RELEASE OF INFORMATION SPECIALIST - HIM

Job Summary: 

Under the direction and supervision of the Health Information Manager, assists in leading procedures of Release of Information in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation.  This includes participating in, identifying the need for, and executing quality and performance improvement activities, oversight of applicable procedures and their implementation, and leading teams with related duties.  Ensures all requests are valid and are acted upon within the required timeframe, but without any unreasonable delay, in accordance with policies, procedures, regulations, and legislation. 

Job Responsibilities:

1. Appropriately obtains written authorization, request to access, or court order as required to release medical information.
2. Receives, logs, and maintains a record of all requests from outside sources seeking information about patients including, but not limited to, compliance/risk, attorney, Revenue Systems, insurance companies, Social Security Administration, private physicians, and other health care facilities. 
3. Assists patients and/or families who come in personally with written or verbal requests to release information or who makes requests to review and/or have copies of their entire or portions of their medical records.
4. Responds to internal and external requests for the Release of Information contained in medical records, copying medical records, and selective extracts in accordance with laws and regulations.
5. Maintains knowledge of the hospital’s automated and paper record to ensure the proper release of information.
6. Prepares the record for shipment, including the processing of invoices for payment purposes.
7. Ensures that invoices are collected in a secure manner and properly documented and logged.
8. Responds to request for information with appropriate letter for those instances where the request is unable to be completed.  (i.e. Unclear request, no patient, or the need for additional information)
9. Maintains current knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding Release of Information and informs Health Information Manager of any changes.
10. Presents clear and concise explanation of applicable federal and state laws regarding Release of Information and monitors processes to ensure organizational adaptation and compliance of the applicable laws.
11. Utilizes various software and programs related to Health Information operations including, but not limited to, incomplete record tracking, accounting of disclosures, and patient index maintenance systems.  
12. Follows departmental procedures for tracking, trending, or documenting various metrics which may include, but not limited to, shared folders, One Note notebooks, or Excel files.
13. Provides support to the Health Information Manager with time and attendance, productivity, PTO approval, and reprioritization of workloads for staff.
14. Routinely informs Health Information Manager regarding staff productivity, quality, and accomplishments of work loads.
15. Collaborates with the Health Information Manager on the development, maintenance, and execution of procedure guides.
16. Collaborates with the Health Information Manager to provide cross-training or re-training to staff and new-hire training. 
17. Engages with all coworkers to assess the department needs, completing any necessary side work or providing coverage of other tasks on a routine basis or as needed/requested to ensure deadlines are met.
18. Assists in coordination of information management planning, Joint Commission, and other accreditation or regulatory compliance in cooperation with other hospital departments.
19. Provides computer systems support and expertise to other departments as needed.
20. Collaborates with the IT Support Analyst under the direction and supervision of the Health Information Manager to ensure system is maintained and upgraded timely.
21. Maintains strict confidentiality of information pertaining to patients, employees, departments, and hospital operations.

Education Requirements and Other Requirements:

                Education Level:

Associate Degree or Higher.

Certification/Licensure: 

RHIT or RHIA preferred

Experience Requirements: 

Two or more years of experience in Health Information Management preferred

Computer application and critical analytical thinking

Ability to work well under stress or tight deadlines

Ability to remain flexible to changing systems and processes

Skills in collecting, interpreting, and analyzing of health information

Experience with management functions of planning, directing, organizing, and staffing preferred

Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong personal interaction skills