Paramedical in Medical Records Technician

Paramedical in Medical Records Technician

Medical Records Technicians, or Health Information Technicians, are those responsible for assembling all health information about a patient, including their medical history, examination results, diagnostic tests, symptoms and treatment methods and any other health care services provided. Technicians must communicate with physicians and other professionals to exchange information and help with a clear diagnosis.

Job responsibilities change and widen with the increasing use of electronic health records (EHR). Technicians dealing with EHR need to be proficient with this particular software, and able to analyze electronic data, as well as maintaining EHR security.

A medical records technician may find that duties vary according to the facility where they are employed, and technicians can also specialize in information on certain areas of health care.

Skills Required:

Those wishing to follow a career as a medical records technician need to have excellent oral and written skills, and be good communicators as they often have to act as liaison between insurance companies and health care staff, etc. The growing need for electronic records means those with advanced skills in computer software and technology will have more chance at the better jobs. A love for learning is also important, as this occupation requires continuing education throughout.

Nature of Job:

In hospitals—where health information departments often are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—technicians may work day, evening, and night shifts.

Medical records and health information technicians work in pleasant and comfortable offices. This is one of the few health occupations in which there is little or no direct contact with patients. Because accuracy is essential in their jobs, technicians must pay close attention to detail. Technicians who work at computer monitors for prolonged periods must guard against eyestrain and muscle pain.

Syllabus:

Basic Sciences-Anatomy, Physiology & Biochemistry of human body.

Medical Terminologies.

Analysis of Medical Records.

Hospital Administration.

Medical Records Science.

System of filing, storage and retention.

Practical training.

Eligibility & Admission:

A Pass in PUC or equivalent examination with a minimum of 40% marks in subjects such as PCM, PCB. CBZ.

Job Prospects:

Job prospects are excellent as employment is expected to grow much faster than average, especially among those technicians with good training in computer software and technology. Increase is expected to be around 20% between 2008 and 2018, resulting from the increase in tests, treatments and procedures being performed nationwide.

Employers:

The places where the medical records technicians work are hospitals,in offices of physicians, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers, and home healthcare services. Insurance firms that deal in health matters employ a small number of health information technicians to tabulate and analyze health information. Public health departments also hire technicians to supervise data collection from healthcare institutions and to assist in research.