Release of Information Specialist - Hybrid

About the role

The Release of Information staff member provides coverage for release of information functions for both medical records and imaging, including written and verbal requests for health information for all of the Renown Health System. The other main responsibility is patient and physician communication of medical/imaging information within the HIPAA guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Duties include: Opening mail, verification of proper authorization, using the electronic Master Patient Index system to obtain medical record numbers and encounter sites, using chart location system to locate paper charts, using EHR system to locate electronic health information, using PACS system to locate electronic imaging health information, copying health information, billing for copies of health information when applicable, entering all releases into the electronic Release of Information module, answering telephone calls related to the release of information function and assisting walk-in customers at the Release of Information location.
• Processing Mailed Requests For Information: Sorts, opens, and reviews all requests to ensure HIPAA compliance. Returns non-compliant requests to the requestor with authorization requirements. Processes all patient, third-party, and Centralized Business Office requests for medical record information.
• Processing Walk-in And Interdepartmental Requests For Information: Assists all walk-in customers in obtaining medical records/images and completion of the “Authorization to Release Protected Health Information Form”. Copies/prints medical records/images for patient transfers. Processes requests for medical record/images copies for Risk Management, Utilization Management, and other departments within the organization. Answers phone calls and processes requests from physician offices.
• Processing Requests via EPIC Release of Information Module/Right Fax/Requesting charts from Off-Site Storage: Logs all requests into the EPIC release of information module to ensure proper tracking and reporting. Maintains up to date requestor database with current addresses and contact information. Invoices all billable requests in accordance with federal guidelines related to copy fees. Posts payments for record copies into the EPIC release of information module and follows up with requestors on outstanding invoices. Requests paper charts that are stored at off-site locations and at the record storage facility.
• Ensuring Compliance: Ensures compliance within release of information guidelines related to patient confidentially set forth by Renown Health, the state, and the federal government in order to correctly report the minimum amount of information necessary to assist those mailing in requests, faxing in requests, calling or walking-in to the release of information location.
• Supporting Department Activities: Supports department activities such as answering the phone, providing customer service, and performing back up functions for other positions in the department. Assists in new employee and HIM student orientation and training.
• Knowledge of All Departmental Procedures: Demonstrates consistency, accuracy, promptness, and adherence to productivity standards by keeping up to date with all departmental procedures and personnel.
• Interacting with Third Party Vendors: Works with third party vendors as needed in regards to office equipment and maintenance.
• Collaborating with Patients, Families, Employees, Physicians, and Communities: Collaborates with our patients, families, employees, physicians and communities to develop and maintain positive working relationships.
• Working Independently: Solves problems following established company guidelines and demonstrates critical thinking skills.
• Safeguarding Patient Information: Safeguards patient information and enforces privacy and confidentiality policies and practices while adhering to federal and state guidelines.

Qualifications

• Education: Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English sufficiently to perform job duties safely and effectively.
• Experience: Requires a minimum of one-year experience in a Health Information Management Department or equivalent in a health care setting. Also possess excellent communication skills and have the ability to interact with and troubleshoot release of information questions. Previous electronic health record and document imaging system experience preferred. Previous Release of Information experience preferred.
• Licenses: None
• Certifications: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) preferred.
• Computer / Typing: Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams, and Word and has the ability to use the computer to complete online learning requirements for job-specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.