How to Become a Medical Records Clerk: Australian Careers in Health Administration

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BSB30120

Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration)

Gain a nationally recognised qualification in medical administration with no prior experience required in this online BSB30120 Certificate III in Business (Medical Administration) course from Foundation Education.

Designed for students with no prior academic or work experience, this course provides the foundation skills and knowledge required to take the first step in a career in medical administration. In this course, you’ll learn how to manage medical accounts and patient records; how to communicate in a workplace; how to follow required privacy and security requirements; and how to use correct medical terminology relevant to your future workplace.

This course is delivered entirely online with hands-on support from Foundation Education’s student support officers. With project-based and case study assessments, you’ll gain real-world experience as you study, and complete this course with the skills required for the workplace.

If you’re an organised and hardworking person who likes helping others, a career in medical administration could be for you. It starts with this qualification.

Please note: This is a fee-for-service program.

Online

Customer Service Assistant, Healthcare Administrator, Medical Receptionist, Medical Records Clerk, Receptionist

Price may vary

Up to 12 months part-time

HLT57715, BSB50120

Double Diploma of Practice Management and Business (Records and Information Management)

The Double Diploma of Practice Management (HLT57715) and Business (Records and Information Management) (BSB50120) from College for Adult Learning has been designed for those working in healthcare who want to increase their skills in both practice management operations and records management to successfully move into leadership roles within a healthcare practice or move into health information management.

You’ll gain the essential skills you need to successfully manage a healthcare practice in a variety of sectors, including medical, dental, chiropractic, rehabilitation and aged care, while also developing records management skills. including overseeing health billing and information systems, to propel you into health information management (HIM) roles.

You’ll also learn how to manage WHS and compliance to ensure practice is meeting all legislative requirements.

Online, Workplace

Online

Medical Records Clerk, Medical Secretary, Practice Manager, Practice Support Coordinator

Price may vary

Approx. 17 months

On this page

What is a Medical Records Clerk?

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Resources

What is a Medical Records Clerk?

The role of a Medical Records Clerk is vital in the healthcare sector, serving as the backbone of patient information management. These professionals are responsible for maintaining and organising medical records, ensuring that patient data is accurate, secure, and easily accessible. They play a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers by managing the flow of information, which is essential for effective patient care and administrative efficiency.

Medical Records Clerks engage in a variety of tasks that include filing patient charts, entering data into electronic health record systems, and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards regarding patient confidentiality. They often collaborate with healthcare professionals to retrieve and update patient information, which can involve scanning documents, managing physical files, and performing data entry. Their attention to detail and organisational skills are key to maintaining the integrity of medical records.

In addition to their core responsibilities, Medical Records Clerks may also assist in the design and revision of medical record forms, ensuring that they meet the needs of both the healthcare facility and the patients. They are often involved in training new staff on record-keeping procedures and may participate in audits to ensure compliance with healthcare regulations. This role not only requires strong administrative skills but also a commitment to upholding the highest standards of patient privacy and data security.

Overall, a career as a Medical Records Clerk offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the healthcare system. With the increasing reliance on digital records and data management, this profession is poised for growth, providing a stable and fulfilling career path for those interested in the intersection of healthcare and administration.

Career snapshots For Medical Records Clerks

The role of a Medical Records Clerk is essential in the healthcare sector, focusing on the management and organisation of patient records and data. This position is particularly suited for individuals who are detail-oriented and possess strong organisational skills.

Average Age: 42 years
Gender Distribution: 96% female
Hours Worked: Average of 40 hours per week, with 31% working full-time
Pay: Average hourly rate is AU$26.80, with a range from AU$21 to AU$31
Unemployment Rate: N/A
Employment Numbers: Approximately 71,500 individuals are employed as Medical Receptionists
Projected Growth: N/A

Medical Records Clerks play a vital role in ensuring that patient information is accurately recorded and maintained, contributing significantly to the efficiency of healthcare services. As the healthcare industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled professionals in this field is expected to remain strong.

Source: ABS, 2021 Census of Population and Housing.

What will I do?

The role of a Medical Records Clerk is essential in the healthcare sector, ensuring that patient information is accurately recorded, maintained, and accessible. These professionals play a crucial part in managing medical records, which are vital for patient care, legal compliance, and administrative efficiency. Their day-to-day tasks involve a combination of data entry, record management, and communication with healthcare staff, all aimed at supporting the smooth operation of medical facilities.

Data Entry – Inputting patient information into electronic health record systems to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.
Record Management – Organising and maintaining physical and electronic medical records, ensuring they are easily retrievable.
Document Scanning – Scanning and digitising paper documents to create electronic versions for better accessibility and storage.
Patient File Retrieval – Locating and providing patient files to healthcare professionals as needed for consultations and treatments.
Compliance Checks – Ensuring that all records comply with legal, ethical, and organisational standards for patient confidentiality and data protection.
Communication – Collaborating with medical staff to clarify information and resolve discrepancies in patient records.
Data Quality Assurance – Reviewing records for accuracy and completeness, making corrections as necessary.
Training Support – Assisting in training new staff on record-keeping procedures and the use of electronic health record systems.
Reporting – Generating reports on record management activities and statistics for administrative purposes.
Inventory Management – Keeping track of medical supplies and equipment related to record-keeping and filing systems.

What skills do I need?

A career as a Medical Records Clerk requires a unique blend of organisational skills, attention to detail, and a solid understanding of medical terminology. Individuals in this role are responsible for managing patient records, ensuring that all information is accurately filed and easily accessible. Proficiency in data entry and familiarity with electronic health record systems are essential, as clerks often handle sensitive patient information that must be maintained in compliance with legal and ethical standards. Strong communication skills are also vital, as clerks frequently interact with healthcare professionals and patients to facilitate the flow of information.

In addition to technical skills, a successful Medical Records Clerk should possess problem-solving abilities and a keen eye for detail to identify discrepancies in records. Time management is crucial, as clerks often juggle multiple tasks, from filing documents to responding to inquiries. A commitment to confidentiality and a thorough understanding of privacy regulations are paramount in this role, ensuring that patient information is protected at all times. With the healthcare industry continually evolving, ongoing education and training in health information management can further enhance career prospects in this field.

Skills/attributes

Attention to Detail
Organisational Skills
Data Entry Proficiency
Knowledge of Medical Terminology
Filing and Record Management
Communication Skills
Confidentiality and Privacy Awareness
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Basic Computer Skills
Ability to Work Independently
Team Collaboration
Adaptability to New Technologies

Resources

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How to Become a Medical Records Clerk: Australian Careers in Health Administration

What is a Medical Records Clerk?

Career snapshots For Medical Records Clerks

What will I do?

What skills do I need?

Skills/attributes

Resources

Career Outcomes