HIM Specialist 1

Pay range: $21.30 - $27.69 per hour, based on experience. This position comes with a comprehensive benefits plan that includes medical, dental, vision, a 403(b) retirement plan, and a generous Earned Time Off (ETO) program. ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: HIM Specialist I REPORTS TO POSITION: HIM Supervisor DEPARTMENT: Health Information Management DATE LAST REVIEWED: May 2024 OUR VISION: Creating America’s healthiest community, together OUR MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value OUR VALUES: Accountability, Caring and Teamwork DEPARTMENTAL SUMMARY: The Health Information Management Departments at St. Charles Health System provides many services to our multi-hospital organization including prepping, scanning, and indexing, physician deficiency analysis, release of information, medical record maintenance, facility and profee coding, and medical transcription. POSITION OVERVIEW: The St. Charles Health System’s HIM Specialist I is an entry level position responsible for working with a variety of internal and external customers on behalf of St. Charles Health System patients to ensure timely and accurate management of confidential health information. This role will be responsible for the following work functions set forth in Joint Commission guidelines, State and Federal Regulations. This position does not directly manage other caregivers. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES: Professionally answers inbound department phone calls and responds to requests promptly. Processes walk-in requests and assists patients with completing a valid authorization for release of information. Works directly and indirectly with internal and external customers to resolve issues in a timely manner. Maintains patient records in both electronic and paper format. Retrieves medical records, or other related material, from hospital departments as needed. Demonstrates organizational, problem-solving and attention to detail skills. Provides release of information for continuing care requests. Preps, scans and indexes medical records to facilitate complete electronic storage including monitoring inbound electronic fax work queues and indexing per department procedure. Reviews and analyzes ED records for completeness and accuracy following departmental and regulatory guidelines. Responsible for quality assurance to ensure accuracy of medical records. Protects the confidentiality of medical record information as required by hospital policies and Federal/State laws. Role models two-way communication of the St. Charles Health System mission, vision, values, and strategic plan for the department. Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects. Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change. Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests. Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings. Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate. May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned. EDUCATION Required : High school diploma or GED. Preferred : College or vocational school education. LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION Required : N/A Preferred : RHIT, RHIA, Release of Information or Patient Identification & Matching (micro credential). Maintains required education credits (CE) through AHIMA. EXPERIENCE: Required : Typing skills, attention to detail, ability to file alphabetically and numerically. Computer experience. Preferred : Medical office/hospital experience. Administrative/clerical skills such as faxing, copying, emailing and scanning and strong communication skills. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely. ADDITIONAL POSITION INFORMATION: Position Specific Knowledge and Skills: Knowledge of medical terminology. Accurate and concise. Knowledge of Protected Health Information (PHI) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, and their families. Ability to learn quickly, follow orders, multitask, and complete assigned tasks. Excellent customer service skills. Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for performance in regard to: Attendance and punctuality Ability to meet daily productivity standards. Ability to work well independently and in a team/group environment. Strong organizational skills General Skills: Communication/Interpersonal. Demonstrates St. Charles Health System values of Accountability, Caring and Teamwork in every interaction. Must have excellent communication skills and ability to interact with a diverse population and professionally represent St. Charles Health System. Ability to effectively interact and communicate with all levels within St. Charles Health System and external customers/clients/potential employees. Strong team working and collaborative skills. Ability to effectively reach consensus with a diverse population with differing needs. Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment. Organizational: Ability to multi-task and work independently. Attention to detail. Excellent organizational skills, written and oral communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful personal interactions. Strong analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. Mathematical Skills: Performs basic math (add, subtract, multiply and divide) calculations. Language Skills: Read, write, speak, and understand English. Computer Basic to intermediate ability and experience in computer applications, specifically electronic medical records system, and MS Office. Basic experience in computer applications necessary to record time, obtain work directions, and complete assigned CBL’s. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Continually (75% or more): Sitting, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level. Frequently (50%): Standing, lifting 1-10 pounds, grasping/squeezing. Occasionally (25%): Bending, reaching overhead, carrying/pushing, or pulling 1-10 pounds. Rarely (10%): Walking, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing stairs. Never (0%): Climbing ladder/stepstool, lifting/carrying/pushing, or pulling 11-50 pounds, operation of a motor vehicle, ability to hear whispered speech level. Exposure to Elemental Factors Never (0%): Heat, cold, wet/slippery area, noise, dust, vibration, chemical solution, uneven surface. Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP) Exposure Category No Risk for Exposure to BBP . Schedule Weekly Hours: 40 Caregiver Type: Regular Shift: First Shift (United States of America) Is Exempt Position? No Job Family: SPECIALIST HIM Scheduled Days of the Week: Monday-Friday Shift Start & End Time: 0800-1630