Health Information Technician

Wood Countyis an Equal Opportunity Employer (M/F/D/V). Start Over with Job Search Returning Applicant? Login Now Hours - Monday through Friday - 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. WHO WE ARE Wood County Norwood Health Center has a great passion for helping the members of our community. As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality services is a shared goal across all departments. If you have a background in mental health and a passion to help the members of our community, please consider joining our team! WHAT WE OFFER In addition to who we are, Wood County team members are offered competitive salaries, flexible schedules, and excellent benefits, including: Health Insurance - we offer low premiums and low deductibles, with excellent coverage! Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) - This is one of the best-funded public pension plans in the U.S.! 457 deferred compensation plan Vacation and Sick Time - Start accruing for both on your first day! 10 Paid Holidays Flexible Spending Account to set aside pre-tax dollars for childcare and medical expenses Life Insurance Short and Long-Term Disability Wellness Incentive Plan Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program Purpose of Position The Health Information Technician (HIT) supports the daily operations of the Health Information Department by maintaining accurate patient health records, managing release-of-information processes, coordinating insurance verification and authorizations, and ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. The HIT works under the supervision of the Health Information Supervisor and is expected to maintain reliable attendance and adhere to all Norwood Health Center and Wood County policies. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Release of Information & Regulatory Compliance Release protected health information (PHI) in strict accordance with HIPAA, state statutes, and internal privacy policies. Apply working knowledge of regulatory standards to ensure compliant disclosure and documentation practices. Chart Management & Documentation Quality Assemble and analyze paper medical records following patient discharge, identifying documentation deficiencies and ensuring timely provider completion. Conduct detailed quality review of provider documentation for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and compliance; enter information into the electronic health record (EHR). Scan, file, and maintain PHI across paper and electronic systems with high accuracy and organization. Insurance Verification & Authorization Coordination Verify Medicaid, Medicare, and commercial insurance eligibility through multiple databases to support accurate billing and service authorization. Initiate, monitor, and manage authorizations for inpatient services. Address and resolve barriers related to payer-specific requirements, HIM processes, and Medicaid regulations. Meet with patients to provide clarification on insurance benefits, coverage status, or billing concerns. Track authorization lifecycles, last covered days (LCDs), and coverage deadlines, ensuring timely action to prevent gaps in reimbursement. Complete all discharge-related documentation within the EHR to support accurate claims processing. Coverage Coordination, Peer Reviews, and Appeals Facilitate peer-to-peer review calls between facility providers and insurance representatives to support determinations of medical necessity. Collaborate with Admissions and Billing to coordinate patient coverage, communicate payer updates, and ensure unified workflows. Initiate and complete appeal processes for denied admissions or denied continued stays, ensuring submission of all required supporting documentation. Departmental and Organizational Responsibilities Follow all Health Information Department and Norwood Health Center policies and procedures to ensure regulatory and operational compliance. Attend mandatory trainings and maintain required competencies. Demonstrate knowledge of and adherence to Wood County safety policies and protocols. Exemplify Wood County Core Values in all interactions and responsibilities and serve with courtesy and respect in accordance with the Wood County Code of Conduct. Additional Tasks and Responsibilities While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not essential duties and may be performed by other staff members. Participate in in-service sessions and staff development training as assigned. Perform additional clerical or departmental duties as needed to support operations. Job Qualifications Education and Experience High school diploma or equivalent required. One year of clerical experience preferred. Previous health information experiencepreferred but not required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Ability to maintain strict confidentiality ofall protected health information. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite andMatrixCare; ability to learn system updates and new technologies. Strong attention to detail and accuracy inall work processes. Effective written and verbal communicationskills. Capacity to work independently with minimalsupervision and adapt to evolving departmental needs. Physical Requirements of Essential Functions Ability to sit for extended periods andperform computer-based work. Frequent movement between sitting andstanding positions. Occasional lifting, bending, and carrying offiles or office materials. Frequent repetitive hand and finger motionswhile typing and handling documents. Ability to communicate clearly verbally andcomprehend spoken communication. #J-18808-Ljbffr