Description

Medical records clerks normally report to an office manager or supervisor, and are expected to handle many different roles as regards the handling of records, files, and data. They often help with the handling and filing of data, which can involve filing various patient charts and files in physical form and through computer data entry. In most medical offices, the clerk is expected to scan and file various documents related to prescriptions and prescription files as well.

In addition to this data filing and organizing, the medical records clerk usually handles phone and mail inquiries regarding records. They usually are the point person for correspondence and document drafting for the office manager in the office, and they should be fluent with basic office software (such as the Microsoft Office suite). The records clerk also must possess excellent verbal and written communications skills. In most situations, the clerk is also expected to handle light maintenance of office equipment, such as keeping office supplies in stock, changing toner on printers as required, and serving as the point person on any hardware repairs.

The education requirements for a medical records clerk typically include a high school diploma or GED, and most available jobs in this field require some amount of work experience in the medical records field or healthcare or clinical office setting. Many employers will set aside that experience requirement for persons who have some form of specialized education or vocational training in medical records administration.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Medical Records Clerk with 3-6 years of experience in the AE, your main responsibilities include:

  • Maintain and update medical records, ensuring accuracy and completeness of patient information.Organize and manage electronic and paper medical records, including patient demographics, medical history, and treatment plans.
  • Process and handle requests for medical records from healthcare providers and patients.Retrieve and release medical records in compliance with privacy regulations and facility policies.
  • Ensure proper coding and indexing of medical records for easy retrieval and analysis.Assign appropriate codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments for accurate billing and statistical purposes.
  • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to ensure seamless coordination and accessibility of medical records.

Qualifications & Work Experience

The Medical Records Clerk is responsible for maintaining and organizing patients' medical records, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. They retrieve and file records, update electronic databases, and process requests for medical information. They collaborate with healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff, to ensure proper handling and storage of records. Additionally, they may assist with data entry, ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and handle release of information requests. The Medical Records Clerk plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry by ensuring efficient medical record management, facilitating seamless patient care, and maintaining privacy and security of sensitive information.

Essential Skills For Medical Records Clerk

1

Healthcare Analytics

2

Healthcare Management

3

Medical Technology

Career Prospects

The role of a Medical Records Clerk is crucial in maintaining accurate and organized medical records. Professionals with 3-6 years of experience in this field may consider exploring alternative roles. Here are four options worth considering:

  • Health Information Technician: A role that involves managing and analyzing medical records, ensuring compliance with privacy regulations, and implementing electronic health record systems.
  • Medical Billing Specialist: A position focused on processing and managing medical claims, verifying insurance information, and resolving billing issues.
  • Medical Coding Specialist: A role that involves assigning appropriate codes to medical procedures and diagnoses for accurate billing and insurance reimbursement.
  • Health Information Management Supervisor: A position that involves overseeing the maintenance, security, and accessibility of medical records, as well as managing a team of medical records professionals.

How to Learn

The job role of a Medical Records Clerk in the United Arab Emirates is projected to experience steady growth in the market. Over the past 10 years, the demand for this position has been increasing, indicating a positive trend. With advancements in healthcare facilities and an expanding population, the need for medical records management is expected to rise further. As per the latest data points from Google, there will be numerous employment opportunities for Medical Records Clerks in the future, offering a promising career path in the healthcare industry.