A Medical Records Technician, also called a health information technician or medical coder, compiles, organizes and manages patient health information across medical records systems. The role keeps records complete, accurate, confidential and accessible, supporting continuity of care and regulatory compliance, so a clear medical records technician job description matters for attracting candidates who can handle both the administrative and coding sides of the job.

What Is a Medical Records Technician?

A Medical Records Technician processes, analyzes, codes and classifies medical data, including diagnoses, procedures, treatments and outcomes, to support billing, reimbursement, research and healthcare delivery. Success in the role calls for strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and working knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems and health information management principles.

Medical Records Technician Job Description Template

We are looking for a meticulous, detail oriented Medical Records Technician to join our healthcare team and manage patient health information accurately and efficiently.

Key responsibilities:

• Compile, organize and maintain paper based and electronic medical records, including demographic information, medical histories, diagnostic results and clinical documentation.
• Review, verify and update patient health information for accuracy, completeness and compliance with regulatory requirements and organizational policy.
• Abstract, code and classify diagnoses, procedures, treatments and services using standard coding systems such as ICD, CPT, HCPCS and DRG.
• Analyze medical records and physician notes to assign accurate diagnostic and procedural codes, resolving discrepancies with healthcare providers as needed.
• Retrieve and share patient health information with authorized providers, insurers and agencies in line with privacy regulations and release of information protocols.
• Support quality assurance initiatives and medical record audits, helping identify coding errors and documentation gaps.
• Assist patients, providers and other stakeholders with inquiries related to medical records and record retrieval.
• Maintain compliance with HIPAA and other regulations governing health information privacy, security and confidentiality.

Medical Records Technician Salary

Medical Records Technician pay typically falls in the high 40,000 to mid 50,000 dollar range annually nationally, with the top quartile earning meaningfully more, particularly with coding certification. Post a specific, local salary range rather than a national average when listing your own opening, since candidates increasingly skip postings that leave pay unstated.

Skills to Look for in a Medical Records Technician

Organizational skills. Filing, indexing and retrieving documents accurately depends on strong organizational habits.

Medical terminology. A solid grasp of anatomy, physiology and disease processes is necessary to interpret and code documentation correctly.

Health information management knowledge. Familiarity with HIM principles, EHR systems and release of information protocols keeps records compliant and secure.

Coding systems proficiency. Comfort with ICD, CPT and HCPCS coding guidelines is central to the role.

Attention to detail. Reviewing and verifying coding documentation for accuracy is exacting work where small errors have real consequences.

Analytical skills. Interpreting complex medical data and resolving coding discrepancies takes real analytical thinking, not just rule following.

Example KPIs for a Medical Records Technician

• Coding accuracy and compliance, measured through coding audits and error rates.
• Data integrity and quality, tracked through data validation and QA metrics.
• Workflow efficiency, measured by turnaround times and productivity benchmarks.
• Customer service and satisfaction, based on feedback from patients and providers.

How Glider AI Helps You Hire Medical Records Technicians Faster

Glider AI’s recruitment platform prioritizes competency over credentials, letting you validate a candidate’s coding accuracy and health information management knowledge before the interview. Use Glider AI Skill Intelligence to streamline screening and identify candidates who can manage sensitive health information accurately from day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a medical records technician do day to day?
A medical records technician compiles and maintains patient health records, assigns diagnostic and procedural codes, verifies documentation accuracy, and supports compliance with health information regulations.

What skills should a medical records technician have?
Look for strong organizational skills, medical terminology knowledge, coding systems proficiency, attention to detail, and familiarity with electronic health record systems.

How much do medical records technicians make?
Pay typically falls in the high 40,000 to mid 50,000 dollar range annually nationally, with certified coders and experienced technicians earning more.

Is a medical records technician the same as a health information technician?
The terms are largely used interchangeably. Both describe professionals who manage, code and maintain patient health information in compliance with healthcare regulations.

Hire Medical Records Technicians Faster with Glider AI

A clear job description attracts qualified applicants, but validating their coding accuracy and health information knowledge is what gets the right hire in the seat. Explore Glider AI’s skill assessment software to test job relevant skills before the interview, use AI interview software to standardize screening, and let AI recruiter tools handle sourcing and scheduling so your team can focus on final decisions.