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Records analyst vs health information specialist

The differences between records analysts and health information specialists can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a records analyst and a health information specialist. Additionally, a records analyst has an average salary of $44,714, which is higher than the $33,343 average annual salary of a health information specialist.

The top three skills for a records analyst include data entry, powerpoint and sharepoint. The most important skills for a health information specialist are patients, HIPAA, and medical terminology.

Records analyst vs health information specialist overview

Records AnalystHealth Information Specialist
Yearly salary$44,714$33,343
Hourly rate$21.50$16.03
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs18,442135,448
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a records analyst do?

A records analyst is responsible for maintaining the security and efficiency of record management processes for storing information and files in the database. Records analysts review documents and sort data accordingly, following organizational procedures in proper disposal of outdated documents. They also update client accounts and business information in the system, managing retention schedules, and strategizing effective data management techniques. A records analyst must have excellent knowledge of computer navigation, especially in using software applications for filing and coding data.

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.

Records analyst vs health information specialist salary

Records analysts and health information specialists have different pay scales, as shown below.

Records AnalystHealth Information Specialist
Average salary$44,714$33,343
Salary rangeBetween $31,000 And $62,000Between $25,000 And $42,000
Highest paying CityWashington, DCSan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateNew JerseyCalifornia
Best paying companyGuidehouseUniversity of California
Best paying industryProfessionalHealth Care

Differences between records analyst and health information specialist education

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

Records AnalystHealth Information Specialist
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 53%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessHealth Care Administration
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldUniversity of Southern California

Records analyst vs health information specialist demographics

Here are the differences between records analysts' and health information specialists' demographics:

Records AnalystHealth Information Specialist
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 31.2% Female, 68.8%Male, 15.1% Female, 84.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 8.6% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%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%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between records analyst and health information specialist duties and responsibilities

Records analyst example responsibilities.

  • Manage the research, processing and auditing of maintenance records from all maintenance facilities to ensure FAA compliance.
  • Ensure compliance with all HIPAA requirements
  • Assist in the execution of search warrants and submissions of subpoenas.
  • Train new staff on FDA regulate & non-FDA regulate eBDR procedures.
  • Examine documents to ensure compliance with HIPAA, FERPA, and other applicable law.
  • Update forms on an ongoing basis to conform to HIPPA policies and school needs.
  • Show more

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.
  • Show more

Records analyst vs health information specialist skills

Common records analyst skills
  • Data Entry, 22%
  • PowerPoint, 13%
  • SharePoint, 8%
  • Retention Schedules, 6%
  • Hard Copy, 5%
  • FAA, 4%
Common health information specialist skills
  • Patients, 26%
  • HIPAA, 11%
  • Medical Terminology, 10%
  • Patient Care, 10%
  • Data Entry, 4%
  • Office Equipment, 3%

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