Medical Records Director Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the healthcare industry, the importance of the Medical Records Director has never been more pronounced.

As the field of healthcare evolves, the demand for skilled professionals who can oversee, organize, and safeguard our medical records becomes increasingly critical.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Medical Records Director?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker seeking to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager attempting to define the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the nuances of managing medical records,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable Medical Records Director job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Medical Records Director Duties and Responsibilities

Medical Records Directors are in charge of managing and maintaining all patient records within a healthcare setting.

They are responsible for ensuring that all records are accurate, secure, and promptly accessible when needed.

The following are the duties and responsibilities of a Medical Records Director:

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the medical records department
• Ensure the accuracy and security of all patient records
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures for record keeping
• Ensure compliance with legal requirements, including HIPAA and state regulations
• Train staff members in records management and privacy law procedures
• Manage the transition from paper to electronic health records
• Conduct regular audits of the medical records system
• Collaborate with other department heads to improve patient care and efficiency
• Respond to requests for medical records from patients, lawyers, and insurance companies
• Implement new technologies to improve the storage and retrieval of medical records
• Manage the budget of the medical records department
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends and advancements

 

Medical Records Director Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a highly organized and responsible Medical Records Director to join our team.

In this role, you will be tasked with managing the efficient and secure handling of patient medical records.

This includes overseeing record keeping processes, ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations, and managing a team of Medical Records Clerks.

Our ideal candidate has a strong understanding of data management, electronic health records systems, and regulatory compliance.

You should also be skilled in managing and leading a team.

 

Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the medical records department operations
• Implement and monitor policies and procedures to ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards
• Ensure proper organization, storage and retrieval of records
• Lead and supervise a team of Medical Records Clerks
• Train staff on records management procedures and policies
• Handle patient requests for medical records
• Regularly audit records for accuracy and completeness
• Liaise with healthcare providers, administrators, and IT personnel to ensure smooth operations
• Oversee the transition to electronic health records systems, if necessary

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Medical Records Director or similar role in healthcare data management
• Understanding of medical terminology and health information management practices
• Familiarity with electronic health records systems
• Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations related to medical records and patient privacy
• Excellent organizational and leadership skills
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management or related field
• Certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or similar is preferred

 

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Continuing education and professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Medical Records Director
• Work Environment: This role is primarily based in a healthcare facility with regular office hours. Some travel may be required for training or industry events.
• Reporting Structure: The Medical Records Director reports to the Hospital Administrator or similar executive role.
• Salary: Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Medical Records Director Do?

A Medical Records Director is a healthcare professional who oversees the department responsible for maintaining patient health records in a medical facility.

Their main task is to ensure that all patient data, including diagnoses, medical histories, treatments, and test results, are accurately and securely recorded.

They are also responsible for ensuring the facility’s compliance with all federal and state laws concerning health information.

They often manage other staff, such as Medical Records Clerks and Health Information Technicians, in the daily operations, such as coding, filing, and retrieving medical records.

They also implement and supervise electronic health record systems, ensuring that they function properly and are accessible to authorized personnel.

They might work closely with IT departments to troubleshoot system problems and develop solutions.

Medical Records Directors often conduct audits of medical records for accuracy and completeness, and work with medical staff to correct any errors or deficiencies.

They may also develop, implement and oversee policies for the release of information from medical records, ensuring patient privacy and confidentiality are upheld.

Furthermore, they also contribute to the facility’s goal of providing high-quality healthcare by ensuring data is available for medical research and quality assessment.

 

Medical Records Director Qualifications and Skills

A Medical Records Director should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Comprehensive understanding of medical terminology, coding, health information management, and healthcare regulations.
• Strong knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems, and the ability to manage, implement, and train staff on these systems.
• Excellent organizational skills to manage and oversee the accurate and efficient storage, accessibility, and confidentiality of patient records.
• Leadership skills to supervise a team of health information technicians, ensuring they comply with legal and ethical standards for patient recordkeeping.
• Ability to review medical records for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with regulations using attention to detail.
• Communication skills to liaise with healthcare providers, administrators, and IT professionals, and to respond to inquiries regarding medical records.
• Problem-solving skills to address and resolve issues related to data management and recordkeeping.
• Strong knowledge of privacy laws and regulations, especially the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

 

Medical Records Director Experience Requirements

Medical Records Directors typically need to have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or a related field, although a master’s degree is often preferred.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through an internship or part-time role in a health information management department or a medical records department.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience often have this experience in roles such as Medical Records Technician, Health Information Technician, or Health Data Analyst.

