Health Records Technicians

Health records and medical information technicians are responsible for the assembling of patients’ health information. This could include medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods, and other health care services. The increasing use of electronic health records, or EHRs, in medical facilities has broadened the responsibilities of health informatics and demanded a higher education for those entering the field.

Health records and information technicians have a different role than medical transcriptionists and medical billing and coding specialists, though these other two health care occupations can lead to a position as a health information technician. There is also a hybrid position that combines medical billing and coding with health records and informatics, often referred to as a “medical coder” or “coding specialist.” Health informatics technicians may also have specialist roles, such as a “cancer registrar.”

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Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported an annual median wage of approximately $30,000 for health records and information technicians in 2008. The lowest reported wages were around $20,000, and the highest reported wages were over $50,000.

Training and Qualifications

Medical record and health information technicians generally require a minimum of an associate degree. Credentialing as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is offered through the American Health Information Management Association, or AHIMA. Degree informatics prepares students for their health records and information technician careers.

In order to receive this credential, the health information technician must have graduated from an educational program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM) and pass the ADHIMA examination. In 2008, more than 2000 CAHIIM-accredited health information technology programs were offered from colleges and universities in the United States.

A coding credential is also offered from the American Academy of Professional Coders, or AAPC, as well as the Board of Medical Specialty Coding (BMSC) and the Professional Association of Healthcare Coding Specialists (PAHCS). The more credentials and education the medical record and health information technician pursues, the better employment opportunities they have available.

Job Outlook

Employment growth for health records and informatics is much higher than average, at an estimated 20% growth rate in the decade of 2008 to 2018 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase in medical tests, treatments, and procedures is the largest factor in the higher demand for health information technicians. Health information technicians are at the forefront of the movement to convert entirely to EHRs.

Advancement

Health information technicians may advance their careers through advanced specialty certifications and bachelor and master degree programs. Bachelor and master degree programs in health informatics equip the aspiring health information technician with the skill sets needed for management. Specialty certifications are typically based on experience, but may also potentially be pursued with additional education.

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