Job Description of a Medical Records Clerk

Medical records clerks record and store information about patients such as exam results, diagnostic tests, medical insurance and medical history. They often communicate with doctors and other health care professionals to clarify information.

Requirements

The growing use of electronic health records demands that the clerk know how to process records through computer software and hardware. They must thus possess computer expertise for the best job opportunities.

Education

An associate degree is the typical requirement for entry-level workers. Coursework covers anatomy and physiology, computer use, health data requirements, medical terminology and coding systems.

Certification

Though states don't require credential for the positions, many records clerks obtain national credentials for better employment. The American Health Information Management Association offers such credentials, which specify passing an accredited two-year program and an exam.

Salary

The PayScale Report states that as of July 2010, medical records clerks earn an hourly wage of $9.91 to $13.01. Adding annual bonuses of $101 to $496 produces a total yearly salary of $20,871 to $27,911.

Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for this position are expected to grow by 20 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than average.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
• PayScale: Medical Records Clerk Job