What Are ICD-11 Codes? 

The modern healthcare industry relies on meticulous records of patient conditions and treatments. To simplify these records and ensure that they can be understood, coding systems are used. These systems use standardized codes to record diseases, symptoms, and treatments. One of the most important systems is the ICD-11. Read on to learn more about this system and what you do in a medical records technician job. 

ICD-11 Explained 

The ICD-11 (with ICD standing for International Classification of Diseases and the 11 indicating the eleventh revision) is a medical coding system developed by the World Health Organization to categorize diseases in a “universal language” that can be understood by medical professionals in different facilities around the world. It was first introduced at the beginning of 2022, replacing the ICD-10, and is still in the process of being fully implemented.  

In the ICD-11, diseases are classified by type using codes of letters and numbers. For example, skin diseases are categorized with codes ranging from “EA00” to “EM0Z.” One interesting change in the ICD-11 from its predecessor, the ICD-10, is that the codes never use the letters I or O, so that there is no possible confusion with the numbers 1 and 0. This shows how medical coding standards are continuously being refined to make medical record-keeping more accurate and efficient.  

The Role of a Medical Records Technician   

Medical records technicians are trained professionals who help the healthcare system function smoothly by maintaining patient medical records. These specialists update information and ensure that patient data is accurate.  

Medical records jobs involve compiling, reviewing, and appropriately recording all information pertaining to the patients’ conditions, treatments, and general health. A medical records technician maintains electronic health databases and transfers information from the doctor’s report to the patient’s medical record. Medical records jobs also include communicating with other healthcare professionals to verify information or clarify patient assessment reports.  

Medical Records Technician Qualifications 

 

• Computer skills: Medical records technicians spend large amounts of time entering and updating records in computerized databases. They need to understand the basics of how to use a computer and be able to pick up the finer points of the specialized record-keeping software used in the healthcare industry. 

• An eye for detail: Because the accuracy of medical records is essential for ensuring the best possible health outcomes for patients, medical records technicians need to be detail-oriented and be able to avoid sloppy errors. They also need to make sure they abide by all regulations on patient confidentiality.  

• Knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems: Although they don’t need anywhere near as much knowledge as professionals who directly interact with patients and perform healthcare procedures, medical records technicians still need to understand common healthcare terminology, and they need to learn commonly used coding systems like ICD-11.  

Starting a Medical Records Technician Career with IMBC  

IMBC officers an associate in specialized technology program for people interested in pursuing employment as medical records technicians. Offered at our Erie and Pittsburgh campuses (with an optional online component), this program takes about 1.5 years to complete and will prepare students to seek a credential like the Nationally Registered Certified Coding Specialist certification. Contact us today for more information.