Release Of Information Specialist

DCH Health Care Authority•Tuscaloosa, AL

10h•Onsite

About The Position

The Release of Information Specialist is responsible for safeguarding patient privacy by ensuring only authorized individuals access medical information, verifying patient signatures, and complying with HIPAA statutes and established policies. The role requires thorough knowledge of document retrieval systems including Meditech, Chartmaxx, Papervision, microfiche, and paper charts. This position demands a commitment to maintaining a professional healthcare office environment, handling confidential and personal health information conscientiously, and providing superior service to patients and other requestors. It involves direct patient and customer service, requiring a positive image of the department and the DCH Healthcare System, and the ability to work harmoniously with team leaders, supervisors, managers, and other department members.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Must have strong personal computer skills and a high level of experience with operation of equipment such as printers, computers, and fax machines.
Exhibits interpersonal skills and abilities to deal effectively with all levels of staff.
Must be detailed oriented, self-motivated and have the ability to stay focused on tasks for extended periods of time.
Must be able to read, write legibly, speak and comprehend English.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of one year of experience in a Medical Record Department preferred.
Possess knowledge of the workflow in a Medical Records Department preferred.
Knowledge and experience in release of information legal issues of Healthcare to State and Federal laws preferred.

Responsibilities

Greet the patients or customers in a professional, friendly, and courteous manner, answer questions, and provide general information.
Answers phones, retrieve messages, and communicate to appropriate persons or processes requests as related to continued health care and release of information in a timely manner.
Prioritize release of information requests, retrieves medical records from active, inactive and/or interdepartmental locations.
Electronically tracks and delivers records in accordance with established procedures.
Handles all requests and inquiries for protected health information whether received via mail, fax, phone or in-person.
Promotes quality improvement, staff and patient safety, and cultural diversity through department operations and by personal performance.
Assures the authenticity of patient signature and ensures the requesting party has a legal right to request a patient’s medical information.
Runs appropriate Chartmaxx and Meditech reports as related to release of information.
Processes request for patient portal access in accordance with the established procedures.
Applies the detailed provisions of specific laws and regulations for release of information.
Generates invoices, letters, and release of information acknowledgements through Chartmaxx and/or Meditech.
Prepares documents for release of information by selecting the appropriate documents from the medical record and preparing them for electronic mailing, copying and/or faxing.
Retrieves and completes the online record wizard requests during business and weekend hours.
Retrieves and prepares medical records for transfer to other health care facilities.
Requires skills that include a thorough working knowledge of Chartmaxx and Meditech Expanse, papervison, microfilm and paper charts as to process requests for release of information.
Assists with posting of revenue and accountability for reimbursement.
Verification of daily deposits to Business office.
Process disability, EFR(Quadax) accounts (Northport and Regional Campus), Commercial Insurance, and Veterans Affairs.
Support various vital statistic functions to ensure the timely completion of birth and death certificates.
Responds to requests for medical information from attorneys, subpoenas, court orders, Risk Management, and legal counsel.
Assists with legal proceeding in carrying out duties to process subpoenas and court orders DykenPro, AQAF, CMS, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Assists medical staff in preparation for depositions.
Consistently meets or exceeds departmental deadline standards and work/project completion (i.e. individual productivity, meeting established deadlines) at 97% to meet the standard.
Demonstrates a commitment to the provision of high quality service and contributes to quality outcomes (i.e. accuracy rates, documentation, quality improvements) at 97% to meet the standard.
Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
All other duties as assigned.