Health Records Clerk

What the job involves

Health records clerks handle patient health care records, ensuring that relevant documents in relation to patient care are recorded and stored efficiently. As a health records clerk you would be expected to perform a range of tasks, including creating and updating patient records, using computer systems to transfer details from paper records and collecting statistics such as discharges, waiting lists and admission numbers. Depending on your working environment you might also be responsible for reception duties, undertaking tasks such as booking appointments and dealing with enquiries from patients.

Personal qualities

You should have a methodical working style and be comfortable following specific instructions and procedures; a confident telephone manner and the ability to work with people at all levels of a health service are also key attributes.

Working conditions

Health records clerks can be based in a range of different environments, such as an office, reception area, medical records library or hospital ward. Most will work from 9am to 5pm, however those based in GP surgeries and hospitals may need to work extended hours and be available for on-call duties and overtime.

Qualifications and training

Medical administration qualifications recognised by The Association of Medical Secretaries, Practice Managers, Administrators and Receptionists (AMSPAR), such as those offered by the CAW Business School, are desirable for developing medical and business administration skills in the workplace. These are often carried out part of an apprenticeships, but can be studied in their own right. On successful completion of the Level 3 Advanced Apprenti c eship in Medical Administration, students may qualify to become members of AMSPAR and use post-nominals after their name.

What qualifications do I need to start training as a health records clerk?

Basic English and maths skills are required for most medical administration courses.

Getting into the profession

Previous experience of working in an office and/or medical environment is often useful.

Salary and benefits

Entry level Health Records Clerks can expect to earn between £15,000 to £18,000. More experienced managerial roles in relation to health records management could pay up to £28,000.*

Progression

As you gain experience, it may be possible to take on managerial roles in the workplace, and there are opportunities for further training in related subjects; such as leadership and manag e ment or coaching and mentoring.

Alternatively you could study with the Institute of Health Record Information and Management (IHRIM) in order to develop a specialism such as clinical coding.

Further information

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of our career profiles, however we advise that you check with the relevant college/university/organisation that you are intending studying with in regards to current entry criteria.