What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Information Management Specialist position at Southwest Community Health Center?
Summary: Southwest HIM Specialist is responsible for accurately releasing
medical records/health information pursuant to requests from various sources, according to Southwest policies and HIPAA regulations. The HIM Specialist will work directly with the Director of Health Information Management (HIM) along with the HIM team.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: All duties are subject to accommodation in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Analyze health record requests for validity (patient’s identity and/or legal authorized representative)
- Review requested health information, to determine proper access and/or release.
- When appropriate, redaction of highly sensitive PHI prior to release of health information.
- All questionable requests are to be directed to Director of HIM.
- Receives incoming phone calls and assists with “in-person” requests.
- Knowledgeable in all applicable Southwest policies that apply to confidentiality, release of information, HIPAA.
- Ensures accurate retrieval of patient information, within the various locations of the official EHR system.
- Coordinate activities related to releasing records pursuant to subpoenas and/or court orders.
- Logs all requests into appropriate databases (PHI Log)
- Retrieves paper records for scanning, copying, or document capture as needed, to fulfill requests.
- Produces copies of records in appropriate electronic, CD, or paper format, as requested.
- Achieves and maintains established accuracy and productivity standards.
- Achieves the organization's expectations regarding customer service, teamwork, and self-development.
- Responsible for scanning documents into health record, as needed.
- Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.
- Occasionally travels between offices for training and releasing of health information.
- Fulfills other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrates ability to follow policies and procedures and ability to perform computer functions in both windows and web-based environments.
- proficient use of standard office equipment: computers, Microsoft products, and copier, scanner, fax, printer.
- Demonstrates attention to detail and quality, strong interpersonal skills; team-oriented, and highly organize and able to prioritize tasks.
- Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written)
- Medical terminology and prior medical office or hospital experience preferred.
- Prior customer service experience preferred.
Education:
- High School Diploma or GED
Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with staff.
The physical requirements and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This position requires the manual dexterity sufficient to operate phones, computers, and other office equipment. The position requires the physical ability to kneel, bend and perform light lifting. This person must have the ability to write and speak clearly using the English language to convey information and be able to hear at normal speaking levels both in person and over the telephone. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. Generally, the working conditions are good with little or no exposure to extremes in health, safety hazards and/or hazardous materials. This person must have the ability to travel as required to work with staff.
