Release of Information Assistant

GENERAL SUMMARY:
Performs all duties and responsibilities related to disclosing patient information in total compliance with federal, state and local laws and procedures.

PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

2. *Interprets and processes all patient, family, attorney, subpoena, court order, insurance company and physician's office requests to disclose information from a medical record; responds to requests made in person, via telephone, fax, mail, or email.

3. *Fulfills all requests within the department's designated timeline, utilizing the organizations electronic medical record system; enters information or scans documents into the computer at required intervals.

4. *Adheres to and honors patient confidentiality at all times.

5. *Interprets and follows the department's pre-billing requirements.

6. *Assures a valid authorization is present before releasing information.

7. *Determines the exact patient information from the medical record that is needed by the requestor; communicates with the requestor to ensure only the information needed is obtained.

8. Photocopies, prints or faxes the correct pages from the medical record and bundles appropriately for delivery.

9. *Prepares an accurate billing statement and follows procedure for entering the charges into the computer.

10. *Handles patients' requests under HIPAA requirements concerning amending patient records or receiving an accounting of disclosures; follows departmental procedures as required.

11. *Accommodates all patients who request to review their own medical record.

12. Provides front desk coverage as required; greets and assists walk-in customers; sorts and distributes mail.

13. Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

(Essential Job functions are marked with an asterisk *).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
1. Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy procedures and facility guidelines.

2. Knowledge of state and federal regulations pertinent to patient confidentiality and releasing information.

3. Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.

4. Knowledge of health information management functions and patient medical record contents.

5. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.

6. Ability to exercise courtesy and professionalism in receiving office callers and visitors.

7. Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.

8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of personnel, medical staff, volunteer and ancillary departments.

9. Ability to prioritize work demands.

10. Ability to work in a fast paced, highly dynamic team environment.

11. Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Additional college coursework in medical office technology or related field of study desired. Minimum of one year experience related to medical record content in a hospital or medical office required. Experience with a multiline phone system preferred. Experience with RightFax software and functionality preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

(Physical Requirements are based on federal criteria and assigned by Human Resources upon review of the Principal Job Functions.)

(DOT) Characterized as light work requiring exertion up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Job requires ability to lift heavy records and move, carry and bend repeatedly throughout the workday.