What is a Medical Records Technician? A Vital Career in Healthcare Information Management

Healthcare providers rely heavily on a patient’s medical history when making decisions about care. Past diagnoses, treatments, and procedures, collectively known as medical records, are essential for accurate diagnoses and effective treatment. The responsibility for organizing and maintaining this information belongs to the medical records technician.

Although medical records technicians don’t provide hands-on care, their role is one of the most important behind-the-scenes jobs in healthcare. With the sheer number of patients visiting hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities each day, accurate and accessible health information ensures doctors and nurses can provide safe, timely, and informed care.

What Does a Medical Records Technician Do?

A medical records technician, also known as a health information technician, is responsible for keeping patient health information accurate, secure, and up to date. Physicians rely on these records before, during, and after patient visits to make informed medical decisions.

After a visit, doctors record notes on the patient’s symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, and follow-up instructions. These notes are transferred into the patient’s electronic health record (EHR), where the medical records technician ensures the information is entered correctly and in a timely manner.

Without their work, patients could face delays, miscommunication, or even incorrect treatment. This makes the role essential to the continuity of care.

Medical Records Technician Responsibilities

Typical duties include:

• Retrieving, compiling, and maintaining patient health information
• Reviewing information with physicians to ensure accuracy
• Entering data into electronic health records (EHR) systems
• Ensuring records remain complete, accurate, and secure

In some cases, medical records technicians may also handle medical coding, which involves translating diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes. This process is crucial for:

• Insurance billing and reimbursements
• Data reporting and research
• Healthcare trend analysis

While medical coding is often a separate specialization, many health information management professionals gain exposure to it through their work.

Where Do Medical Records Technicians Work?

Hospitals are the most common work environment for medical records technicians, as all hospitals are required to use electronic medical records (EMR) systems. Paper-based documents generated during procedures must be scanned, digitized, and linked to the correct patient file.

Beyond hospitals, medical records technicians also find career opportunities in:

• Insurance companies
• Nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• Pharmaceutical companies
• Outpatient clinics
• Government and public health organizations

Train for a Medical Records Technician Career at Bryan University!

If you’re interested in healthcare information management, medical billing and coding, or healthcare administration, Bryan University offers programs designed to prepare you for success in this growing field.

At Bryan University, the Associate of Science in Health Information Management and Support Services is designed to help you launch your career faster. Our program is online, accelerated, and fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

You’ll gain the knowledge and skills employers look for, along with hands-on experience using industry-standard tools such as EHRgo, AHIMA Virtual Lab, and the Solventum Coding and Reimbursement System. Plus, the program includes built-in preparation for AHIMA’s CCA and RHIT certification exams with the cost of one attempt for each exam already included in your tuition.

Get started online today or call us directly at 1-(888)-768-686