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What is a release of information specialist and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read
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The job of a release of information specialist is similar to that of a medical records and health information technician. A release of information specialist compiles, processes, maintains and reports medical records of patients. This is done in line with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory standards of the health care system.

They provide different information to the appropriate parties while following specific guidelines and regulations to protect clients' confidentiality. The salary of a release of information specialist ranges from $30,605 to $37,831.

These specialists provide excellent customer service in-person, over the phone, or digitally. The specialist must be proficient with data entry software. Interpersonal, organization, and computer skills are also vital skills a release information specialist must possess. Although a high school diploma is generally required for the job, previous experience in the field may also be required.

ScoreRelease Of Information SpecialistUS Average
Salary
3.6

Avg. Salary $45,891

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level
4.8

Growth rate 11%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity
6.4
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 1.24%

Asian 8.40%

Black or African American 10.63%

Hispanic or Latino 16.43%

Unknown 4.17%

White 59.12%

Gender

female 85.57%

male 14.43%

Age - 46
Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 46
Stress level
4.8

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level
6.0

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance
8.6

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Release of information specialist career paths

Key steps to become a release of information specialist

  1. Explore release of information specialist education requirements

    Most common release of information specialist degrees

    Associate

    35.5 %

    Bachelor's

    31.5 %

    High School Diploma

    13.5 %
  2. Start to develop specific release of information specialist skills

    SkillsPercentages
    Patients24.09%
    HIPAA15.74%
    Customer Service6.05%
    Medical Terminology5.27%
    ROI4.91%
  3. Complete relevant release of information specialist training and internships

    Accountants spend an average of Less than 1 month on post-employment, on-the-job training. New releases of information specialist learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a release of information specialist based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real release of information specialist resumes.
  4. Gain additional release of information specialist certifications

    Release of information specialist certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific release of information specialist certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

    The most common certifications for releases of information specialist include Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) and Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

    More About Certifications
  5. Research release of information specialist duties and responsibilities

    • Manage and track various holds on inventory: ship on quarantine; FDA hold; and quality hold.
    • Apply insurance knowledge to interpret EOB, all manage contracts and fee schedules for physician services and hospital services.
    • Generate reports for managing compliance with Medicaid documentation in support of electronic billing to MCO
    • Deliver customer service to patients and their families regarding access to their medical history information.
  6. Prepare your release of information specialist resume

    When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your release of information specialist resume.

    You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a release of information specialist resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

    Choose from 10+ customizable release of information specialist resume templates

    Build a professional release of information specialist resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your release of information specialist resume.
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
    Release Of Information Specialist Resume
  7. Apply for release of information specialist jobs

    Now it's time to start searching for a release of information specialist job. Consider the tips below for a successful job search:

    1. Browse job boards for relevant postings
    2. Consult your professional network
    3. Reach out to companies you're interested in working for directly
    4. Watch out for job scams

How did you land your first release of information specialist job

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Average release of information specialist salary

The average release of information specialist salary in the United States is $45,891 per year or $22 per hour. Release of information specialist salaries range between $23,000 and $91,000 per year.

Average release of information specialist salary
$45,891 Yearly
$22.06 hourly

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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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