Health Information Specialist - Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign•Urbana, IL

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision, the incumbent serves as a specialist and resource for the management, integrity, and use of laboratory and client information within the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL). The position performs specialized functions involving the review, verification, analysis, maintenance, retrieval, and management of information within the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) and related electronic systems; interprets and communicates applicable policies, procedures, and requirements; supports quality assurance, compliance, reporting, system implementation, and continuous improvement activities; and serves as a resource and liaison to clients and VDL personnel regarding laboratory information and related processes.

Requirements

Any one or combination totaling three (3) years (36 months) from the categories below: coursework in a health-related field, as measured by the following conversion table or its proportional equivalent: 30 semester hours equals one (1) year (12 months) 60 semester hours or an Associate’s degree equals eighteen months (18 months) 90 semester hours equals two (2) years (24 months) 120 semester hours or a Bachelor’s degree equals three (3) years (36 months) work experience in the preparation and/or maintenance of medical records in a health care facility or program.
Based on institutional requirements, a current/valid registration and certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and/or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

Responsibilities

Serves as a specialized resource for the management of laboratory and client information within the LIMS and related systems, applying knowledge of VDL processes, information requirements, and procedures to support information accuracy, integrity, and laboratory operations.
Maintains, reviews, verifies, and updates laboratory and client data within the LIMS and other applicable systems; identifies discrepancies or incomplete information and takes appropriate action in accordance with established procedures, escalating issues to the supervisor when appropriate.
Monitors and evaluates laboratory information made available to clients through VDL resources, including test lookup and website content, to verify accuracy, completeness, and consistency with information maintained in the LIMS; researches discrepancies or missing information and escalates issues as appropriate.
Processes requests for laboratory information, including report retrieval, documentation requests, and release of information, in accordance with established procedures, confidentiality requirements, and applicable VDL guidelines.
Maintains laboratory records in accordance with established retention requirements, including organizing, scanning, labeling, filing, retrieving, and assisting with the authorized destruction of case-related documentation in accordance with applicable VDL and AAVLD guidelines.
Participates in functional testing of LIMS updates, new releases, and new laboratory tests to evaluate their impact on VDL workflows, information accuracy, and reporting requirements; documents and communicates identified issues and escalates concerns when appropriate.
Performs queries in the LIMS and other applicable systems in response to client inquiries and to support quality assurance, compliance, reporting, and operational needs.
Creates and maintains electronic files, spreadsheets, and other documentation to support laboratory operations, records management, client communications, and information requests.
Participates in VDL quality assurance and continuous improvement activities by identifying information or process issues, maintaining required documentation, and supporting established corrective and improvement activities.
Trains and provides guidance to student workers on information management procedures; assists with coordinating routine work and assigned tasks when higher-level staff are unavailable.
Serves as a primary point of contact for clients regarding VDL laboratory services, testing requirements, submission procedures, laboratory reports, client accounts, and related processes.
Responds to routine and complex inquiries received by phone, email, and in person, utilizing the LIMS and other applicable systems to research, verify, and communicate accurate information.
Documents client communications, inquiries, and follow-up activities within the LIMS and quality assurance systems in accordance with VDL documentation and quality requirements.
Collaborates with laboratory personnel, faculty, and other VDL staff to obtain, verify, and communicate information necessary to resolve client inquiries and support effective service delivery.
Maintains and verifies client account information within the LIMS and applicable University financial systems, including Banner, and retrieves information from these systems to respond to routine client inquiries regarding invoices, account balances, laboratory charges, payment history, and account activity.
Processes and records client payments, including credit card transactions and other payment methods, in accordance with established VDL and University procedures.
Compares routine client account information between the LIMS and Banner to identify discrepancies and ensure information is accurately maintained; refers issues requiring additional review to appropriate personnel.
Maintains documentation and generates or assists with reports and supporting documentation related to client accounts, invoices, payments, and other business office transactions using the LIMS, Banner, and other applicable systems.
Performs other duties related to the Health Information Specialist position as assigned.