Medical Records Technician (Health Information Technician)

Bureau of Prisons/Federal Prison System • Yankton, SD

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Medical Records Technician supports the medical department in a correctional institution by managing, maintaining, and controlling medical records and files. The role analyzes records for completeness, consistency, and compliance with Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO), Bureau of Prisons (BOP), and medical staff requirements; performs monthly audits in coordination with medical staff; and processes requests for medical information from external hospitals, clinics, physicians, courts, U.S. Attorneys, and other institutions.

The technician establishes medical records for new admissions and tracks records accompanying patients transferred from other BOP institutions. The position also codes complicated diagnoses and procedures for discharged inmates using ICD-9-CM, verifies that coding is supported by the medical record, and reports it through Sentry. Administrative duties include 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 position’s other duties and are performed regularly and on a recurring basis.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Meet the applicable GL-05 or GL-06 qualification requirements through education, specialized experience, or, for GL-05 only, a combination of education and experience.
• For GL-05 education qualification: four years of education above high school in any field, completed at an accredited business, secretarial, or technical school, junior college, or university.
• For GL-05 experience qualification: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, including administrative and technical support for medical records and files, basic medical terminology, and medical record procedures and techniques.
• For GL-06 experience qualification: at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, including familiarity with automated and data systems and the ability to key or code information; experience reviewing, analyzing, coding, compiling, and extracting records data.
• GL-05 qualifying experience may include creating and maintaining files and records; preparing, receiving, reviewing, and verifying documents and processing transactions; and maintaining office records and locating and compiling data.
• GL-06 qualifying experience may include organizing and checking medical records for completeness, accuracy, and regulatory compliance; maintaining tracking and suspense systems; coordinating and scheduling appointments; and preparing administrative documents such as reports, purchase orders, receiving reports, pay vouchers, and medical referrals.
• For GL-05 combination-of-education-and-experience qualification, experience must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to perform the major duties.
• If using education to meet or substitute for specialized experience, submit legible transcripts with identifying information and evidence of completed coursework or degrees from an appropriately accredited institution.
• Meet the applicable pre-employment screening and investigation requirements, including interview, urinalysis, physical, background investigation, NCIC screening, and credit check.
• Complete the required three-week Introduction to Correctional Techniques training course at Glynco, Georgia.
• Applicants not currently working in an institution must complete a qualification inquiry concerning misdemeanor domestic violence convictions to determine authorization to carry a firearm.
• Meet the Selective Service requirement, if applicable.

Responsibilities

• Analyze medical records for completeness, consistency, and compliance with JCAHO, BOP, and medical staff requirements.
• Perform monthly medical record audits in coordination with medical staff.
• Process requests for medical information 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; confirm that codes are supported by the medical record and report them through Sentry.
• Establish medical records for all new admissions to the facility.
• Acquire, monitor, and account for medical records accompanying patients transferred from other BOP institutions.
• Prepare administrative documents and reports, including purchase orders, receiving reports, pay vouchers, quarterly and annual reports, medical referrals, and pre-certification requests.
• Maintain the security of the institution and perform recurring correctional responsibilities.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED