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What does a records specialist do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
What does a records specialist do

Records Specialists are administrative professionals who help manage the records of the company. These records may be physical documents or digital copies that are stored in a database. Records Specialists may assist in creating filing systems and knowledge management systems to ensure that the records they keep are easily accessible. They also keep an organized list or database of all the documents that are with them. Records Specialists are in charge of pulling up records upon the request of different departments or individuals. If they are working with physical copies, they ensure that these documents are returned to them. If they are working with digital copies, they ensure that the files they share are kept confidential. Records Specialists may also be in charge of analyzing trends and creating records-related reports.

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Records specialist responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real records specialist resumes:

  • Develop numerous SQL scripts/queries for monitoring and managing the system.
  • Manage thousands of cases for several firms with deadlines for depositions while ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and HIPAA compliance.
  • Train and mentore employees in EDMS.
  • Process project records for retention in EDMS.
  • Represent DOJ at an ODNI language training conference.
  • Liaise with GIS group to resolve mapping issues.
  • Review, accept, and index records in SharePoint database.
  • Assure compliance with local, state, and federal HIPPA laws.
  • Interact with DHL worldwide courier and other express mail private firms.
  • Maintain data via ArcMap interface as well as batch backdoor SQL updates.
  • Conduct financial and criminal investigation in support of DEA law enforcement cases.
  • Assist DEA registrants with questions concerning DEA s registration process and policies.
  • Organize and box outdated index cards in preparation for accession to NARA.
  • Process records under HIPPA compliance and communicate with insurance companies to gain prior authorizations.
  • Utilize Geo location of records to existing GIS layers using an ESRI mapping interface.

Records specialist skills and personality traits

We calculated that 25% of Records Specialists are proficient in Customer Service, Data Entry, and Office Equipment. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Technical skills, and Integrity.

We break down the percentage of Records Specialists that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • Customer Service, 25%

    Provided detailed descriptions of diploma rushes in SharePoint via Microsoft Word\Excel Spreadsheet and followed up diligently to ensure great customer service.

  • Data Entry, 14%

    Perform data entry utilizing a tracking database and research and query the system for documentation and information needed by supervisors.

  • Office Equipment, 5%

    Run reports for system accuracy; perform related administrative tasks utilizing company specific software, hardware and office equipment.

  • Word Processing, 5%

    Performed all clerical duties including typing, word processing, filing and other administrative duties.

  • Database Systems, 5%

    Utilize Autonomy IRM and Elite Enterprise records management database systems to ensure complete accuracy and efficiency.

  • Management System, 5%

    Skilled at organizing corporate documents and scanning original documents and securities documents into our DMS (Document management system.)

"customer service," "data entry," and "office equipment" are among the most common skills that records specialists use at work. You can find even more records specialist responsibilities below, including:

Analytical skills. The most essential soft skill for a records specialist to carry out their responsibilities is analytical skills. This skill is important for the role because "health information technicians must understand and follow medical records and diagnoses, and then decide how best to code them in a patient’s medical records." Additionally, a records specialist resume shows how their duties depend on analytical skills: "use spreadsheets, database and word processing software. "

Technical skills. Another essential skill to perform records specialist duties is technical skills. Records specialists responsibilities require that "health information technicians must use coding and classification software and the electronic health record (ehr) system that their healthcare organization or physician practice has adopted." Records specialists also use technical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "advised and adapted technical profile assessments for ehr oncology, athena and medvantx deployments. "

Integrity. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of records specialists is integrity. This skill is critical to many everyday records specialist duties, as "health information technicians work with patient data that are required, by law, to be kept confidential." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "issue refunds of nursing charges and or balances in resident trust to surviving family members or medicaid estate recovery. "

Interpersonal skills. A big part of what records specialists do relies on "interpersonal skills." You can see how essential it is to records specialist responsibilities because "health information technicians need to be able to discuss patient information, discrepancies, and data requirements with other professionals such as physicians and finance personnel." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical records specialist tasks: "use effective customer service and interpersonal skills when operating telephone switchboard. "

Detail oriented. Another crucial skill for a records specialist to carry out their responsibilities is "detail oriented." A big part of what records specialists relies on this skill, since "health information technicians must be accurate when recording and coding patient information." How this skill relates to records specialist duties can be seen in an example from a records specialist resume snippet: "maintain a high level of confidentiality within the department; pay particular attention to data entry detail and productivity. "

Most common records specialist skills

The three companies that hire the most records specialists are:

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Compare different records specialists

Records specialist vs. Health information technician

A health information technician is primarily responsible for managing and handling patient information, ensuring accuracy and confidentiality. They coordinate with various health care workers to gather patient data, laboratory results, test findings, and medical histories, encoding them in clinical databases in a timely and efficient manner. They must analyze every information to detect any inconsistencies, performing corrective measures right away. Furthermore, as a health information technician, it is essential to utilize particular software and systems when processing information, all while adhering to the hospital's policies and regulations.

The annual salary of health information technicians is $1,331 higher than the average salary of records specialists.Even though records specialists and health information technicians are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require customer service, data entry, and office equipment in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between records specialists and health information technician. For instance, records specialist responsibilities require skills such as "word processing," "database systems," "management system," and "ehr." Whereas a health information technician is skilled in "patients," "medical terminology," "patient care," and "transcription." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Health information technicians earn the highest salaries when working in the government industry, with an average yearly salary of $35,705. On the other hand, records specialists are paid more in the government industry with an average salary of $37,273.On average, health information technicians reach similar levels of education than records specialists. Health information technicians are 1.9% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Records specialist vs. Medical service technician

A medical service technician provides health care and treatments to patients under the supervision or directives of a more experienced physician. Most of their responsibilities revolve around assessing a patient's condition, administering required aid, diagnosing patients, conducting check-ups, and counseling patients. There are also instances when a medical service technician may prescribe medications, conduct inspections at facilities to ensure sanitary conditions, and coordinate with hospital staff for requesting supplies. Furthermore, it is crucial to have accurate documentation of all processes and transactions, all while adhering to the hospital's policies and standards.

On average, medical service technicians earn a $4,670 higher salary than records specialists a year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Records specialists and medical service technicians both require similar skills like "customer service," "computer system," and "emr" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, records specialist responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "data entry," "office equipment," "word processing," and "database systems." Meanwhile, a medical service technician has duties that require skills in areas such as "patients," "pet," "vital signs," and "infection control." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Medical service technicians may earn a higher salary than records specialists, but medical service technicians earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $39,185. On the other hand, records specialists receive higher pay in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $37,273.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Medical service technicians tend to reach similar levels of education than records specialists. In fact, they're 2.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Records specialist vs. Medical coder

A medical coder's role is to interpret and analyze a patient's medical record and translate particular details according to the universal medical alphanumeric code. Moreover, a medical coder is primarily responsible for ensuring that the translations are accurate, as this will play a vital factor in processing insurance and receiving treatments. Aside from accuracy, it is also crucial for a medical coder to coordinate with other hospital personnel at all times, especially when there inconsistencies in the records.

On average, medical coders earn higher salaries than records specialists, with a $18,290 difference per year.records specialists and medical coders both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "data entry," "ehr," and "hipaa," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a records specialist is likely to be skilled in "customer service," "office equipment," "word processing," and "database systems," while a typical medical coder is skilled in "cpc," "medical terminology," "icd-10-cm," and "ahima."

Medical coders make a very good living in the health care industry with an average annual salary of $52,925. On the other hand, records specialists are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $37,273.When it comes to education, medical coders tend to earn similar degree levels compared to records specialists. In fact, they're 2.0% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Records specialist vs. Medical biller coder

A medical biller coder is responsible for handling the billing processes and insurance within a hospital, clinic, or similar facility. They must gather patient information and records to analyze and translate them into codes according to the insurance and medical guidelines. Moreover, it is crucial to verify all patient forms and ensure their accuracy as it will serve as a basis on essential documents and medical record-keeping. There may also be instances where a medical biller coder must devise payment plans for patients, communicate with families and guardians, and coordinate with physicians.

Medical biller coders average a higher salary than the annual salary of records specialists. The difference is about $5,483 per year.While their salaries may vary, records specialists and medical biller coders both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "customer service," "data entry," and "ehr. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "office equipment," "word processing," "database systems," and "management system" are skills that commonly show up on records specialist resumes. On the other hand, medical biller coders use skills like patients, medical billing, icd-10, and cpt-4 on their resumes.medical biller coders enjoy the best pay in the professional industry, with an average salary of $39,875. For comparison, records specialists earn the highest salary in the government industry.In general, medical biller coders hold similar degree levels compared to records specialists. Medical biller coders are 3.6% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of records specialist

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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