Medical Records and Health Information Technicians

Job Zone

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.

Tasks

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.95
Review records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations.92
Scan patients' health records into electronic formats.91
Resolve or clarify codes or diagnoses with conflicting, missing, or unclear information by consulting with doctors or others or by participating in the coding team's regular meetings.89
Release information to persons or agencies according to regulations.88
Enter data, such as demographic characteristics, history and extent of disease, diagnostic procedures, or treatment into computer.86
Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.86
Identify, compile, abstract, and code patient data, using standard classification systems.86
Maintain or operate a variety of health record indexes or storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, or analyze information.85
Process patient admission or discharge documents.85
Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel.82
Assign the patient to diagnosis-related groups (DRGs), using appropriate computer software.82

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Process and prepare business or government forms.77
Consult classification manuals to locate information about disease processes.73
Transcribe medical reports.69
Schedule medical appointments for patients.68

Skills

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

Reading Comprehension66
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Critical Thinking60
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Active Listening56
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking53
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Time Management53
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Writing53
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Learning50
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Complex Problem Solving50
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making50
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Monitoring50
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Service Orientation50
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Social Perceptiveness50
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

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Coordination47
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
Learning Strategies44
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Persuasion41
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Instructing38
Teaching others how to do something.
Negotiation38
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
Systems Analysis35
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
Systems Evaluation35
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
Management of Financial Resources31
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
Management of Material Resources31
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
Management of Personnel Resources31
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
Mathematics31
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Quality Control Analysis25
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operations Monitoring22
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Programming16
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
Technology Design13
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
Troubleshooting13
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Operations Analysis6
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
Equipment Maintenance0
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Equipment Selection0
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
Installation0
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Operation and Control0
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Repairing0
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Science0
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.

Knowledge

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

Administrative81
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
English Language77
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Customer and Personal Service75
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Computers and Electronics63
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Administration and Management58
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Communications and Media48
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Public Safety and Security47
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Education and Training43
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Personnel and Human Resources42
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
Law and Government39
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
Medicine and Dentistry36
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Economics and Accounting35
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

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Telecommunications35
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mathematics34
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Engineering and Technology25
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Therapy and Counseling25
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Sales and Marketing24
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Psychology22
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Production and Processing21
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Sociology and Anthropology20
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Transportation19
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
Biology15
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
Philosophy and Theology12
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
Foreign Language9
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
Mechanical8
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Chemistry7
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Food Production6
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Geography6
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
Fine Arts4
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
Design3
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
History and Archeology3
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
Physics2
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.

Abilities

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

Written Comprehension72
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Oral Comprehension69
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision66
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Category Flexibility63
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
Information Ordering63
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Oral Expression60
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Speech Recognition56
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
Written Expression56
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Deductive Reasoning53
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Selective Attention53
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
Speech Clarity53
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Inductive Reasoning50
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

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Problem Sensitivity47
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Perceptual Speed41
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
Flexibility of Closure38
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
Fluency of Ideas35
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Auditory Attention31
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
Manual Dexterity31
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
Memorization31
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
Originality31
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Speed of Closure31
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
Arm-Hand Steadiness28
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
Control Precision28
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
Trunk Strength28
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
Visualization28
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
Finger Dexterity25
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Mathematical Reasoning25
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Number Facility25
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
Visual Color Discrimination25
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
Hearing Sensitivity22
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
Depth Perception16
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
Dynamic Strength16
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
Stamina16
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
Explosive Strength13
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
Gross Body Coordination13
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
Gross Body Equilibrium13
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
Dynamic Flexibility3
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Extent Flexibility3
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
Multilimb Coordination3
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
Rate Control3
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
Reaction Time3
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
Response Orientation3
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
Spatial Orientation3
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
Speed of Limb Movement3
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
Static Strength3
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
Glare Sensitivity0
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
Night Vision0
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Peripheral Vision0
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
Sound Localization0
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.

Work Activities

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

Getting Information93
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Working with Computers88
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates80
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships77
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Documenting/Recording Information76
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards73
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events73
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems72
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge71
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Developing and Building Teams70
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work70
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Processing Information69
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

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Analyzing Data or Information65
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization60
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Performing Administrative Activities59
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings58
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Assisting and Caring for Others56
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Training and Teaching Others54
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others52
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others47
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
Scheduling Work and Activities47
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public46
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Developing Objectives and Strategies42
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others41
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Coaching and Developing Others40
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information40
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates40
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People40
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials38
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Thinking Creatively38
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others35
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
Handling and Moving Objects33
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Monitoring and Controlling Resources29
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Performing General Physical Activities26
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Selling or Influencing Others26
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Staffing Organizational Units24
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
Controlling Machines and Processes19
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment14
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment10
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment9
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment8
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Work Styles

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

Attention to Detail100
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
Dependability88
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Integrity77
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
Cautiousness72
A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.
Cooperation54
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
Stress Tolerance39
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
Achievement Orientation36
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
Self-Control36
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
Adaptability33
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
Perseverance31
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
Sincerity28
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
Intellectual Curiosity26
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.

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Humility21
A tendency to be modest and humble when interacting with others at work.
Initiative20
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
Empathy11
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
Self-Confidence11
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
Optimism7
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
Social Orientation6
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
Tolerance for Ambiguity3
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.

