HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

The Director of Health Information Management is responsible for the planning, organization, coordination, and oversight of all.

Health Information Management functions, including health record management, document integrity, coding oversight, release of information, record retention, data quality, regulatory reporting, and electronic health record (EHR) operations.

The Director ensures compliance with applicable federal and state laws, accreditation standards, privacy and security regulations, and organizational policies governing protected health information (PHI). Responsibilities include leadership of HIM staff, quality improvement activities, medical record completion processes, physician chart deficiency management, and support of organizational initiatives related to health information technology.

The Director serves as a resource to leadership, providers, and staff regarding health information management practices, HIPAA compliance, documentation standards, and health record regulations. The position is responsible for safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information maintained by the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities: All employees in the Health Information Department.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be changed or assigned as organizational needs evolve.

Leadership and Department Management (20%)

• Direct and supervises all Health Information Management operations.
• Recruits, hires, trains, coaches, evaluates, and disciplines staff in accordance with organizational policies.
• Develop department goals, objectives, and performance measures.
• Establishes and maintains departmental policies and procedures.
• Develops, monitors, and manages the department budget.
• Ensures appropriate staffing and workflow processes.
• Monitors productivity, quality indicators, and department outcomes.
• Prepares reports, dashboards, and statistical summaries for administration and regulatory agencies.
• Participates in strategic planning and organizational initiatives.
• Promotes a culture of compliance, patient privacy, quality improvement, and customer service.

Health Information Management Operations (60%)

• Oversees maintenance, security, retention, storage, and destruction of health records in accordance with federal and Kansas requirements.
• Ensures the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of medical record documentation.
• Oversee medical record deficiency analysis and physician completion processes.
• Monitors coding, indexing, abstracting, and data collection activities.
• Collaborates with revenue cycle, compliance, nursing, and providers regarding documentation requirements.
• Manages release of information processes to ensure compliance with HIPAA, applicable state laws, subpoenas, and court orders.
• Maintains record retention schedules and legal health record requirements.
• Overseas EHR workflows and collaborates with Information Technology regarding health information systems.
• Serves as the facility subject matter expert for HIM regulations and standards.
• Conducts chart audits, documentation reviews, and data quality assessments.
• Develops and monitors corrective action plans when deficiencies are identified.
• Ensures required reports and statistical submissions are completed accurately and timely.
• Coordinates record reviews for quality, utilization review, risk management, accreditation, and medical staff activities.
• Maintains compliance with applicable CMS, KDHE, licensing, and accreditation standards.
• Monitors and supports HIPAA Privacy and Security Rule compliance within HIM operations.
• Participates in breach investigation, risk mitigation, and corrective action activities as assigned.
• