Release of Information Rep III

Job Location: 2619 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, New York, United States, 14623

Worker Subtype: Regular Time, Full time, 40 scheduled weekly hours

Compensation Range: $19.15 - $25.85

Responsibilities

• Coordinates the release of protected health information (PHI) from multiple storage media, including electronic records, while utilizing various software to process medical record requests.
• Reviews requests and authorizations to release PHI, as well as medical record documentation, to ensure completion, accuracy, and compliance with State and Federal guidelines prior to release.
• Collaborates with internal and external parties in person, verbally, and in writing to meet or exceed customer needs and organizational requirements or goals.

Essential Functions

• Analyzes authorization for medical information/PHI to evaluate for HIPAA compliance prior to processing. Determines if the authorization contains all required elements under HIPAA federal regulations, exercising judgment for subjective wording.
• Ensures authorization is compliant for behavioral health and highly restricted information, such as chemical dependency and methadone maintenance records.
• Processes all requests efficiently to ensure completion within the allotted timeframe.
• Validates and coordinates the release of PHI from various Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), including paper charts and microfiche, using ROI-specific software. Ensures only requested records from specific affiliates, offices, providers, specialties, dates of service, or hospital entities are released per policy.
• Analyzes PHI to identify restricted records. If found, verifies authorization language allows their release and redacts restricted information manually or using specialized software. Reviews redacted records for accuracy prior to release.
• Answers, analyzes, and resolves questions from patients, payers, attorneys, regulatory agencies, auditors, healthcare facilities, and third-party requesters. Communicates laws or regulations explaining why information is required or cannot be released while maintaining confidentiality.
• Determines the best solution to provide requested records using knowledge of laws and regulations, finding creative or alternative ways to assist customers while adhering to Federal and State laws.
• Researches and analyzes records to determine relationships when a patient representative or proxy requests records. Exercises professionalism, sensitivity, and good judgment in the absence of legal documents proving relationships.
• Analyzes and validates subpoenas and hospital attorney requests for HIPAA compliance. Researches and validates records to ensure all requested documents are present and prepared for certification.
• Uses extensive knowledge of hospital policies, procedures, and Federal and State laws to advise and direct other departments on PHI request processes. Helps internal and external customers understand relevant laws, regulations, or policies.
• Coordinates, prepares, and documents denial of access to medical records following established policy.
• Researches and facilitates all patient amendment requests for corrections to the legal medical record. Collaborates with internal parties by telephone and in writing to ensure timely and accurate processing of these requests and compliance with regulations.
• Coordinates, prepares, and documents denial responses.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Associate's degree in Health Information Technology and 2 years of relevant experience required, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to work with minimal to no supervision and exercise independent judgment in problem-solving, organizing multiple tasks/projects, and setting priorities effectively.
• Ability to communicate effectively and negotiate with all levels of the organization, leadership, staff, physicians, attorneys, paralegals, patients, family members, and other internal or external customers.
• Proficiency in computer usage, including Microsoft Office Programs, file saving, PDF file manipulation, importing and exporting electronic files, excellent data entry skills, and navigation of electronic medical record systems and software.
• Knowledge of release of information and medical record documentation related to HIPAA preferred.

Qualifications

• Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) with an Associate's degree preferred.