HIM / Medical Records Technician

HIM / Medical Records Technician

Job Overview

Medical records and health information technicians assemble patients’ health information including medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and all other healthcare provider services. They organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. They communicate with physicians and other healthcare professionals to clarify diagnoses or to obtain additional information.

The increasing use of electronic health records (EHR) will continue to broaden and alter the job responsibilities of health information technicians. For example, with the use of EHRs, technicians must be familiar with EHR computer software, maintaining EHR security, and analyzing electronic data to improve healthcare information. Health information technicians use EHR software to maintain data on patient safety, patterns of disease, and disease treatment and outcome. Technicians also may assist with improving EHR software usability and may contribute to the development and maintenance of health information networks.

Medical records and health information technicians’ duties vary with the size of the facility where they work. Technicians can specialize in many aspects of health information.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook