What are the responsibilities and job description for the HIM RELEASE OF INFORMATION SPECIALIST position at South Shore Health?
Job Description Summary
Respond to and coordinate the medical record requests for protected health information from patients, physicians, insurance companies, attorneys and other requestors. Ensure that such information is disclosed in accordance with applicable State and Federal statutes. Understanding of healthcare law and regulations as it pertains to legal documents such as Adoption, Custody, Guardianship, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, Power of Attorney, Search Warrants and the Cures Act.
Job Description
Managing Release of Information for a hospital and ambulatory sites within South Shore Health.
Review all requests and authorizations to ensure validity and appropriateness for release; document medical record number on all requests. Open, date stamp and distribute incoming mail.
Respond to various requests for protected health information from both the electronic medical record and legacy records. These requests include, but are not limited to: patients transferring care to another provider, referrals by South Shore Health physicians, immunization records, attorneys, insurance companies, subpoenas, workers compensation and disability insurance; in accordance with State and Federal statutes with particular attention to the protection and disclosure of sensitive information. Responds to urgent requests in a timely manner.
Provide certification for all documents being requested for legal purposes.
Electronically log all requests for protected health information in the Epic Release Module and update this profile to reflect a current status of the request at all times.
Prepare legal medical record, manage release invoicing for mail or electronic delivery upon payment.
Coordinate legal narrative reports, invoices and payment in accordance to release protocol.
Electronically respond to Epic Release Requests, email correspondence and work queue management daily.
Respond to telephone inquiries in a clear, courteous and professional manner.
Ensure all requests for protected health information are responded to within 7 –10 days of receipt.
Essential Requirements:
RHIT Associates Degree or 2 or more years Release of Information experience. Medical Terminology, Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to patient confidentiality. Familiarity of Joint Commission, CMS, DPH documentation and regulations. Primary location for this position is Norwell, MA.
Computer Skills; Microsoft Office Suite, Epic, MediTech, Scanning experience, electronic faxing, electronic timekeeping, electronic phone queue utilization.