Health Information Management Clerk

Career Guide

A Health Information Management Clerk helps keep patient records accurate, secure, and easy to find. The role supports clinical teams, billing teams, and compliance needs by organizing documents, updating record systems, and following privacy rules.

Browse All Roles

Key Responsibilities

Receive and sort incoming patient documents
Scan and index paper records into electronic systems
Update patient demographic information
File and retrieve medical records for care teams
Check records for completeness and missing information
Respond to record requests from patients and approved third parties
Support release of information workflows
Track record requests and turnaround times
Follow privacy and confidentiality rules
Report errors or duplicate records for correction
Coordinate with clinical staff to resolve documentation gaps
Maintain secure storage for paper and digital records

Top Skills for Success

Attention to Detail

Written Communication

Customer Service

Time Management

Organization

Confidentiality

Medical Terminology

Privacy Compliance

Records Management

Data Entry

Document Scanning

Electronic Health Record Navigation

Career Progression

Can Lead To

Health Information Technician

Release of Information Specialist

Medical Records Coordinator

Patient Access Specialist

Billing Support Specialist

Transition Opportunities

Health Information Management Analyst

Compliance Specialist

Clinical Documentation Specialist

Revenue Cycle Specialist

Health Information Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills

Electronic Health Record ProficiencyRelease of Information ProcessingMedical TerminologyQuality Checking for Record CompletenessPrivacy Compliance KnowledgeBasic Reporting Skills

Development SuggestionsBuild familiarity with common record workflows, practice accurate indexing, and learn privacy rules used in healthcare. Ask to shadow release of information tasks and record quality checks. Strengthen speed and accuracy in data entry and scanning.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range

Entry Level$32,000 to $40,000

Mid Level$40,000 to $50,000

Senior Level$50,000 to $62,000

Growth Trend

Steady demand. Hiring remains consistent across hospitals, clinics, and health systems as records move to digital formats and privacy requirements increase.

Companies Hiring

Major Employers

HCA HealthcareKaiser PermanenteCommonSpirit HealthAscensionTenet HealthcareVeterans Health AdministrationUnitedHealth GroupCVS HealthLabcorpQuest Diagnostics

Industry Sectors

HospitalsOutpatient clinicsMedical group practicesHealth insuranceGovernment health systemsLaboratoriesLong term care facilitiesHealth information services

Recommended Next Steps

Learn the basics of patient privacy rules used in healthcare

Practice consistent naming and indexing habits for scanned documents

Improve typing speed and accuracy for data entry work

Build comfort navigating electronic health record screens in a training environment

Take an introductory medical terminology course

Create a simple tracking method for record requests and follow ups

Update your resume with measurable outcomes such as volume processed and error reduction

Ask your manager for cross training in release of information and record audits