Historian

Arrowhead Orthopaedics•Redlands, CA

About The Position

The Workers’ Compensation Historian interviews patients and compiles comprehensive narratives for medico-legal reporting, covering work-related injuries, medical treatment history, and current complaints. The role handles a high volume of work and requires consistently accurate, thorough documentation. Historians have daily access to confidential patient files and must handle them with privacy, discretion, and professionalism. The position is hourly. Workdays are typically scheduled within a five-day workweek, although hours and days may vary according to operational needs. Scheduling complies with applicable California wage-and-hour laws. The Historian works under the supervision of the Director of Workers and the Director’s designees, completes assigned reports, and meets with physicians and management as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
One to two years of work experience in Workers’ Compensation cases.
Ability to type at least 40 words per minute.
Proficiency operating a computer, scanner, and other office equipment.
Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and healthcare-related software applications.
Strong telephone etiquette and customer service skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with patients, providers, and staff.
Ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and work effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress environment.
Strong organizational and team coordination abilities.
Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations.
Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation and recordkeeping.
Experience assisting providers with patient care, procedures, and clinical documentation.
Experience with medico-legal Workers’ Compensation reporting.
Thorough understanding of the AMA Guides, 5th edition, and Labor Codes 4663 and 4664.
Professional interpersonal skills, including tact, diplomacy, and respect.
Maintain professionalism in appearance, communication, attendance, reliability, and teamwork.
Demonstrate organization, time management, productivity, and willingness to help colleagues succeed.
Submit to and obtain a negative result on a pre-employment drug screening.
Pass a background check.
Be legally authorized to work in the United States; employment eligibility will be verified in accordance with federal requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or higher.
Experience in Orthopedics and Pain Management.
Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Obtain comprehensive medical histories from injured workers for medico-legal appointments.
Thoroughly review cover letters and use the appropriate provider template to enter patient data in required fields; address the history to the parties specified in the cover letter.
Create a history shell and conduct patient histories by phone or in person.
Secure the history before the appointment and document attempts in the patient chart.
Include the attestation paragraph and page numbers when preparing the history.
Secure and document interpreter details, including name, certificate, and agency.
Verify facts cited in the history and review medical records, including the mechanism of injury for each body part.
Document treatment to date and outcomes, periods of disability, and surgical outcomes.
Record current complaints for all body parts and identify affected activities.
Review past medical history and prior injuries in relation to Labor Codes 4663 and 4664; document prior injuries to specific body parts, including auto accidents, work-related injuries, treatment, settlements, residual disability, or ongoing symptoms.
Maintain the history schedule and complete work within the time allotted.
Proofread histories for grammatical and spelling errors.
Prepare a visit summary for the physician outlining case disputes and issues.
Email histories and medico-legal paperwork, including the Patient History Packet and Employee’s Disability Questionnaire, to the respective office the day before the appointment.
Save histories as Word documents in the appropriate directory and transfer information into ECW.
Work through the assigned monthly worklog.
Perform other duties assigned by leadership.
Follow workplace safety program requirements, policies, safe work practices, training, protective-equipment use, and reporting procedures.
Follow the organization’s code of conduct and maintain ethical, professional, and confidential handling of patient information.