At this stage, candidates should possess strong technical skills and in-depth knowledge of medical records systems, data management and privacy laws.

Those with more than 5 years of experience should have gained considerable experience in managing teams and have an understanding of strategic planning, budgeting and compliance.

They may have served in roles such as Medical Records Manager or Health Information Manager.

Additional certifications, such as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Certified Professional in Health Information Management (CPHIM), can add to the credibility and expertise of the candidate, and these are often desired in a Medical Records Director.

 

Medical Records Director Education and Training Requirements

Medical Records Directors typically have a bachelor’s degree in health information management, healthcare administration or a related field.

In addition to this, they must have a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification, which is obtained by passing an exam administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in health information management or a related field, as this can indicate a deeper understanding of medical records, regulatory compliance, and healthcare management.

Furthermore, Medical Records Directors need to be proficient in medical coding systems, such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT).

They should also be familiar with electronic health records systems and health information management software.

Continuing education is essential for Medical Records Directors due to the constantly evolving nature of healthcare regulations, technology, and best practices.

Therefore, many choose to participate in ongoing training and professional development courses.

The combination of formal education, certification, and continuous learning helps to ensure that Medical Records Directors are well-prepared for the complex, dynamic nature of their role.

 

Medical Records Director Salary Expectations

A Medical Records Director earns an average salary of $76,289 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary based on factors such as experience, qualifications, and location.

The type and size of the healthcare facility can also significantly impact the salary.

 

Medical Records Director Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Medical Records Director need?

Medical Records Directors should possess strong organizational and management skills due to the volume of information they handle.

They should have a strong understanding of medical terminology, healthcare laws and coding systems.

Having good communication skills is also important as they often liaise with other healthcare professionals.

Knowledge of electronic health records systems and IT skills are also critical.

 

Do Medical Records Directors need a degree?

Yes, a bachelor’s degree in health information management or a related field is often required.

Many employers also prefer candidates who are Registered Health Information Administrators (RHIA) or have other relevant professional certifications.

A master’s degree in health administration or a related field can be beneficial for advancement.

 

What should you look for in a Medical Records Director resume?

Apart from the necessary academic qualifications and certifications, look for experience in health information management.

Experience with electronic health records systems, health informatics, and data management is a plus.

Leadership experience is also crucial as this role often requires overseeing a team.

 

What qualities make a good Medical Records Director?

A good Medical Records Director is detail-oriented, ensuring accuracy in the records they manage.

They are knowledgeable about healthcare laws and regulations, particularly those concerning patient privacy and data security.

They should be excellent leaders, capable of guiding a team, and have strong problem-solving abilities to handle any issues that may arise with health records.

 

What are the daily duties of a Medical Records Director?

On a typical day, a Medical Records Director may be involved in managing patient data, updating and maintaining electronic health records systems, and ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and regulations.

They often interact with other healthcare professionals to clarify information or request additional details.

They also oversee their team, ensuring they are effectively managing and organizing records.

Meeting with senior management to discuss improvements or updates to the health records system is also a common task.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve delved into the intricate world of being a Medical Records Director.

And guess what?

It’s not just about filing and retrieving medical records.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient record at a time.

With our reliable Medical Records Director job description template and authentic examples, you’re all set to forge ahead.

But why stop there?

Take it a step further with our job description generator. It’s your go-to resource for creating precise job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every patient record forms a part of a larger health narrative.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

How to Become a Medical Records Director (Complete Guide)

Work Without Limits: The Most Flexible Jobs for Limitless Potential

The Career Quicksand: The Most Hated Jobs You Want to Escape

Beyond the Stress Horizon: The Intensity of These Careers!

Odd Occupations: The Weirdest Jobs on the Planet