Director HIM-HHK-Sacaton

Position Summary: Plans, develops, and directs activities and functions of the health information management system for GRHC. Ensures the department maintains strict policies and procedures in the retrieval of medical records in accordance with accredited and regulatory agencies. Also ensures compliance with HIPAA and applicable federal and state privacy guidelines by performing the following duties personally and through subordinate employees. Responsible for ensuring that all critical tasks are fulfilled on a timely basis.

This position establishes and enforces policies, ensures compliance with accrediting agencies, and supervises staff to maintain data quality, integrity, confidentiality, retention, and security of health information.

Critical Tasks:

• Maintains exclusive focus on patients/residents, the quality of their care, and services provided to patients without significant distraction by administrative duties/functions.
• Complies fully with all patient/resident records and information privacy regulations, state and federal.
• Takes all steps to ensure full compliance with best healthcare practices, regulations and licensure standards.
• Ensures full compliance with all medical/patient information standards and regulations as well as all coding, data entry/retention, privacy, data access, and release of information practices according to all federal and state laws.
• Takes all steps necessary to fully ensure patient/resident medical data security.
• Develops and implements policies and procedures for documenting, storing, and retrieving information, and for processing medical and legal documents, insurance data, and correspondence requests, in conformity with federal and state regulations.
• Plans and develops health information systems and procedures such as patient identification systems, coding and analysis of disease and procedures, incomplete record control systems, forms design and review systems, and records release procedures.
• Actively and productively participates in document and records improvement initiatives with other executives.
• Evaluates and updates operational procedures to improve health information access, efficiency and security.
• Actively participates with other management and executive team members while developing and implementing continuing healthcare quality and compliance improvement initiatives.
• Maintains and continually updates knowledge of the interoperability of electronic health records systems and partners closely with key stakeholders to manage the Arizona Medicaid Electronic Health Records incentive programs and improve health information management initiatives and incentive returns.
• Maintains accurate and continually updated knowledge of Indian Health Service, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulations and compliance requirements.
• Takes all actions necessary to ensure highly productive and efficient performance of work duties by all staff members in all locations.
• Fulfills the role of Custodian of Records in cases of legal actions and litigation.
• Analyzes patient data for reimbursement, facility planning, quality of patient care, risk management, utilization review, and research purposes.
• Monitors and improves staff quality and productivity on a continuing basis.
• Demonstrates ability to regularly change priorities to accomplish all tasks despite frequent interruptions.

• Demonstrates ability to clearly communicate, both orally and in writing, while performing all essential functions.
• Performs other special projects and duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in health information management or a closely related field of study.
• Registered Health Information Technician and Registered Health Information Administrator certifications.
• Minimum of eight years of experience in the field of health records and data administration within a licensed medical facility of medium or large size.
• Demonstrated ability to relate to diverse cultures and specifically the Gila River Community and/or other Native American cultures.
• Interest in medical subjects, patient services/care, and customer service.
• Prior medical environment work experience is preferred.