HIM Release of Information Rep III

University of Rochester•Town of Henrietta, NY

2d•$19 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

As a community, the University of Rochester is defined by a deep commitment to Meliora - Ever Better. Embedded in that ideal are the values we share: equity, leadership, integrity, openness, respect, and accountability. Together, we will set the highest standards for how we treat each other to ensure our community is welcoming to all and is a place where all can thrive. The HIM Release of Information Rep III coordinates the release of protected health information (PHI) from multiple storage media, including electronic records, while utilizing various software to process medical record requests. This role reviews requests and authorizations to release PHI, as well as medical record documentation, to ensure completion and accuracy as well as compliance with State and Federal guidelines prior to release. The Rep collaborates with internal and external parties in person, verbally and in writing to meet/exceed customer needs and/or organizational requirements/goals.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Health Information Technology and 2 years of relevant experience required
Or equivalent combination of education and experience
Ability and temperament to work with minimal to no supervision and to exercise independent judgment in problem solving with organizing multiple tasks/projects, and setting priorities effectively required
Ability to communicate effectively and negotiate with all levels of organization, leadership staff, physicians, attorneys, paralegals, patients, family members and/or other internal or external customers required

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in computer usage including Microsoft Office Programs, file saving, PDF file manipulation, importing and exporting of electronic files, excellent data entry skills and navigation of electronic medical record systems and software preferred
Knowledge of release of information and medical record documentation preferred related to HIPAA preferred
Registered Health Information Technologist with Associates preferred

Responsibilities

Analyzes authorization for medical information/PHI to evaluate for HIPAA compliance prior to processing.
Determines if the authorization contains all of the elements required under HIPAA federal regulations, exercising judgment for subjective requirements.
Analyzes authorization carefully to ensure it completely follows the true intent of HIPAA, including determining compliance for behavioral health and highly restricted information.
Processes all requests efficiently to ensure completion of records request within the allotted timeframe.
Validates and coordinates the release of protected health information (PHI) from various Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), paper charts, and microfiche, utilizing ROI specific software.
Ensures only records from requested affiliate, office, provider, specialty, date of service, and/or hospital entity are released per policy.
Ensures completion and accuracy, as well as compliance with State and Federal guidelines, prior to release.
Analyzes PHI to determine if there are restricted records and analyzes the authorization to ensure the verbiage allows for their release.
Redacts restrictive information where required, either manually or using specialized software, and reviews redacted records for accuracy.
Answers, analyzes, and resolves questions from patients, payers, attorneys, regulatory agencies, auditors, healthcare facilities, and 3rd party requesters.
Communicates specific laws or regulations regarding release of information while maintaining confidentiality.
Determines the best solution to provide customers with requested records using knowledge of laws and regulations.
Takes initiative to find creative or alternative ways to help customers while following all Federal and State laws and regulations.
Collaborates with internal and external parties verbally, in writing, or in person to accomplish established departmental goals.
Researches and analyzes records to determine if there is a relationship shown when a patient representative or proxy is requesting records.
Uses professionalism, sensitivity, and good judgment when there are no legal documents to prove relationships.
Uses comprehensive knowledge of laws and regulations to ensure appropriate guidelines are followed to protect patients’ right to privacy.
Analyzes and validates all subpoenas and hospital attorney requests received for HIPAA compliance.
Researches and validates to ensure all records requested are present and prepared for certification.
Uses extensive knowledge of hospital policy and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations to advise and direct other departments on the process of requests for PHI.
Uses clear language to help internal and external customers understand specific laws, regulations, or policies and procedures pertaining to the release of PHI.
Coordinates, prepares, and documents denial of access to medical records following established policy.
Researches and facilitates all patient amendment requests for corrections to legal medical records.
Collaborates with internal parties by telephone and in writing to ensure timely and accurate processing of amendment requests and compliance with regulations.
Coordinates, prepares, and documents denial responses for amendment requests.
Other duties as assigned.