Release of Information Specialist

Work Shift

Day

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Summary

This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by ensuring compliance with federal, state, and other regulatory agencies as well as ensuring patient charts are complete, timely and compliant.

Job Description

Job Duties

• Receives, sorts, opens, and reviews all documented requests.
• Logs all releases into the EHR (Epic) Release of Information (ROI) tracking module within 72 hours of receipt and determines appropriateness of all requests to ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Responds to request for medical record and/or itemized bills in a timely and efficient manner. Adheres to organizational policies, HIPAA, State and Federal Regulations.
• Ensures accuracy and provides the highest quality customer service.
• Performs self-quality checks on work to assure accuracy of the release.
• Communicates (educates, updates, responds to inquiries) with internal/external customers (patients, attorneys, law enforcement, auditors, insurance company representatives, nursing units, physicians, other hospital departments) effectively and efficiently in a professional and courteous manner regarding request as needed, providing high quality customer service via phone/fax/mail or in-person.
• Properly respond to departmental emails and voicemails in a timely manner.
• Actively participate in educational sessions regarding HIPAA or other regulatory requirements and other Release of Information training programs/initiatives.
• Adheres to HIM Departmental policies.
• Demonstrates the ability to interpret and adhere to established policies and procedures related to HIPAA.
• Demonstrates adherence to established policies and procedures related to Release of Information.
• Performs other duties that relate to the daily functioning of the Release of Information area.
• Assists patients with MyChart issues, providing verification codes, and password assistance.
• Performs miscellaneous delegated responsibilities and performs other duties as assigned.
• Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and other State and Federal regulations regarding Release of Information.
• Knowledge of Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.
• Ability to work closely and maintain positive relationships with coworkers, hospital department staff and the public.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (excel, outlook, word).
• Strong computer background with basic typing and keyboarding skills.
• Work prioritization skills needed.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Interpersonal communication (verbal, non-verbal, and listening) skills and written communication skills to provide excellent customer service.
• Ability to deal with fast-paced environment.

Professional Experience

• Preferred:
  •  Experience working in a call center; experience in Release of Information; clerical or administrative support background; experience working within the health care industry.
  • 1-3 years preferred experience in Release of Information.
  • Previous EPIC or EMR experience preferred.

Education

• Required: 
  •  High School Diploma, GED, or a higher level of education that would require the completion of high school.
• Preferred:
  • Associate Degree.

Licensure, Certification, Registration

• None required.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary: Exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a minute amount frequently 

Pay Rate Type

Hourly

Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.