Health Records Clerk in Utah Career Overview
As a Health Records Clerk, you play a vital role in the healthcare system, managing patient information and ensuring that medical records are accurate and up-to-date. Your responsibilities encompass a range of tasks that contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery.
Record Management: You are responsible for organizing and maintaining patient records, which are essential for treatment and billing. This involves both electronic and paper records.
Information Verification: Ensuring the accuracy of patient data is a key part of your duties. You verify information against established standards and rectify discrepancies as needed.
Compliance: You help ensure that the healthcare facility adheres to regulations related to patient privacy and information handling, such as HIPAA guidelines.
Support for Healthcare Professionals: Your role facilitates smoother interactions between patients and healthcare providers. By managing records effectively, you enable doctors and nurses to focus on patient care rather than administrative tasks.
Patient Interaction: You may interact with patients regarding their health records, addressing inquiries and assisting them in understanding their medical information.
Technology Utilization: Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential in your role. You help to implement and maintain these systems, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
In this capacity, your contributions are invaluable to the overall functioning of healthcare facilities, supporting patient care and safeguarding sensitive information.
Health Records Clerk Salary in Utah
Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.
Required Education To Become a Health Records Clerk in Utah
To become a Health Records Clerk in Utah, specific educational qualifications and training are necessary. You should consider pursuing one of the following college degree programs:
Health Information Management
- This program focuses on the management of patient health information and its use in healthcare settings. Courses typically include coding, data management, and health law.
Health Information Technology
- This degree encompasses technology applications in healthcare, including electronic health records systems. Students learn about data capture, storage, retrieval, and security.
Medical Office Administration
- This program prepares you for administrative tasks within a medical office setting. Coursework often covers patient scheduling, billing, and general office operations relevant to health records management.
Medical Office Specialist
- This degree emphasizes the skills needed for support roles in healthcare settings. Training usually focuses on medical terminology, healthcare procedures, and documentation methods.
Medical Receptionist
- While this program is more targeted toward front office roles, it includes essential training in managing patient records and supporting the flow of information in a medical environment.
Each of these educational pathways can equip you with vital knowledge and skills for a career as a Health Records Clerk. Consider choosing a program that aligns with your career goals and interests in the healthcare field.
Best Schools to become a Health Records Clerk in Utah 2024
DeVry University-Illinois
University of Phoenix-Arizona
Western Governors University
Ivy Tech Community College
Guilford Technical Community College
Fayetteville Technical Community College
- Perform secretarial duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures.
- Duties may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
Health Records Clerk Required Skills and Competencies in Utah
Attention to Detail: You must be able to accurately interpret and input patient data to minimize errors in medical records.
Organization: A strong ability to manage and categorize various types of records efficiently, ensuring easy access and retrieval.
Communication Skills: You should be able to interact effectively with healthcare professionals, patients, and other staff members to clarify information or resolve discrepancies.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and other medical software is essential to manage digital records effectively.
Confidentiality: Understanding and adherence to HIPAA regulations and patient privacy rights are vital for protecting sensitive information.
Problem-Solving Skills: You need to be capable of addressing and resolving any issues regarding records that may arise, including discrepancies and missing information.
Time Management: The ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize effectively is important to meet deadlines in a high-paced environment.
Basic Knowledge of Medical Terminology: A foundational understanding of medical jargon will help you navigate records and communicate with healthcare professionals more efficiently.
Teamwork: Skills in collaborating with other healthcare staff and maintaining a positive working relationship contribute to a smoother workflow.
Adaptability: You should be open to changes in healthcare practices and technologies, adjusting your skills accordingly to remain effective in your role.
Job Duties for Health Records Clerks
Answer telephones and direct calls to appropriate staff.
Complete insurance or other claim forms.
Schedule and confirm patient diagnostic appointments, surgeries, or medical consultations.
Accounting software
- Billing software
- Intuit QuickBooks
Medical software
- Epic Systems
- MEDITECH software
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Basic Skills
- Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
- Talking to others
Problem Solving
- Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Job Market and Opportunities for Health Records Clerk in Utah
The job market for Health Records Clerks in Utah is currently favorable, with a steady demand for professionals in this field. Several factors contribute to this positive outlook:
Growing Healthcare Sector: As the healthcare industry expands in Utah, the need for skilled health records clerks continues to increase. Hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations are investing in their administrative departments to enhance efficiency and compliance with regulations.
Increased Demand for Health Information Management: With the rise of electronic health records (EHR) systems and the emphasis on data accuracy and privacy, health records clerks play a crucial role in maintaining and organizing patient information. This trend contributes to the consistent demand for qualified professionals.
Employment Growth: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in health information management occupations over the next several years. In Utah, this trend aligns with statewide initiatives aimed at improving healthcare services and streamlining patient data management.
