Career Spotlight: What Does a Records Administrator Do?

A friendly female records administrator at the reception office after completing her medical office administrator training

What does a records administrator do? If you’re considering medical office administrator training at Discovery Community College (DCC), this might be one of the career paths that interest you.

In healthcare, managing medical records is critical for ensuring that patient data is well-organized, secure, and easily accessible to authorized personnel. Records administrators are central to this process, making them indispensable in medical facilities.

Let’s explore the day-to-day responsibilities of this role and why it could be a fulfilling career choice for those completing medical office administrator training.

What Does a Records Administrator Do? Managing Patient Information

So, what does a records administrator do? A key responsibility of a records administrator is managing patient health records. This includes ensuring that all patient information is accurately recorded and stored. The role involves organizing various documents, from medical histories and test results to treatment plans and insurance details.

As part of DCC’s medical office administrator training, you’ll learn how to manage paper-based and electronic health records (EHRs), giving you the skills to thrive in modern healthcare environments. You’ll also be trained to update records quickly, ensuring healthcare providers can access the most up-to-date patient information.

So, what does a records administrator do to ensure compliance with privacy laws? Let’s explore.

A smiling female records administrator accessing patients’ electronic health records in an office at the hospital after completing her medical office administrator training
DCC’s medical office administrator training thoroughly equips you to manage health records.

Ensuring Compliance With Privacy Laws

Medical records contain highly sensitive personal information, which means a key part of a records administrator’s job is ensuring that data is kept confidential and secure.

This role involves being familiar with legal regulations such as PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) in Canada, which are crucial for preventing data breaches and maintaining trust with patients and healthcare providers.

In addition to confidentiality, records administrators play a vital role in maintaining data accuracy. Let’s explore how they ensure all patient information is up-to-date and error-free.

Maintaining Data Accuracy

Accurate records are crucial in healthcare. A small mistake in a patient’s file could lead to misdiagnoses or incorrect treatments, so records administrators must be detail-oriented. Their job is to ensure that every entry is correct, whether it’s updating medication lists, recording test results, or noting changes in treatment plans.

Medical office administrator training highlights the importance of attention to detail, cross-checking information, and verifying data before it’s added to a patient’s file. These skills are essential for maintaining accurate medical records. Equally important is the ability to implement and manage record-keeping systems, a key responsibility of records administrators.

A female records administrator helping a male patient fill out a patient form in a hospital after completing her medical office administrator training
Records administrators are taught to be detail-oriented in medical office administrator training.

Implementing Record-Keeping Systems

A records administrator is responsible for maintaining patient data systems, especially as facilities transition to digital records. As part of Discovery Community College’s Medical Office training, you’ll gain hands-on experience during a practicum placement, where you’ll develop practical competencies in managing medical record systems.

This expertise in managing record-keeping systems ensures smooth data management and directly impacts the efficiency of healthcare teams. By maintaining organized and accessible records, records administrators play a crucial role in supporting healthcare providers.

Mastering patient information, privacy laws, record-keeping systems, and supporting healthcare teams are just a few of the essential skills you’ll develop as a records administrator. With Discovery Community College’s comprehensive training, you’ll be well-prepared to step confidently into this critical role in healthcare.

Jumpstart Your Career with Discovery Community College

With Discovery Community College’s hands-on training and flexible learning options, you can gain the skills needed for a rewarding career in healthcare or business. With over 35 years of success, we’ve built strong community partnerships and are recognized by the Private Training Institutions Branch of British Columbia.

Join the ranks of successful graduates who have turned their passion into a profession in just over a year—your new career awaits!

Are you looking for comprehensive medical office administrator courses?

Contact DCC for more information.

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