Medical Records Technician (Roi)

Veterans Health Administration • Milwaukee, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

This position is in the Health Information Management section at the Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center. The Medical Records Technician (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patients’ protected health information (PHI) and provides customer service to Veterans and third parties by supplying copies of PHI when a signed written request or valid authorization is received.

The technician processes requests for Release of Information (ROI), including information requested by the VA Regional Office through the Automated Medical Information Exchange (AMIE). At sites using the modernized federal electronic health record, the technician uses the AccessHIM Request Management solution to process VBA 7131 requests. The role evaluates requests and authorizations, applies applicable privacy and disclosure rules, records and tracks requests, retrieves and compiles records, and prepares responses and correspondence.

The position also involves receiving and directing callers and visitors, assisting with forms, answering questions about services, and providing advisory and technical assistance about release-of-information procedures. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework is not available, and the position is not virtual. The full performance level is GS-6; selection may be at GS-4 through GS-6.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship, subject to the stated exception for non-citizens when qualified citizens cannot be recruited under VA policy.
• Proficiency in written and spoken English.
• Meet the basic qualification pathway through one year of qualifying experience; an eligible associate’s degree; or an acceptable combination of experience and education/training.
• For GS-5 qualification, meet the specified experience or bachelor’s-degree pathway and demonstrate the listed competencies in health information technology, disclosure documentation, prioritization, privacy rules, and communication.
• For GS-6 qualification, have at least one year of qualifying MRT (ROI) experience at the next lower level and demonstrate the listed competencies in disclosure laws, navigating health records, applying privacy policies, and researching difficult ROI questions.
• Complete required application materials and onboarding requirements; selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation and a 1- or 2-year trial period.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Submit transcripts if qualifying based on education; foreign education must be accompanied by a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming facility requests for Release of Information and information requests from the VA Regional Office through AMIE; use AccessHIM Request Management for VBA 7131 requests where applicable.
• Evaluate the validity of requests and ensure proper authorization exists before releasing information.
• Determine what information may be released under applicable laws and regulations, including the Privacy Act, FOIA, and HIPAA.
• Process authorized requests for the requesting agency or individual and enter requests into ROI software for logging and tracking.
• Ensure releases are limited to the information specifically authorized and sent to the designated recipient.
• Receive and direct callers and visitors; provide and receive forms and assist with completing forms or documents.
• Respond to patients’ questions about services and provide advisory and technical assistance to patients and staff regarding release of information.
• Search records and files, including electronic records, to retrieve and summarize hard-to-locate information and verify responses.
• Compose responses to routine requests for patient information.
• Select and compile information from health records and prepare correspondence using standard forms or formats.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; eligibility depends on position type and other factors.
• Potential credit toward annual leave accrual based on prior federal work or military service, subject to request and approval.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree