SOUTH AFRICA · SALARY IN RANDS

Medical Records Specialists

What the work involves, the skills employers want, and how to get started in South Africa.

  • Coder
  • Health Information Clerk
  • Health Information Specialist
  • Health Information Technician (Health Information Tech)
  • Medical Records Clerk
  • Medical Records Coordinator
  • Medical Records Technician (Medical Records Tech)
  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
Take the free assessment Compare salaries

What is a Medical Records Specialist?

A Medical Records Specialist is a healthcare professional responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records to ensure their accuracy, completeness, and security. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring that patient information is properly documented, maintained, and accessible to authorized personnel. This includes coding and categorizing patient data, entering it into electronic health record (EHR) systems, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Medical Records Specialists must also maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to privacy laws, such as HIPAA, while facilitating the timely access to data for healthcare providers. Their work supports clinical care, helps with billing and insurance claims, and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services.

What the work actually is

  • Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.
  • Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
  • Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.
  • Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.
  • Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.

🚀 Find Your Dream Job with JobCopilot

AI-powered job search that matches you with opportunities tailored to your skills and career goals.

Start Job Search

Tools used on the job

Technology

Tools

  • Microfiche or microfilm viewer components or accessories Microfiche viewing machines · Microfilm viewing machines
  • Bar code reader equipment Barcode scanners
  • Scanners Flat-top scanners
  • Medical paper charting systems Barcode attachment equipment
  • Magnetic stripe readers and encoders Credit card processing machines

Who it suits

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

Advertisement

Get a Well-Paying Job Fast

Start Your Career

Get Started

Does this career fit you?

A free assessment matches your answers to careers, and shows the salary that goes with each one.

Start free

Questions people ask

How much do Medical Records Specialists earn in South Africa?

Medical Records Specialists salaries in South Africa vary by experience, province and employer.

What do Medical Records Specialists do?

Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.

How do I know if this career fits me?

Take the free Assessify career assessment. It matches your answers to careers and shows the South African salary next to each one.

SOUTH AFRICA · CAREER GUIDE

Medical Records Specialists

Take the free assessment Check a salary

What is a Medical Records Specialist?

A Medical Records Specialist is a healthcare professional responsible for managing and organizing patient medical records to ensure their accuracy, completeness, and security. They play a crucial role in the healthcare system by ensuring that patient information is properly documented, maintained, and accessible to authorized personnel. This includes coding and categorizing patient data, entering it into electronic health record (EHR) systems, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Medical Records Specialists must also maintain patient confidentiality and adhere to privacy laws, such as HIPAA, while facilitating the timely access to data for healthcare providers. Their work supports clinical care, helps with billing and insurance claims, and contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services.