Interests (RIASEC)

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

Conventional99
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Investigative56
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Social40
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
Realistic31
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
Enterprising15
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
Artistic0
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

Work Context

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

E-Mail
- Every day88%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day89%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
Telephone Conversations
- Every day79%
- Once a week or more but not every day20%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important72%
- Very important27%
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important78%
- Very important12%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom43%
- Some freedom49%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important48%
- Very important43%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day78%
- Never12%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others47%
- Contact with others most of the time35%
- Contact with others about half the time17%
Time Pressure
- Every day37%
- Once a week or more but not every day53%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- Some freedom71%
- Limited freedom25%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually55%
- Never19%

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Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day43%
- Once a week or more but not every day19%
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Never18%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually30%
- More than half the time26%
- About half the time25%
- Less than half the time17%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important24%
- Very important35%
- Important20%
- Fairly important13%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results23%
- Important results33%
- Moderate results27%
- No results11%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility23%
- High responsibility12%
- Moderate responsibility43%
- Limited responsibility21%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important16%
- Very important45%
- Important11%
- Not important at all18%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours19%
- 40 hours79%
Written Letters and Memos
- Every day20%
- Once a week or more but not every day35%
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never11%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Very high responsibility34%
- High responsibility19%
- Limited responsibility33%
- No responsibility13%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Every day22%
- Once a week or more but not every day29%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never17%
Physical Proximity
- Moderately close (at arm's length)19%
- Slightly close (e.g., shared office)61%
- I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)19%
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- More than half the time19%
- About half the time33%
- Less than half the time33%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Continually or almost continually11%
- More than half the time15%
- About half the time19%
- Less than half the time52%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive32%
- Slightly competitive48%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week45%
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day17%
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never30%
Spend Time Standing
- About half the time17%
- Less than half the time63%
Consequence of Error
- Very serious27%
- Serious26%
- Fairly serious16%
- Not serious at all30%
Degree of Automation
- Moderately automated39%
- Slightly automated28%
- Not at all automated26%
Conflict Situations
- Every day14%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never38%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Once a week or more but not every day27%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never52%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Every day18%
- Never64%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- More than half the time12%
- Less than half the time44%
- Never43%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time40%
- Never49%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month24%
- Never58%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never69%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Once a year or more but not every month20%
- Never65%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Every day11%
- Once a year or more but not every month11%
- Never78%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Not important at all83%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never73%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Never89%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time11%
- Never81%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month26%
- Never74%
Outdoors, Under Cover
- Never89%
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Never90%
Exposed to High Places
- Never91%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never97%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Never94%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never95%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never100%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never99%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Work Schedules
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)100%

Typical Education Levels Reported

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

High school diploma or equivalent
Post-secondary certificate
Some college, no degree

Technology Skills

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

Medical software
eClinicalWorks EHR software, Epic Systems, Henry Schein Dentrix, MEDITECH software
Desktop communications software
Eko
Data base user interface and query software
Encoded archival system EAD, Microsoft Access, Microsoft SQL Server, Structured query language SQL
Document management software
Hyland Software OnBase, IDX Systems Patient Chart Tracking, Microsoft SharePoint, SoftMed ChartReserve
Categorization or classification software
3M Encoder, American Medical Association CodeManager, Computerized indexing systems, DRG grouping software
Voice recognition software
Cyber Records MediChart Express, ScanSoft Naturally Speaking, Speech recognition software, Voice dictation software
Business intelligence and data analysis software
IBM Cognos Impromptu, MicroStrategy, Qlik Tech QlikView, Tableau
Analytical or scientific software
IBM SPSS Statistics, Minitab, SAS, StataCorp Stata
Electronic mail software
Email software, Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook
Accounting software
NDCMedisoft, QMSoftware Receivables Management, Siemens Soarian Financials
Data base reporting software
Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS, SAP Crystal Reports, SoftMed ChartRelease
Calendar and scheduling software
MD Synergy Medical Appointment Scheduling, Scheduling software, Siemens Soarian Scheduling
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel
Development environment software
Microsoft Visual Basic, Microsoft Visual Basic Scripting Edition VBScript
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics, SAP Business Objects
Office suite software
Corel WordPerfect Office Suite, Microsoft Office software
Metadata management software
Quest Erwin Data Modeler
Optical character reader OCR or scanning software
Scantron imaging software
Expert system software
Information Resource Products Clinical Coding Expert
Graphics or photo imaging software
Graphics software
Enterprise application integration software
IBM InfoSphere DataStage
Operating system software
Microsoft Windows
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Network security and virtual private network VPN equipment software
Virtual private networking VPN software
Data base management system software
Teradata Database
Transaction security and virus protection software
Encoder software
Object or component oriented development software
R
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Project management software
Microsoft Project
Billing and invoicing software
Billing software
Process mapping and design software
Microsoft Visio
Information retrieval or search software
Coding database software

Professional Associations

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

Related Occupations

Detailed Work Activities

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

Maintain security.
Monitor medical facility activities to ensure adherence to standards or regulations.
Perform clerical work in medical settings.
Process healthcare paperwork.
Communicate with management or other staff to resolve problems.
Enter patient or treatment data into computers.
Code data or other information.
Collect medical information from patients, family members, or other medical professionals.
Record patient medical histories.
Maintain medical facility records.
Classify materials according to standard systems.
Prepare official health documents or records.

Show all 15 →

Maintain medical or professional knowledge.
Schedule appointments.
Schedule patient procedures or appointments.

Apprenticeship Occupations

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

Health Information Management Hospital Coder
Medical Coder (Alternate Title: Patient Administration Specialist)
Medical Record and Health Information Technician/Medical Coders
Professional Fee Coder

This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology