HIM Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Medical Records Manager, the HIM Specialist performs a variety of administrative tasks to daily collection of all hospital generated medical records post discharge. Review for accuracy & completeness and ensures the health record is directed to proper channels for compliance. Assigns chart to appropriate locations for completion, charge entry & coding. Will monitor record locations to assure Providers are charting within a timely manner.  Responsible for all Health Network’s Release of Information (ROI).  Provides patients, providers and 3 parties with requested health record information demonstrating professionalism using excellent customer service skills while following Network & HIPAA guidelines.  Charging for ROI according to Network Policy. This position is also responsible for electronic capture of paper health records following Network policies to ensure patients health records are appropriately captured and retrievable in the EMR system.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Daily collection of all paper records post discharge & electronic capture: this function is performed each weekday and is completed by end of shift to allow timely retrieval in the EMR.

Review of each health record to ensure accuracy & completion: this function requires attention to detail to evaluate for any deficiencies.

Monitors incomplete records, communicates with providers & encourages timely completion: this function requires the ability to communicate with providers and clinical staff in a professional manner, education to staff on health record requirements and encouragement of staff & providers to adhere to compliance.

Timely ROI completion & availability: this function requires constant availability to the HIM phone line & patients who present to the lobby for records.  Fax & mail requests are completed on a priority basis with STAT requests as priority, provider requests secondary, patient request tertiary and 3 party requestors as least.  All requests are completed within 7 days.

Monitors the Fax Communications Log: this function is necessary in ensuring that all fax communications from the HIM department are successful.  This is monitored multiple times daily.

Successful & accurate electronic capture of health records: this function requires adherence to Network policy to accurately capture health records to where they are retrievable in the appropriate system image titles & EMR locations.

Follows Network Policy’s and HIPAA Guidelines in protecting PHI: this function is essential in ensuring CHN is compliant in keeping patient records confidential.

Performs other duties as assigned or requested by the Medical Records Manager to support the overall needs of the department, and in accordance with Curry Health Network’s Mission, Vision and Shared Values.

SHARED VALUES

Accountability – we will take personal ownership of our actions. We follow safety policies and employ safe practices. We identify and report safety hazards promptly, work together to isolate risks and apply remedies as needed.

Compassion – we will be empathetic, respectful, courteous, and kind in our relationships with our patients and each other.

Excellence – we will distinguish ourselves by continuing to improve quality in all that we do. We display attitudes and mannerisms which demonstrate to our community that we are sensitive to their physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. We strive to become the best we can be in our roles.

Integrity – we will be honest and act in the best interest of our patients and community.

Stewardship – we will use our resources for the highest and best purposes of the community.

Teamwork – we will be united in our efforts to achieve our goal of quality patient care, seeking opportunities to assist each other, and appreciating equally the contributions of all.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education & Experience

A High School Diploma or GED equivalent is required.

Previous experience working with Medical Records or in healthcare preferred.

Previous experience working in an office setting preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Prior experience using a personal computer, multiline telephone, fax machine and document scanner is required.

Must be able to type at least 35 words per minute.

Must demonstrate a proven ability to multitask with attention to detail.

Must have demonstrated excellent customer service skills.

Must have knowledge and demonstrate an understanding of HIPAA privacy laws and rules and the importance they play when working in healthcare.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

 Physical Demands

On-the-job time is spent in the following physical activities:

Up to 1/3 of the time: Stand, Walk, Push/Pull, Stoop/Kneel/Crouch/Crawl

Up 2/3 of the time and more: Talk or Hear, Sit, Use Hands, Reach w/hands & arms

This job requires that weight be lifted, or force be exerted as follows:

Up to 1/3 of the time: up to 50 pounds

This job has special vision requirements as follows:

Close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

This job requires exposure to the following environmental conditions: none

The typical noise level for the work environment is: quiet to moderate noise

Hearing requirements: ability to hear alarms on equipment and instructions.

This job requires the following repetitive motion actions:

From 3 – 4 hours per day: grasping firm/heavy, grasping simple/light, repetitive use of hands fine dexterity