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Release of information specialist vs medical records clerk

The differences between releases of information specialist and medical records clerks can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 6-12 months to become both a release of information specialist and a medical records clerk. Additionally, a release of information specialist has an average salary of $45,891, which is higher than the $32,491 average annual salary of a medical records clerk.

The top three skills for a release of information specialist include patients, HIPAA and customer service. The most important skills for a medical records clerk are patients, customer service, and data entry.

Release of information specialist vs medical records clerk overview

Release Of Information SpecialistMedical Records Clerk
Yearly salary$45,891$32,491
Hourly rate$22.06$15.62
Growth rate11%11%
Number of jobs68,103129,998
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 29%
Average age4545
Years of experience1212

What does a release of information specialist do?

A release of information specialist is primarily in charge of retrieving and releasing data to qualified recipients while adhering to the guidelines and confidentiality protocols that aim to protect sensitive information. Although the extent of their responsibilities usually depends on their industry or company of employment, it usually includes maintaining records of procedures and transactions, preparing and processing documents, organizing files, producing progress reports to managers, and keeping an eye out for any inconsistencies, resolving them promptly and efficiently.

What does a medical records clerk do?

Medical records clerks are employees in hospitals or clinics who manage office records. They are in charge of creating, updating, and filing patient-related medical records and other related documents. They ensure that all documents are correctly filled out and labeled before storing them safely in their respective storage areas. They may also be in charge of digitizing forms for easier access to files and back up purposes. They ensure that medical records are exact and updated. Medical records clerks should be organized and must always be on top of all tasks related to patient or medical records.

Release of information specialist vs medical records clerk salary

Releases of information specialist and medical records clerks have different pay scales, as shown below.

Release Of Information SpecialistMedical Records Clerk
Average salary$45,891$32,491
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $91,000Between $25,000 And $40,000
Highest paying CityNew York, NYRochester, NY
Highest paying stateConnecticutAlaska
Best paying companyAstraZenecaUniversity of California, Berkeley
Best paying industryInsuranceHealth Care

Differences between release of information specialist and medical records clerk education

There are a few differences between a release of information specialist and a medical records clerk in terms of educational background:

Release Of Information SpecialistMedical Records Clerk
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%Associate Degree, 29%
Most common majorHealth Care AdministrationHealth Care Administration
Most common collegeUniversity of Southern CaliforniaUniversity of Pennsylvania

Release of information specialist vs medical records clerk demographics

Here are the differences between releases of information specialist' and medical records clerks' demographics:

Release Of Information SpecialistMedical Records Clerk
Average age4545
Gender ratioMale, 14.4% Female, 85.6%Male, 13.1% Female, 86.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 16.4% Asian, 8.4% White, 59.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 7.8% White, 60.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.3%
LGBT Percentage9%9%

Differences between release of information specialist and medical records clerk duties and responsibilities

Release of information specialist example 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.
  • Assist clients with choosing a Medicaid HMO.
  • Handle Meditech requests then enter information into Esmartlog.
  • Show more

Medical records clerk example responsibilities.

  • Manage transition from in-house transcription system to outsource transcription service.
  • Manage front office check-in, insurance verification and certifications from doctors.
  • Accept and process healthcare claims and confidential medical records; verify patient eligibility and manage the Medicare and Medicaid billing process.
  • Perform infant labs and update the system with results, triage incoming patients, perform necessary resuscitation to baby and mom.
  • Provide information to medical facilities and patients when necessary and respond to subpoenas and other general release of patient information.
  • Experience in CPT and ICD-10 coding.
  • Show more

Release of information specialist vs medical records clerk skills

Common release of information specialist skills
  • Patients, 24%
  • HIPAA, 16%
  • Customer Service, 6%
  • Medical Terminology, 5%
  • ROI, 5%
  • Hippa, 5%
Common medical records clerk skills
  • Patients, 27%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Data Entry, 7%
  • Medical Terminology, 6%
  • HIPAA, 5%
  • Patient Care, 4%

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