Release of Information Specialist

Under limited supervision collects, processes, analyzes, compiles and secures accurate health information. Ensures that the hospital health information is consistent with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements by following HIPAA State and Federal requirements and guidelines related to patient privacy regulations. Plans, organizes, reviews and coordinates the activities of personnel engaged in providing Health Information for requests for centralized release of medical record information.

• High School Diploma or GED

• N/A

• At least 1 year experience in Health Information Management

• Knowledge of medical record related laws, policies, and standards
• Skilled in understanding and following written and oral communication and communicating effectively both oral and in writing
• General knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment: of business, English, spelling, punctuation, grammar and basic arithmetic calculations
• Knowledge of medical terminology is preferred
• Skilled in using computers and personal productivity applications, such as word and excel processing spreadsheets, and database applications to produce documents
• Ability to data enter information timely and accurately
• Ability to plan and coordinate the work of others
• Able to multi-task, plan, prioritize and use time efficiently
• Skilled in data analysis and problem solving
• Able to prioritize position duties and responsibilities as well as attend to multiple demands and requests simultaneously, assess situations and act accordingly
• Ability to demonstrate accuracy of work and strong attention to detail while demonstrating flexibility as it relates to duties, changes in processes and the need to learn new practices
• Solid understanding of customer service, both internal and external

• Analyzes requests for release of information ensuring legal compliance and appropriate authorization is obtained for medical record releases. Provides health information as requested through mail, e-mail, fax, telephone and walk-ins. May follow-up to hospital personnel to obtain missing information to fulfill requests. Tracks all information released for inclusion in the medical record and in the computerized tracking system.
• Maintains and utilizes a variety of computer software systems to collect, classify, store and analyze health information.
• Accurately documents and thoroughly processes medical records requested by subpoenas. Communicates with the courts in response to a subpoena to determine if a personal appearance is required. Coordinates and schedules delivery of records to appropriate courts. Signs off as the Custodian of Records for law firms, subpoenas and other medical record requests when a medical record custodian is required.
• May process and respond to requests for radiology images following the HIPAA guidelines and privacy regulations.
• Acts as the liaison between Medical Records and Risk Management/Legal. Secures and maintains medical records for Legal File. Identifies and processes unusual cases which could involve the hospital in legal action. Responds to on-site reviews and routine questions regarding patient medical record information. Answers inquiries regarding associated retrieval and copying services.
• Assists HIM Supervisor with projects as assigned. Provides a variety of administrative support: filing, answering phones, solves problems and performs other duties as assigned under the direction of the HIM Supervisor.
• Collects, compiles, processes, secures and makes available to authorized users’ accurate health records in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal and regulatory requirements for timeliness and completion.
• Retrieves health information for authorized recipients by following HIPAA guidelines and patient privacy regulations. Generates and electronically files appropriate patient related information for the medical record consistent with company policy and regulatory requirements.

• Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
• Listens and responds appropriately…