Geographical Hotspots:
- Salt Lake City: As the largest urban center in Utah, Salt Lake City boasts numerous hospitals, healthcare systems, and outpatient facilities, creating a wealth of job opportunities for health records clerks.
- Provo/Orem: This region is home to several health service providers and clinics. The growth of technology and services supporting health information management enhances employment chances in this area.
- Ogden/Clearfield: With an increasing number of healthcare facilities in this northern Utah region, job prospects for health records clerks remain robust.
Networking and Local Organizations: Engaging with local healthcare associations can provide valuable insights into job openings and career advancement opportunities. Participating in professional development events can help expand your network and increase your visibility in the job market.
In summary, the job market for Health Records Clerks in Utah shows considerable promise with a variety of employment opportunities across different regions, spurred by a booming healthcare sector and a continuous focus on health information management.
Top Related Careers to Health Records Clerk 2024
Additional Resources To Help You Become a Health Records Clerk in Utah
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Website: www.ahima.org
AHIMA offers resources for health information management professionals, including certifications, training, and industry updates.National Association of Health Data Organizations (NAHDO)
Website: www.nahto.org
NAHDO provides information and resources related to health data, including best practices and policies for health records management.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) - Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
Website: www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-records-and-health-information-technicians.htm
The BLS offers detailed information about job outlook, salary expectations, and educational requirements for health records clerks.Utah Department of Workforce Services
Website: jobs.utah.gov
This resource provides state-specific information on employment trends, job openings, training programs, and career resources in Utah.Community Colleges of Utah
Website: www.communitycollegesofutah.edu
Access information on local community colleges offering programs and courses in health information management and related fields.Health Information Technology (HIT) Resource Center
Website: www.healthit.gov
The HIT Resource Center provides information and guidance on the technologies and policies that impact health information practices.National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
Website: www.cdc.gov/nchs
As the nation’s principal health statistics agency, NCHS provides data on various aspects of health and healthcare, useful for health records professionals.National Health Information Standards Board (NHIS)
Website: www.nhisc.gov
This board focuses on the establishment and promotion of health information standards, an essential aspect of health records management.LinkedIn Learning
Website: www.linkedin.com/learning
Explore online courses related to health information management, data privacy, and electronic health records, which can enhance your skills as a health records clerk.Professional Certification Boards
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Website: www.ahima.org/certification- Certified Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
Website: www.ahima.org/certification
Explore the certification requirements, study materials, and examination processes for those seeking formal recognition in health records management.
- Certified Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Health Records Clerk in Utah
What is the primary role of a Health Records Clerk? The primary role of a Health Records Clerk is to manage and maintain patient health records. This includes organizing, updating, and ensuring the accuracy and confidentiality of these records within healthcare facilities.
Do I need a specific degree to become a Health Records Clerk? While a high school diploma can suffice, many employers prefer candidates to have an associate degree or certification in health information management or a related field. Familiarity with medical terminology and health information systems is also beneficial.
What skills are essential for a Health Records Clerk? Key skills include attention to detail, organization, knowledge of medical terminology, proficiency with health information software, strong communication abilities, and an understanding of healthcare regulations and patient privacy laws.
What kind of work environment can I expect? Health Records Clerks typically work in hospitals, clinics, medical offices, and other healthcare settings. The environment is often an office, where you will spend a significant amount of time working with computers and paper records.
Are certifications available for Health Records Clerks? Yes, there are certifications available, such as the Certified Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Obtaining certification can enhance your job prospects.
What are the typical job duties of a Health Records Clerk? Duties commonly include:
- Maintaining and updating patient records.
- Verifying the accuracy of patient information.
- Ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
- Responding to requests for information from healthcare providers and patients.
- Coding and classifying patient information for insurance purposes.
Is there a demand for Health Records Clerks in Utah? Yes, there is a growing demand for Health Records Clerks in Utah, driven by the expanding healthcare industry and the ongoing need for efficient health information management.
What is the salary range for Health Records Clerks in Utah? Salary can vary based on location, experience, and employer. As of 2023, the average salary for Health Records Clerks in Utah generally falls between $35,000 and $50,000 annually.
Can I advance my career as a Health Records Clerk? Yes, there are opportunities for advancement. With additional education and experience, you could move into roles such as Health Information Manager, Clinical Data Specialist, or even Health Services Administrator.
What are the typical work hours for a Health Records Clerk? Most Health Records Clerks work standard business hours, but some positions may require evening or weekend shifts, especially in healthcare settings that operate 24/7.
How can I prepare for a career as a Health Records Clerk? You can prepare by gaining relevant education, acquiring certifications, developing organizational and computer skills, and seeking internships or entry-level positions in healthcare settings to gain experience.