DSHS WSH Health Records Technician

Position: DSHS WSH Health Records Technician 2
DSHS WSH - Health Records Technician 2

Western State Hospital in Lakewood, WA is seeking a Health Records Technician 2 (HRT2) to join our team. The HRT2 plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, accessibility, and legal compliance of patient records, including completing time-sensitive Requests for Information (ROIs) each month. These requests, which may involve reviewing tens of thousands of pages, must be completed within strict legal deadlines to support patient care, court proceedings, and coordination with external agencies.

In addition to processing ROIs, HRT2s initiate patient records at admission, assign Medical Record Numbers (MRNs), review discharge charts for deficiencies, conduct regular ward record audits, and provide detailed reporting to leadership. The work of the HRT2 is essential to maintaining continuity of care, supporting timely treatment decisions, and ensuring compliance with CMS, TJC, and state regulations. This role requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and dedication to supporting both hospital staff and patients.

Some of what you'll do:

* Manage multiple Western State Hospital (WSH) record systems, including medical, legal status, and quality improvement records, while providing customer service to staff and external partners.

* Conduct audits of medical staff documentation and discharge records for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with ICD-9/10 coding standards, preventing potential fraud and abuse.

* Perform compliance audits required by The Joint Commission (TJC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

* Code and diagnose using ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, and DSM IV-R manuals, and maintain physician and disease indexes in the WSH Cache database system.

* Coordinate hospital admissions by verifying documentation and diagnostic coding accuracy, assembling patient records, and ensuring timely distribution of admission paperwork.

* Review and process public record and protected health information (PHI) disclosure requests, including redaction, documentation, and release of records in accordance with legal requirements.

* Support medical staff with research, assist in student training, and oversee records retention, archiving, and destruction in compliance with state hospital requirements.

What we're looking for:

* Expert knowledge of CMS, TJC, and related regulatory standards governing health records management.

* Strong understanding of medical record systems, coding standards, and compliance requirements.

* Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to ensure accuracy in documentation and record processing.

* Excellent oral and written communication skills for working with medical staff, legal professionals, and the public.

* Superior organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

* Strong interpersonal and customer service skills for effective collaboration across disciplines and with diverse stakeholders.

Who should apply?

We are looking for professionals who meet one of the following qualifications:

* A bachelor's degree in health information management, business administration, or a related field AND at least three years of experience in a health information management (medical records) office, office management, healthcare privacy office, compliance office, or closely related area.

* An associate's degree in health information management, business administration, or a related field AND at least five years of experience in a health information management (medical records) office, office management, healthcare privacy office, compliance office, or closely related area.

In addition to one of the above, applicants must also have:

* Current and ongoing accreditation through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).

Additional information:

* Work schedule:

8:00 AM - 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday

* Opportunities performed on-site at this work location at least three days a week may be eligible for an additional 5% premium pay in addition to the advertised salary.

* Pierce County employees are eligible to receive an Orca Card for transportation needs.

About Western State Hospital

Located in Lakewood, Washington, Western State Hospital is one of the largest psychiatric hospitals in the state, providing inpatient mental health treatment for individuals with serious or long-term psychiatric conditions. Established in 1871, the hospital has a long history of serving Washington communities by offering comprehensive psychiatric care, treatment, and rehabilitation services. As part of the Department of Social and Health Services, Western State Hospital plays a vital role in helping patients stabilize, recover, and reintegrate into the community whenever possible.

Our dedicated healthcare professionals work in a collaborative environment to provide compassionate, evidence-based care, making a meaningful difference…