Health Information Specialist

Health Information Management Technician

Responsibility of the Health Information Management (HIM) Technician involves the maintenance of a patient's medical records (electronically, and/or hard copy), safeguard and protect the patient's right to privacy by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the patient's medical information and that all information scanned into the EMR belongs to the identified patient record and scanned into the correct EMR. HIM Technician are expected to possess the knowledge, skills and abilities to fulfill their role as delineated in accordance to Total Health Care, Inc./Departmental policies/procedures and HIPAA regulations. To ensure that accurate patient health information and compliancy issues are met for scanning of documents in the EMR/completion of forms set forth by Maryland State/Federal laws, Regulatory Agencies, HIPPA, and Total Health Care, Inc. policies/procedures, and work flows are being met. Responsible for filing and storing medical records, as well as the process for releasing protected health information.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adheres and applies to Total Health Care, Inc./Departmental policies/procedures, work flows, Code of Conduct/Ethics and standards to the HIM Technician of the Health Information Management Department.
• Demonstrates the ability to scan all necessary health information documents into the electronic medical records system (EMR).
• The ability to accurately enter and update diagnostic results into the electronic medical records system (EMR) for data reporting.
• Responds to telephone inquiries relating to Health Information Management functions, and/or forward calls to the appropriate area.
• Periodically meets with the HIM Manager to ensure that the departmental goals and objectives are being met and identify/implement process improvement work flows.
• When deemed necessary, will assist with the retrieval of incoming requests for information and responds to requests by opening mail, assisting walk-ins and telephone inquiries, and retrieving facsimile inquiries in a timely manner.
• Process all walk-in requests for completion of medical forms and patient health information.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of the scanner, and other work tools and software.
• Submits weekly Productivity Log Reports to the HIM Manager.
• Assist when deemed necessary with the date stamping of all requests and highlights pertinent data to facilitate processing.
• Assist with the release of information requests including retrieving patient's medical charts and returning charts, copying/scanning medical records accurately and correctly, according to requests, established procedures, and established standards of quality and productivity; and electronically transmits medical record to processing operations.
• Reviews the accuracy of scanned documents and ensures documents reflect the details specified by the requestor.
• Maintains equipment in excellent operating condition (inside and out) and troubleshoots issues with equipment assistance from the Help Desk department.
• Provides excellent customer service by being attentive, respectful and professional at all times.
• Appropriately and accurately pulls medical records, and retrieve patient health information from the EMR for patient care, quality review, and audits in a timely manner.
• Process all walk-in requests for completion of medical forms and patient health information.
• Adheres to and complies with policies regarding confidentiality and security of medical records stored in HIM department files and clinic databases.
• Maintains effective communications and working relationships with healthcare providers/physicians, co-workers, and other clinic personnel.
• Demonstrates a commitment to group goals and teamwork; strong customer service orientation.
• Demonstrates competency in the use of office equipment.
• Demonstrates helpful and effective telephone etiquette and customer service skills by providing appropriate information to callers.
• Maintains a neat, clean, and professional personal appearance and observes the dress code established by THC.
• Ability to maintain regular attendance and punctuality as scheduled.
• Works within scope of position and direction; willingly accepts assignments and is available to take on additional tasks facilities or assist with scanning of documents backlogs.
• Ability to adapt to change and respond to difficult and challenging situations in a professional manner.
• Promptly reports to HIM Manager any customer service concerns and/or any potential HIPAA violations whether actual or perceived.
• Ability to accurately and efficiently utilize a computer for data input, retrieval of data, running reports and all other tasks associated with release of information services and time reporting.
• Maintain a good working relationship within the department and other departments.
• Ability to recognize emergency situations within context of job duties and communicate potential issues to the HIM Manager.
• Retrieve patient medical records for physicians, technicians, or other medical personnel.
• Protect the security of medical records to ensure that confidentiality is maintained.
• Release information to persons or agencies according to regulations.
• Compile and maintain patients' medical records to document condition and treatment and to provide data for research or cost control and care improvement efforts.
• Maintains patient confidentiality at all times, and regulatory requirements, including all state/federal laws and other regulatory agencies.
• Maintains knowledge of safety procedures to ensuring a safe work environment and reports safety concerns to HIM Manager.
• Checks THC and other assigned email and communication systems periodically throughout each business day. Utilizes assigned tools within established guidelines.
• Performs other work related duties within the scope of the Health Information Management Department to ensure that essential operational tasks are being met within the established time frames.

Education/Training/Experience:

Must be at least 18 years of age or older. High School Diploma (GED) required. Knowledge, experience and/or training in accurate data entry, office equipment and procedures required.