Request of Information Analyst

Job Purpose & Position Overview

Under the direction of the HIM Manager, the Release of Information Analyst must at all times safeguard and protect the patient’s rights to privacy by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the patient’s medical information and that all releases of information are in compliance with the request, authorization, company policy and HIPAA statutes. Additionally, they are required to maintain a professional health care office environment on a day-to-day basis, working with confidential and personal health information in a conscientious manner and providing patients and other requestors with the appropriate level of service. This position must project a positive image in relationship to direct customer service and interpersonal relationships within the HIM department and Twelve Clans Unity Hospital.

Specific Job Duties/Responsibilities:

• Interacts with requestors to identify medical records needed for patient care, review, billing or release of information.
• Prioritize the release of information requests, retrieves medical records from active and inactive files and interdepartmental locations, and electronically tracks and delivers records in accordance with established procedures.
• Performs self-quality checks on all work to assure accuracy of the release, confidentiality and proper invoicing.
• Handles all requests and inquiries for patient health information whether received via mail, fax, phone or in-person.
• Verifies the patient identity and confirms that the authorization is valid
• Ensures the requesting party has a legal right to request a patient’s medical information
• Provide excellent customer service by being attentive and respectful; ensures understanding of customer requests and follows-through as promised; and must be proactive in identifying client concerns or problems and resolve customer service matters in a professional manner.
• Access computerized patient records or other computer systems for patient information needed for faxing and for other requestors of the medical record.
• Performs at established quantitative and qualitative work standards to meet departmental goals and objectives.
• Promotes quality improvement, staff and patient safety, and cultural diversity through department operations and by personal performance.
• Provides service in a manner that is appropriate with the patient’s request and demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to meet the patient’s physical, psychosocial, educational, and safety needs.
• Presents a courteous and helpful demeanor, appropriate for age, to all patients, visitors, other Twelve Clans Unity Hospital employees/medical staff members.
• Maintains current knowledge related to applicable statutes, regulations, guidelines and standards necessary to perform job duties in accordance with the requirements of the HIM Department.
• Ensures all paper documents and patient care records are scanned into the employee health record within 24 hours of discharge.
• Track and log time according to HR policies and procedures through the payroll software.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications/Skills:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Associate’s degree or (2) years of Medical Records or medical office experience, or combination of applicable education and experience preferred.
• Ability to perform team-oriented job tasks with a conscientious awareness of detail and accuracy.
• Knowledge, understanding and ability to apply federal and state regulations. Extensive knowledge of HIPAA preferred.
• Strong computer skills and competency to utilize email, fax, scanner, copier, and MS applications required.
• Ability to communicate effectively while utilizing problem solving and critical thinking skills.

Physical Requirements:

• Normal to light office work which includes the ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
• Regularly required to walk, stand, and sit for extended periods of time and use hands to operate computer keyboard, phone, and various office equipment.
• While performing daily duties, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.

Cognitive Requirements:

• Reading, writing, calculating
• Above average social interaction skills
• Reasoning/Analysis
• Works with minimal to no supervision

Language Requirements:

• Must possess the ability to read, write, and speak the English language fluently.
• Must be able to continually and effectively employ professional verbal and written communications skills.

Certificates, Licenses & Registrations:

• All applicants will comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31, C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and to comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check.

Please note the position description duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

WCHS is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants must comply with 45 CFR 1301, Subpart D, Section 1301.31 C and D, which require all prospective employees to sign a declaration prior to employment regarding all arrests and convictions of child abuse or violent felonies and comply with PL 101-630 and PL 101-637 regarding criminal records check. As provided by Federal Law, all qualified Native American and Veteran applicants shall receive preference over Non-Native American applicants. In the absence of qualified Native American applicants, consideration will be given to all other applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation/identity, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits. WCHS participates in E-Verify.