What Is a Medical File Clerk?
Medical file clerks, also known as medical records clerks or health information technicians, work with patient records. They need to be well-versed in medical terminology, as well as coding for insurance and reporting purposes. Medical clerks typically hold a certificate or associate degree in medical billing and coding or health information technology. This field is expected to experience a faster-than-average job growth between 2019 and 2029.
| Required Education | Certificate or associate degree program typically required |
| Certification | Most employers prefer the Registered Health Information Technicians credential |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 8% (for all medical records and health information technicians) |
| Median Salary (2019)* | $42,630 (for medical records and health information technicians) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Medical File Clerk Job Description
Medical file clerks are responsible for organizing and maintaining patients' medical records, including personal information, medical history and billing records. The medical file clerk job description generally includes entering medical and financial information into databases, creating and implementing filing systems, and ensuring that the records are being managed according to industry standards. They also confirm with physicians or other medical personnel that the records are complete and correct, and are sometimes involved in dispersing data to physicians and other hospital personnel.
Medical File Clerk Required Skills
The information contained in medical records is highly sensitive and a small mistake can directly affect a patient's care; therefore, clerks must be extremely detail oriented and knowledgeable about the particular practices in the office where they are employed. They must be excellent communicators and perform their tasks exactly as instructed. Medical file clerks may also be required to learn how to use advanced computer software for tracking medical and financial data.
Medical File Clerk Requirements
Positions as a medical file clerk may only require a high school diploma and on-the-job training; however, some positions may require the completion of a certificate or associate degree program in health information technology or medical record technology. Programs in health information technology typically include courses in information systems, coding, medical terminology, legal issues, health insurance, risk management and physiology. A bachelor's degree or master's degree is required to advance from a clerk to a managerial position.
Medical File Clerk Certification
Most employers prefer technicians who have obtained the Registered Health Information Technicians (RHIT) credential offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Students must pass an AHIMA examination and have completed a 2-year program at an institution accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Several organizations, such as the American Academy of Professional Coders, offer specialized coding credentials, which are also obtained by passing an examination.
Medical File Clerk Salary and Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects medical records and health information technicians, also known as medical file clerks, will see above-average job growth at 8% between 2019 and 2029. The BLS shows the median salary for medical records and health information technicians was $42,630 in 2019.
Medical file clerk positions may require completion of a certificate or associate degree in health information technology or a similar field of study. While not always required, most employers prefer candidates who have RHIT credentials. According to the BLS, the average annual salary in this occupation is about $40,000.
