When most people think about jobs in healthcare, they picture doctors and nurses in busy hospitals. But did you know that it’s possible to make an essential contribution in the healthcare industry and make a living from the comfort of your own home? It’s true. You can work remotely as a medical records technician. Let’s take a look at what this job entails and how you can get started with remote medical records jobs.
What Does a Medical Records Technician Do?
A medical records technician is an administrative professional who deals with patient records in the healthcare industry.
Every time an individual sees a doctor, is diagnosed with a condition, gets a prescription, or undergoes a procedure, medical facilities document the information in the individual’s patient record. Maintaining these records is vital because it allows doctors to understand a patient’s full medical history and make appropriate recommendations for their care. These records are also used for billing and insurance purposes, and sometimes by medical researchers trying to develop better care methods.
Medical records technicians focus on updating and organizing information, ensuring it aligns with healthcare system standards. Here are some typical responsibilities:
- Record patient information: Medical records technicians transcribe information about symptoms, diagnoses, procedures, and treatments.
- Data entry: Medical records technicians input patient data into registries and electronic databases so that it is safely backed up and can be accessed by anyone who needs to access it.
- Confidentiality and transfer: Medical records technicians ensure that patient records are collected, stored, and able to be analyzed confidentially. They also make these records easily transferable to other medical providers’ offices.
None of these tasks require the technician to be present on-site at a medical facility. High-speed internet connections make it possible to perform this work remotely.
Medical Records Technician Job Outlook
The demand for skilled medical records technicians is on the rise, as per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Employment for medical records technicians is estimated to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, translating into about 15,000 job openings each year over the decade.
Although the compensation for a medical records technician role depends on many variables, the current median pay according to the BLS is $47,180 per year, a decent sum for a job which you can train for quickly and may be able to do without a daily commute.
Getting Ready for Remote Work in Healthcare with IMBC
As the healthcare industry grows, it’s clear the demand for medical records technicians can be expected to continue rising as well. With the option of working remotely, employment as a medical records technician could give you the convenience and flexibility that an increasing number of people value in their careers.
The Institute of Medical and Business Careers (IMBC) offers a training program that will allow you to get your Associate of Specialized Technology as a medical records technician in about 1.5 years. You also may be able to complete some of your coursework online, making the program more convenient if you’re already employed in another field. You’ll learn about the preparation, maintenance, and security of patient records. You will develop core medical knowledge such as medical terms, anatomy, and physiology. You will explore electronic healthcare records and the systems used to store and manage them. When you complete the program, you will be prepared to seek a medical records certification to demonstrate your mastery of the course material and to give you a competitive advantage in the job market.
Contact us today for more information about finding remote work opportunities in healthcare.