Release of Information Clerk

Job Description

Performs the essential duties and the primary function of Release of Information Clerk. Analyzes requests for incoming requests for patient health information and extracts requested information from medical records to facilitate photocopying for other care facilities, physician offices, attorneys, patients, insurance companies, federal/state intermediaries, and interoffice request. The job is completed according to policies and procedure for confidentiality, patient privacy and release of information. Must use good judgment in releasing information and must be able to explain to the public the Hospital policy on release of information. Assists co-workers with the HIM Department’s incoming telephone calls. Photocopies pertinent portions of patient records for patients being transferred to other care facilities. Responsible for promoting teamwork with co-workers, physicians, and personnel from other departments. Responsible for solving practical problems dealing with a variety of issues and interpreting a variety of instructions furnished in written or oral form. Demonstrates clerical knowledge and judgment necessary to complete the job responsibilities.

SHIFT AND SCHEDULE

Full Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Analyzes incoming requests for patient health information for proper patient authorization and are documented in the Release of Information software and scanned into the proper electronic health record daily while making appropriate decisions and exercising independent judgment. Demonstrates the ability to use the Hospital Information System to enter, verify, pull medical records and update information regarding the location of patient medical records for physicians and ancillary staff.
• Retrieves, copies and delivers pertinent portions of the medical record for transfer of patients to other health care facilities in a timely manner to the designated areas within the hospital.
• Communicates effectively (hear, listen, speak) with co-workers in the Health Information Management Department, physicians, other Health Team members of the Hospital, Administrative Staff, patients, families, and customers.
• Assists in answering incoming telephone calls and directs callers to the correct party.
• Completes annual education, Departmental education competencies and other required training programs.
• Respects and safeguards patient’s rights, confidential information and Hospital information.
• Performs any and all other duties and/or tasks assigned by Supervisor/Director.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• A mental development equivalent to a high school graduation, capable of solving practical problems dealing with a variety of variables.
• Prefer six months to one year previous experience in the Health Information Management Department or related clinical setting.
• Computer keyboarding experience and clerical experience.
• Knowledge of medical terminology helpful, but not required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential responsibility satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual must be able to:

• Stand, walk, sit, stoop, reach, lift, see, speak and hear. Lifting is limited to 35 lbs. for clinical staff and to 50 lbs. for non-clinical staff. The individual must use an assisted-lift device or get another individual(s) to assist with the lift that is over these maximum limits.