Medical Records Technician (Health Information Technician)
About The Position
The Medical Records Technician analyzes medical records for completeness, consistency, and compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and medical staff requirements. The technician conducts monthly medical record audits in coordination with medical staff; processes medical information requests from outside hospitals, clinics, and physicians; and responds to external requests for release of BOP medical information, including court orders and requests from U.S. Attorneys and other institutions. The role includes coding complicated diagnoses and procedures for discharged inmates using ICD-9-CM, verifying that records support the codes, and reporting them appropriately through Sentry. The technician establishes medical records for new admissions and acquires, monitors, and accounts for records accompanying patients transferred from other BOP institutions. The position also performs administrative duties such as preparing reports, purchase orders, receiving reports, pay vouchers, quarterly and annual reports, medical referrals to other BOP facilities, and pre-certification requests. Like all correctional institution employees, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining institutional security. Correctional responsibilities take precedence over the other duties of the position and are performed regularly.
Requirements
- U.S. citizenship is required.
- At least one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and complexity to the next lower grade level, or qualifying education where applicable.
- Medical terminology, medical records, and documentation request knowledge, including the ability to examine records for completeness, consistency, and JCAHO compliance.
- Successful completion of pre-employment and panel interviews, urinalysis, physical examination, and background investigation.
- Satisfactory completion of National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and credit checks.
- Successful completion of the three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques training course at Glynco, Georgia.
- Applicants not currently working in an institution must complete a qualification inquiry regarding misdemeanor domestic violence convictions to be authorized to carry a firearm.
- For CTAP or ICTAP selection priority, applicants must meet eligibility criteria, be rated well-qualified, and submit the required eligibility documentation.
Nice To Haves
- Experience identifying discrepancies or deficiencies and preparing written corrective-action notifications concerning inmate files or patient records.
- Experience coding records using ICD-9-CM.
- Knowledge of release-of-information requirements under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act.
- Experience developing statistical reports for health service operations and retrieving information, conducting research, and analyzing records for completeness and compliance.
- Experience coordinating and tracking documentation requests with hospitals, treatment facilities, or other outside organizations.
Responsibilities
- Analyze medical records for completeness, consistency, and compliance with JCAHO, BOP, and medical staff requirements.
- Conduct monthly medical record audits in coordination with medical staff.
- Process medical information requests from outside hospitals, clinics, and physicians.
- Respond to external requests to release BOP medical information, including court orders and requests from U.S. Attorneys and other institutions.
- Code complicated diagnoses and procedures for discharged inmates using ICD-9-CM; ensure the codes are supported by the medical record and reported appropriately via Sentry.
- Establish medical records for new facility admissions and acquire, monitor, and account for records accompanying patients transferred from other BOP institutions.
- Prepare administrative materials and documents, including reports, purchase orders, receiving reports, pay vouchers, quarterly and annual reports, medical referrals to other BOP facilities, and pre-certification requests.
- Maintain institutional security and perform correctional responsibilities on a regular and recurring basis.
Benefits
- Comprehensive federal employee benefits package, with benefits available to employees and their families; specific eligibility depends on position type.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
