HIM Operations Specialist I

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures, safeguards, and protects patient privacy by staying current with Federal and State Regulations and organization policies regarding privacy, confidentiality, and release of information for continuing care, insurance, patient, and social security disability requests.
• Receives requests, validates authorization legality, and identifies requester type.
• Ensures all releases of information comply with the request, authorization, policies, and State and Federal HIPAA regulations and guidelines.
• Logs requests into the Release of Information tracking system using OnBase and EPIC.
• Scans authorizations into the release module according to documented processes.
• Identifies and accurately selects appropriate patient information from the legal health record and designated record set to process requests and comply with State and Federal regulations.
• Locates and ensures imported or scanned EHR information not available via the release module is included in the request as appropriate.
• Reviews scanned documentation for accuracy prior to release and reports any improperly scanned documentation.
• Releases records in the requested format, creating electronic files for export to CDs, e-mail, patient portal, or requester portals.
• Follows rules regarding cyber security for encrypting electronic communication, CDs, and e-mail.
• Provides customer service, ensuring understanding of customer requests, and assists with status updates, request procedures, and process explanations.
• Performs clerical functions including answering phones, copying, faxing, distributing mail, and ordering/delivering department or facility supplies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent
• OnBase
• EPIC
• Microsoft Office products
• Electronic mail and/or electronic health information record systems

Qualifications

• 0-1 years of experience in healthcare or customer service.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Strong ethical skills to handle confidential information with integrity.
• Strong research skills to identify appropriate PHI in historical and current patient records.
• Excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills.
• Ability to adapt to and accurately work with new technology and artificial intelligence.
• Strong understanding of cyber security risks and proper reporting.
• Ability to meet or exceed department quality and productivity expectations.
• Advanced computer skills including proficient keyboarding skills.
• Ability to read and comprehend medical terminology, human anatomy, and disease processes, and/or state and federal regulations related to HIPAA and release of medical information.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions with good judgment.
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills, including the ability to handle difficult situations.
• Ability to prioritize workload, multi-task, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with time constraints.
• High attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Experience

• Experience in customer service, release of information, health information management, or healthcare billing.
• Ability to read and comprehend medical terminology, human anatomy, and disease processes, and state and federal regulations related to HIPAA and release of medical information.