Health Information Management Technician

SUMMARY: The HIM Tech serves as the custodian of records and is responsible for maintaining the confidentiality, completeness, and accuracy of the medical records in accordance with policies and procedures and within the guidelines of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) guidelines and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The HIM Tech is primarily responsible for responding to request from attorneys, patients, physicians and insurance companies, etc. for copies of the medical record. PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: Serves as the custodian of records. Maintains a working knowledge of HIPAA rules and regulations; disseminate information as appropriate and be able to apply them to day-to-day operations. Maintains working knowledge of LA Medical Records laws. Oversees, manages, and ensures the maintenance and organization of medical records per organizational policies and procedures. Observes confidentiality and safeguards all patient related information. Responsible for coordinating, processing and managing the release of medical information to patients, insurance companies, lawyers, state, federal agencies., etc. Responsible for processing of subpoenas and court orders. Responsible for coordinating, processing and managing patient form (i.e., disability, home health, etc.) completion requests and payment. Ensures that all requests for records are stamped with date received and logged. Handles record requests via phone, fax and mail and responds to requests for medical records, providing copies according to organizational policy and procedure. Audits clinical records of active patients for compliance with accepted professional and legal standards. Maintains Correspondence and Medical Records Tracking Log Prepares and provides monthly reports (i.e., dashboard) of medical records activities and performance. Fosters positive interpersonal relationships with other staff members. Practices effective teamwork. Orients staff on medical records processes, policies and procedures as needed. Maintains adequate coverage of service. Follows federal, state, and local policies, procedures and programs relating to health and safety in the workplace. Ensures compliance with the Quality Assurance/Improvement Plan. Maintains confidentiality of workplace information according to the policies and procedures of the center. Provides excellent customer service. Monitors medical Records fax drive for incoming faxes and distributes to appropriate department. Assists with scanning forms completed by the provider into patients' charts. Able to work independently and self-direct work tasks Performs other duties as assigned . REQUIREMENTS: Applicant is required to have a high school diploma. Associate degree and/or certification (i.e. RHIA, RHIT) preferred. Certified Medical Assistant background a plus Experience in Medical Records management, operations and request processing experience preferred. Experience utilizing Word, PowerPoint and Excel and an electronic medical records system. Knowledge of medical records procedures and laws. Intermediate knowledge of HIPAA privacy rule and medical terminology. Strong team-based, results oriented, analytical and problem-solving skills s must. Knowledge of healthcare laws, regulations, and standards. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills. Able to organize, prioritize and work independently as well as schedule and produce work in a timely manner. Able to travel amongst CareSouth sites, if needed. PHYSICAL: Visual acuity – always. Hand – eye coordination – always. Must possess hand dexterity for typing and fine manipulation. Work is primarily sedentary. Large amounts of time may be spent using a PC and MIS application. Lifting approximately 10-15 lbs., Pushing, Pulling – sometimes. Stooping, Bending, Sitting, Standing – sometimes. Walking- frequent; short distances. Must be capable of standing on a step stool and reaching above head and shoulder area. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Indoor, environmentally controlled. Exposure to disease or infections. Exposure to artificial and/or natural light. SUPERVISES: None. TRAINING Relias Track A Non-Clinical Relias CareSouth Onboarding PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT EVALUATION TYPE Administrative and Programmatic