General Description of the Job Class 

Independently, specialized or advanced health information activities are 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 externally with the Health Information Management Department. Positions at this level have high customer service, strong analytic and problem-solving skills, and require interpretation and explanation of policy and external requirements related to privacy, release of information, positive patient identity, and other department- and organization-wide functions. Specific job responsibilities are based on the service unit within the Health Information Management assigned. Expert computer skills are needed to navigate and query multiple electronic record systems. Release of Information: regular interaction is 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 patient privacy. 

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level 

Release of Information Functions: Review requests for medical records to identify dates of service, entity, provider, and specific clinic documents requested. Works extensively in the electronic health record and de-centralized electronic databases to locate specific clinical documents for fulfilling a request. Review 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 requestor if deemed invalid. Coordinates visits from Health Plan Revi respondents and research monitors through the provision of electronic medical records, the assignment of passwords, and the deactivation of passwords after a 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 patient requests for amendment. Tracks amendment requests to ensure the patient is informed of the outcome within the required timeframe. 

Obtains Itemized Statements from PRMO Self Pay and uses them to calculate lien balances, generate attorney lien letters, and forward itemized statements to the requestor 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 parents to comply with additional privacy protections under NC Statute and Federal Law. 

Accompany copies of original health records to court and location of scheduled depositions when required. Testifies in court and depositions as to the authenticity of health records containing PHI. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

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