Medical records clerks, often known as health records clerks, are responsible for maintaining accurate patient medical records. Their primary responsibilities include of collecting, processing, and keeping the medical records of patients. They also submit information about patients for the sake of health standards.
Employment Duties and Responsibilities of a Medical Records Clerk
Despite the fact that they are administrative authorities, medical records clerks. They provide doctors information about patients that is vital for the doctors to have while they are thinking about the various treatment alternatives. In addition to that, they make notes for emergency admissions, file case notes, retrieve them, and manage them. The following are some of their primary obligations and responsibilities:
Gathering and organizing vital records, such as medical files, test reports, and X-rays, among other crucial papers
Processing documents pertaining to admissions, discharges, transfers, and deaths
ensuring that the privacy of all of a patient's medical records is preserved
ensuring that all records and documentation pertaining to patients are in accordance with the applicable rules and regulatory requirements
converting paper records into digital format for use on computers
Keeping a record of diagnoses and treatments via the use of clinical coding
Keeping track of admission numbers, waiting lists, and discharges to compile statistics.
preventing the alteration or destruction of medical records prior to the expiration of their retention periods
What are the responsibilities of a Medical Records Clerk?
A Medical Records Clerk is responsible for managing patient files by gathering and filing information about patients. The majority of the time, clerks in medical records are employed in healthcare institutions, such as hospitals and clinics. They make sure that the records are in accordance with the ethical, legal, and regulatory criteria that are imposed by the medical services system.
Competencies and requirements for the position of Medical Records Clerk
Medical Records Clerks are required to have both medical and administrative expertise, in addition to the ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of medical experts. Additionally, they should have great talents in both reading and mathematics. A candidate for the position of Medical Records Clerk who is likely to be successful will possess a variety of required skills and credentials, which often include the following:
Care and attention to every aspect of the process
Excellent administration skills
Maintaining patience and a level head in high-pressure circumstances is essential.
Skills in verbal communication that are of the highest caliber.
Ability to use the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software in the healthcare industry
A familiarity with both medical vocabulary and medical coding is required.
Excellent organizing skills
Medical Records Clerk experience required
The majority of applicants have previous experience working in administration in some capacity. There are certain companies that give preference to applicants who have at least three years of experience working in a medical institution to maintain patients' medical data. Word processors, spreadsheet software, and electronic medical record (EMR) systems like Cerner are common examples of the kinds of technologies that quality candidates demonstrate a mastery of, in addition to their ICD-10-CM coding ability.
Educational and professional prerequisites for the position of Medical Records Clerk
A certificate or degree in business administration, such as a level 2 certificate in the Principles of Business Administration or a level 3 diploma in Business Administration, is required for employment as a Medical Records Clerk. It is advantageous to have completed an advanced apprenticeship in business administration that lasted roughly a year. This apprenticeship will include both on-the-job training and classroom instruction at a local institution. Candidates must possess a General Certificate of Secondary Education in order to be considered for junior posts. A professional recognition or training from The Institute of Health Records and Information Management or The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators, and Receptionists (AMSPAR) is also beneficial for Medical Records Clerks. AMSPAR is an acronym for The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators, and Receptionists.
Expectations with regard to compensation for Medical Records Clerk
Indeed Salaries reports that the annual income for a Medical Records Clerk in the United Kingdom is around £18,092 on average. The amount of money that a Medical Records Clerk makes is contingent on the firm, the location of the company, and the amount of experience they have.
Job description examples for related roles
If you feel that the job description of a Medical Records Clerk is not what you are searching for, the following are other examples of job descriptions for occupations that are comparable:
Medical Receptionist
Medical Office Assistant
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Job of Medical Records Clerk
Does the role of Medical Records Clerk vary from one medical facility to another in terms of its responsibilities?
Medical institutions, doctor's offices, and hospitals all have clerks who are responsible for maintaining medical records. These clerks have the same tasks and obligations. When working in a clinic, a Medical Records Clerk could also be responsible for some of the tasks that are typically performed by a Medical Receptionist.
What sets a Medical Records Clerk different from a Medical Receptionist? What are the main responsibilities of each position?
In a hospital or other medical institution, it is the responsibility of the Medical Records Clerk to keep the files and records of patients updated and organized. They also make sure that the papers adhere to the standards set out by the relevant policies and regulations. Medical Receptionists are employed at the front desk areas of medical institutions such as hospitals, clinics, and doctor's offices. They are accountable for answering the calls and carrying out the administrative responsibilities. Medical Receptionists may be responsible for entering patient information into a computer or filing system at certain hospitals and other medical institutions.
How can you make a job description for a Medical Records Clerk stand out from the crowd?
Make an effort to include as much specifics as you possibly can on the functions and responsibilities of the Medical Records Clerk. A perfect job description would also contain specific information about the employer's desired level of experience and credentials held by the candidate for the position. Be careful to make it clear in the job description that night shift work is required for the position, if it does need night shift work. You also have the option of indicating whether or not the employment is solely open for full-time employees or whether or not part-time hours are available.
What should you look for while reviewing the Curriculum Vitae of a Medical Records Clerk?
Search for people whose CVs demonstrate expertise in administration, clerical duties, and information technology skills. If the position requires previous knowledge with medical coding, you may also look for applicants who have such background. Knowledge of medical jargon is a desirable asset for roles like these, so make sure you brush up on it.