Release of Information Specialist - Health Information Management - Full-Time

Woman's Hospital•Baton Rouge, LA

8h•$13 - $18

About The Position

The Release of Information Specialist is responsible and accountable for all aspects of releasing confidential health information from patient charts, itemized bills and claim forms in compliance with HIPAA, federal and state laws as well as hospital policies. Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of accurately identifying the correct patient using all available patient identifiers within the electronic Master Patient Index. The Release of Information Specialist utilizes Epic, along with other EHR systems to process authorizations and ensure the secure, timely and accuracy of information is being released. Retrieve requests for medical records via work queues, fax, interoffice, mail and in-person. Provides personalized customer service to all requestors. Assist patients and requestors with queries and navigation of authorization forms transmitted through patient portal, email and/or in-person. Assist co-workers in achieving timely release of records, maintains coverage for the release of information area. Ensures all authorizations for information are processed, documented and tracked electronically. Adhere to all Woman’s Hospital and HIM Department’s policy and procedures pertaining to safeguarding and validating release of information. Perform other duties assigned by department management according to policies and procedures and the mission of Woman’s Hospital.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Experience in a Health Information Management department or equivalent work in a related healthcare field preferred.

Responsibilities

Accurately releases designated portions of the medical record based on request type, ensuring proper authorization is obtained and verified in accordance with federal and state laws, HIPAA and hospital policies.
Applies safeguarding when handling sensitive data (e.g., HIV/AIDS, behavioral health, substance abuse, genetic testing).
Reviews, validates, rejects, and processes requests for health information using Epic and associated systems.
Demonstrates strong working knowledge of privacy, security and confidentiality practices when handling PHI.
Maintains compliance with internal protocols and external regulatory standards to protect sensitive information during any form of release, transmission or communication.
Communicates professionally with patients, auditors, attorneys, insurance companies and other external and internal requestors via phone, email, and portal.
Coordinates with departments (i.e. Patient Accounting, Behavioral Health, PMHU and Radiology) to obtain required documentation of approval and/or certification.
Adheres to legal and regulatory updates that impact ROI processes.
Adapts to changes in documentation, forms, and electronic workflows to ensure continued compliance and service quality.
Ensures all documentation related to ROI activities is complete, accurate, and accessible for management or lead to review and sign certification letter.
Supports departmental quality management goals through consistent documentation and processing output and feedback.
Any other duties as assigned by Woman's Hospital.