Health Information Management | Director (Full time)

Job Summary:

Gritman Medical Center is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Health Information Management (HIM) Director to lead our department in a critical access hospital setting. Reporting directly to the Chief Financial Officer, the HIM Director will oversee all aspects of health information management, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and supporting the organization’s mission of delivering excellent patient care. This is a leadership role that requires expertise in coding, medical record management, financial oversight, and staff mentorship. The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset, outstanding interpersonal skills, and a commitment to driving continuous improvement in the HIM department.

Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management

• Provide strategic direction and day-to-day management of the HIM department.
• Supervise all functions, including record completion, transcription, coding, abstracting, and maintenance of filing systems.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Serve as a mentor and role model, fostering a culture of professionalism and collaboration.

Operational Oversight

• Ensure compliance with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Manage departmental budgets, including development and ongoing evaluation.
• Oversee procurement and maintenance of supplies, equipment, and vendor contracts.
• Conduct staff training and maintain competency evaluations.

Coding & Data Management

• Supervise inpatient and outpatient coding, ensuring accuracy and adherence to DRG and physician coding standards.
• Manage electronic health record (EHR) systems and ensure proper data integrity.
• Monitor and report HIM performance metrics and audit results.

Collaboration & Quality Improvement

• Actively participate in hospital-wide performance improvement teams and initiatives.
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams to enhance data accuracy and usability.
• Serve as the department’s liaison with other hospital leaders, vendors, and regulatory bodies.

Requirements:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree required (may substitute with 10 years of relevant experience).

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years inpatient coding/DRG experience with thorough knowledge of physician coding.
• Medical record supervisory experience in healthcare, hospital, or clinic settings.
• Proven leadership and management experience with the ability to guide a diverse team.
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and database applications.

Skills & Abilities:

• Exceptional organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze complex issues objectively and make sound decisions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a talent for conflict resolution and problem-solving.
• Familiarity with current trends, standards, and regulatory requirements in health information management.

Preferred Qualifications:

• One of the following coding credentials, recognized by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and/or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC):
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
  • Certified Coder Specialist – Physician (CSS-P) with appropriate level of experience.
• RHIA or RHIT certification strongly preferred.
• Experience in critical access hospitals or rural healthcare settings

Benefits Offered:

• Comprehensive Health Care Coverage: Enjoy access to top-tier medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans, all conveniently provided through our extensive network of trusted local providers.
• Secure Retirement Plans: Participate in our Roth/401k retirement plans with employer matching, securing your financial future and retirement goals.
• Championing Work-Life Balance: Benefit from flexible schedules and a supportive environment that values your well-being, allowing you to maintain a healthy balance between work and life.
• Time Off Benefits: Ample time off, providing you with the necessary time to recharge and attend to personal and family needs.
• Student Loan Forgiveness: As a non-profit organization, time spent at Gritman Medical Center qualifies you for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.
• Rewarding Excellence: Earn extra compensation for achieving advanced credentials and specialized certifications, demonstrating your commitment to professional growth and expertise.
• Competitive Compensation: Receive competitive market-based pay that recognizes your skills and experience.
• Professional Development Opportunities: Engage in on-site classes, seminars, and skills fairs to enhance your knowledge and skills, fostering continuous growth and advancement.