HIM Operations Specialist I

About the Role

This position is responsible for processing basic release of information requests in a timely and efficient manner, ensuring accuracy and providing customers with the highest quality product and customer service. The specialist safeguards and protects the patient's right to privacy by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the patient's medical information and that all releases of information are in compliance with the request, authorization, company policy, and HIPAA regulations.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensures, safeguards, and protects patients' right to privacy by staying current and knowledgeable of all Federal and State Regulations and organization policies regarding privacy, confidentiality, and release of information pertaining to continuing care, insurance, patient, and social security disability requests.
• Receives requests, validates that the authorization meets legal requirements, and identifies requester type. Ensures all releases of information are compliant with the request, authorization, policies, and State and Federal HIPAA regulations and guidelines.
• Logs requests into the Release of Information tracking system utilizing OnBase and EPIC. Scans the authorization into the release module according to documented process.
• Identifies and accurately selects appropriate patient information that is included within the legal health record and designated record set to process the request and to comply with State and Federal regulations.
• Locates and ensures any information that is imported or scanned into the EHR that is not available via the release module is included in the request as appropriate.
• Reviews each page of scanned documentation prior to releasing to ensure there are no incorrect patient documents in the record. Reports any improperly scanned documentation to their leader for correction.
• Releases records in the format requested, creating electronic files to export to CDs, e-mail, the patient portal, or requester portals. Understands potential dangers of lack of cyber security and follows rules around encrypting electronic communication, CDs, and e-mail.
• Provides excellent customer service in a respectful manner, ensures understanding of customer requests and assists them appropriately, including providing status of requests, information on how to request records, and explaining the process.
• Performs clerical functions including answering phones, copying, faxing, distributing mail, and ordering/delivering department or facility supplies.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• OnBase
• EPIC
• EHR
• Microsoft Office products
• Electronic mail
• Electronic health information record systems
• Cyber security

Qualifications

Education

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Experience

• Typically requires 0-1 years of experience in healthcare or customer service.
• Preferred experience in customer service, release of information, health information management, or healthcare billing.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Ability to read and comprehend 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.
• Must have high attention to detail and accuracy.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to a normal office environment.