Release of Information (ROI) Technician

CIBOLA GENERAL HOSPITAL CORPORATION•Grants, NM

About The Position

The Release of Information (ROI) Technician processes requests for patient health information in accordance with federal and state privacy requirements and hospital policies. The position ensures medical records are released accurately, securely, and promptly, and only when appropriate authorization is provided. The technician is an important point of contact for patients, healthcare providers, attorneys, insurance companies, government agencies, and other authorized requestors, while maintaining the confidentiality and integrity of protected health information (PHI). The role also supports other Health Information Management (HIM) functions as assigned, such as scanning, indexing, document management, and chart completion. The technician must comply with applicable health-information laws and hospital privacy, security, records-management, and compliance policies, and promptly report suspected inappropriate access, disclosure, loss, or misuse of PHI. Work is primarily performed in an administrative healthcare environment and involves regular handling of confidential patient information and interaction with internal and external parties. Physical activities include prolonged computer and desk work, communication by telephone and in person, repetitive keyboarding, scanning, filing, and document handling, and occasional lifting or transporting of medical-record files, boxes, or office materials. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Working knowledge of patient privacy, confidentiality, and medical-record practices.
Understanding of HIPAA privacy and security requirements relevant to health information.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
Ability to review authorizations and identify missing or inconsistent information.
Basic understanding of medical terminology.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Strong customer-service skills when interacting with patients and external requestors.
Ability to prioritize multiple requests and meet established deadlines.
Ability to operate computers, scanners, fax systems, electronic health record systems, and standard office equipment.
Ability to perform prolonged computer and desk work, communicate effectively by telephone and in person, and perform repetitive keyboarding, scanning, filing, and document-handling tasks.
Ability to occasionally lift and transport medical-record files, boxes, or office materials consistent with departmental requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree or coursework in Health Information Management, Health Information Technology, medical office administration, or a related healthcare field.
Previous experience in Health Information Management, medical records, release of information, patient access, or another healthcare setting.
Experience working with electronic health record systems.
RHIT, RHIA, or another relevant AHIMA credential.

Responsibilities

Receive, review, validate, and process requests for medical records and protected health information.
Verify that patient authorizations are complete and appropriate before releasing records.
Confirm patient identity and requestor authority as appropriate.
Locate and retrieve medical records from the electronic health record and other approved record systems.
Review records before release to ensure the information corresponds with the authorized request.
Process requests from patients, providers, insurance companies, attorneys, government agencies, auditors, and other authorized entities.
Maintain accurate documentation and tracking of requests, disclosures, and completion status.
Follow requirements concerning subpoenas, court orders, legal requests, and other requests for patient information; escalate questions to HIM leadership or the Privacy/Compliance Officer when appropriate.
Protect confidential information and PHI from unauthorized access, use, or disclosure.
Assist patients and authorized representatives with questions about medical-record requests and authorization requirements.
Respond professionally to telephone, electronic, mail, fax, and in-person record requests.
Identify incomplete or invalid authorizations and obtain required information before processing.
Apply fees for medical-record copies in accordance with organizational policy and governing requirements.
Meet HIM Department productivity, quality, accuracy, and turnaround expectations.
Assist with scanning, indexing, document management, chart completion, or other HIM functions as assigned.
Promptly report potential privacy incidents, unauthorized disclosures, or other compliance concerns.
Participate in departmental training, quality-improvement activities, audits, and other HIM initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.