Release of Information Specialist

Who we Are:

Nestled into the most northern part of Vermont, North Country Hospital is a community-focused 25 bed critical access hospital, where we prioritize the well-being of our neighbors. North Country Hospital is more than just a healthcare provider; we are a vital part of the community, working together to build a healthier future. Our patient’s health is our priority, and we go above and beyond to care in every way possible.

Position Statement: Working in a team setting the ROI specialist will be responsible for several critical areas of HIM. This role accurately preps, scans, and indexes all patient documents into the electronic record. Responsible for Birth Certificates. Responsible for centralized Release of Information (ROI) for Hospital and Practices. Processes all Chart Audits and HEDIS Reviews. Creates and maintains a training manual for ROI policies and procedures. Ensures that all information released remains in compliance according to HIPAA, VT Law and Hospital policy. Oversees all patient requests for amendment to Medical Records. Under the supervision of the Manager of HIM, or designee.

Key Responsibilities:

• Processes requests for health information including but not limited to those received by mail, fax, email, phone, interoffice mail, internal requests and in-person following established policies and procedures. Protect confidentiality of information by preventing unauthorized release, both verbally and/or in writing.
• Process ROI requests received from physicians, patients/family members, attorneys (internal & external), law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, judicial system, hospitals, State & Federal government, DCF, Disability, schools, funeral homes, and nursing facilities, in a timely manner in accordance with State and Federal regulations.
• Identify any case with sensitive information prior to release and redact records as needed, and consult with appropriate management, legal team, and compliance officer regarding any potential risk management issues that need to be researched and or corrected.
• Log, scan & index all requests into appropriate EMR system to maintain an audit for all records released.
• Ensures that the consent to release medical record information is filled out properly and is signed and dated by the patient or the patient’s legal representative.
• Always demonstrates a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail. Correct other departments’ scan errors identified in the electronic chart and report to the HIM Director to be filed in the hospital incident reporting system.
• Provides a high level of customer services to both internal and external customers – professionally communicates and does the needed work to provide answers to customers.
• Completes birth certificates and files timely with the State.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to prioritize and triage all requests of records for processing.
• Ability to provide information in a timely manner.
• Ability to be cross trained to cover all areas.
• Strong customer service skills.
• Excelling communication skills both verbal and written.
• Ability to multi-task