HIM SPECIALIST

HIM SPECIALIST

Independently performs specialized or advanced health information activities necessary to organize, maintain, and use electronic patient health records. Activities required include research, analysis, and compilation of findings into summarized reports that will be shared within and external to the Health Information Management Department. Positions at this level have high customer service, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, require interpretation and explanation of policy and external requirements related to privacy, release of information, positive patient identity, and other department and organization-wide ns. Specific job responsibilities are based on the service unit Health Information Management assigned.

Expert computer skills to navigate and query multiple electronic record systems. Release of Information: regular interaction required with patients, attorneys, governmental agencies, providers of health care, insurance companies, auditing agencies, and researchers. Detailed working knowledge and ability to apply HIPAA rules, North Carolina General Statutes, and other State and Federal laws regarding adhering to patient privacy. Patient Identity Management: regular interactions required with patients, attorneys, insurance companies, providers of healthcare, and governmental agencies. Detailed working knowledge and ability to apply state and Federal laws regarding positive patient identification, identity theft, vital records regulations, Joint Commission requirements, and CMS guidelines and rules.

Release of Information Functions: Review requests for medical records to identify dates of service, entity, provider, and specific clinical documents requested. Works extensively in the electronic health record and decentralized electronic databases to locate specific clinical documents for the purpose of fulfilling a request. Reviews patient authorizations to validate HIPAA-required elements and validate the legal authority of the requestor. Review NC and out-of-state subpoenas and court orders to determine if they are valid and return them to the requester if deemed invalid. Coordinates visits from health plan reviewers and research monitors through the provision of electronic medical records, assignment of passwords, and deactivation of passwords at the conclusion of the visit. Assists the reviewer in locating specific documents as needed. Reviews requests for patient amendments, locates disputed documents in the electronic health record, and notifies the provider of the patient's request for amendment. Tracks amendment request to ensure patient is notified of outcome within the HIP-required timeframe.

Obtains itemized statements from PRMO Self Pay and uses them to calculate lien balances and generate attorney lien letters, and forwards the itemized statement to the requester as needed. Obtains provider approval to release psychiatric encounter records when requested by the patient and seeks provider approval to release records for minor patients ages 12-17 to the parent to comply with additional privacy protections under NC Statute and Federal Law. Accompanies certified copies or original health records to the court and location of scheduled depositions when required. Testifies in court and depositions as to the authenticity of health records containing PHI. Patient Identity Management Functions: Track, monitor, and validate patient overlays that occur during patient registration and scheduling activities. Analyze and trend data for feedback to the appropriate department. Notifies compliance and affected departments of incorrect documentation location. Coordinates Chart Correction Cases within Maestro Care, including evaluation of help desk requests, assignment of correction tasks, verification of the case, and verification of completion and closure of the case. Maintains accurate Enterprise Master Patient Index (EMPI) through active research and comparison of potential duplicates and clinical history to resolve patient identification discrepancies, including necessary investigation of potential identity theft. Performs name demographic changes with supporting documentation.

Perform MS concurrent and retrospective contact moves. Analyzes the content of the health record document and coordinates with responsible providers, clinicians, and ancillary departments participating in the patient's care for record correction requirements to resolution. Leads clinical, ancillary, and financial staff to assist in resolving overlay issues of multiple patients' information in one medical record to resolve overlay within 24 hours of discovery of overlay. Participates in a 24-hour on-call rotation. Maintains enterprise master patient index integrity, medical record number merges, unmerges, and medical record number assignments electronically. Performs name and demographic changes with supporting documentation. Works with management to compile and review trending reports for PatientIdentity functions. Assists with the preparation of procedure documentation to support processes and training. Performs other duties as assigned, including customer service, focusing on training providers and internal and external customers on chart correction/support ticket resolution.

Good organizational skills, excellent investigative/analytic skills with detail orientation, and strong follow-through capabilities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required in order to effectively problem-solve, develop working relationships, and assist users. Must be able to meet deadlines, work independently, set priorities, and maintain confidentiality. Ability to work calmly and efficiently in high-pressure situations. Intermediate knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and medical terminology is highly preferred. Intermediate to expert skills using Windows-based software and familiarity with information technology hardware and software in a local and wide-area network environment.

Education

High school diploma required; associate's degree in health information management or related field preferred.

Experience

Four years of experience in a health care-related field are required, two of which must be in health information management. Candidates with an associate's degree in HIM require two years of healthcare experience and one year of HIM-specific experience. Candidates with a Bachelor's degree in HIM require two years of healthcare experience, or candidates with a Bachelor's degree in healthcare require two years of HIM-specific experience.

Degrees, Licenses, Certifications

Preferred: RHIT/RHIA/CHPS/CHDA

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Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.