knowledge of medical terminology. By following the necessary steps, such as obtaining relevant education and experience, individuals can pursue a career as a medical records summariser. The average salary for this role can vary, and job opportunities can be found in various healthcare settings across the United States. With the use of specialized tools and technologies, medical records summarisers play a crucial role in ensuring accurate and accessible patient information for healthcare professionals.