Health information specialist vs registration representative

The differences between health information specialists and registration representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 6-12 months to become a health information specialist, becoming a registration representative takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a registration representative has an average salary of $34,021, which is higher than the $33,343 average annual salary of a health information specialist.

The top three skills for a health information specialist include patients, HIPAA and medical terminology. The most important skills for a registration representative are patients, medical terminology, and patient care.

Health information specialist vs registration representative overview

	Health Information Specialist	Registration Representative
Yearly salary	$33,343	$34,021
Hourly rate	$16.03	$16.36
Growth rate	11%	-4%
Number of jobs	135,448	118,803
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Average age	45	40
Years of experience	12	4

What does a health information specialist do?

A health information specialist is in charge of overseeing and developing strategies to optimize information management procedures in hospitals, physicians' offices, and other similar environments. Their responsibilities revolve around gathering and updating medical records, receiving and organizing files, and updating databases according to the appropriate coding systems and procedures. Furthermore, as a health information specialist, it is essential to coordinate with nurses and other staff to ensure accuracy in documentation, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.

What does a registration representative do?

In medical facilities, a registration representative serves as the patients' first point of contact in clinics and hospitals. They primarily greet patients, identify their needs, gather personal and medical information, and assist them in filling out forms. They must also handle admission and discharge procedures, process payments, arrange payment plans, and collect insurance information. Furthermore, as a registered representative, it is essential to maintain an active communication line with staff for a smooth and efficient workflow.

Health information specialist vs registration representative salary

Health information specialists and registration representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Health Information Specialist	Registration Representative
Average salary	$33,343	$34,021
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $42,000	Between $26,000 And $42,000
Highest paying City	San Jose, CA	Boston, MA
Highest paying state	California	Massachusetts
Best paying company	University of California	UMass Memorial Health
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between health information specialist and registration representative education

There are a few differences between a health information specialist and a registration representative in terms of educational background:

	Health Information Specialist	Registration Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 38%	Bachelor's Degree, 35%
Most common major	Health Care Administration	Business
Most common college	University of Southern California	University of Pennsylvania

Health information specialist vs registration representative demographics

Here are the differences between health information specialists' and registration representatives' demographics:

	Health Information Specialist	Registration Representative
Average age	45	40
Gender ratio	Male, 15.1% Female, 84.9%	Male, 13.9% Female, 86.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.3% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.5% Asian, 8.7% White, 59.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%	Black or African American, 11.6% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 21.3% Asian, 6.4% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	9%	7%

Differences between health information specialist and registration representative duties and responsibilities

Health information specialist example responsibilities.

Manage chart completion (ICD-9-CM and CPT coding/abstracting), chart assembly and analysis, patient admission and patient information privacy/security.
Review and audit medical records for correct DRG and APC assignment.
Certify requests for subpoenas, court orders, legal cases and training of employees.
Utilize Cerner and Centricity systems to assist in ancillary services.
Abstract medical records with ICD9-CM, CPT and DRG coding.
Scan documentation via DCS into HPF to be index under ROI.

Registration representative example responsibilities.

Work with third party payer requirements including Medicare, Medicaid (AHCCCS), manage care plans, and commercial plans.
Manage and update demographic and insurance information, including authorizations and referrals, while demonstrating HIPPA confidentiality regulations.
Verify eligibility and insurance benefits for patients, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance and workers' compensation.
Maintain patient privacy in accordance with HIPAA with a high level of professionalism, compassion, productivity, and accuracy.
Maintain proficient level of knowledge regarding Medicare requirements, HIPAA compliance and reimbursement criteria.
Complete registration process for inpatients, outpatients, and emergency patients accurately and efficiently in accordance with policies and procedures.

Health information specialist vs registration representative skills

Common health information specialist skills

Patients, 26%
HIPAA, 11%
Medical Terminology, 10%
Patient Care, 10%
Data Entry, 4%
Office Equipment, 3%

Common registration representative skills

Patients, 25%
Medical Terminology, 10%
Patient Care, 6%
Customer Service, 6%
Health Insurance, 5%
Patient Registration, 4%

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Health Information Specialist
Health Information Specialist vs Registration Representative

Updated January 8, 2025

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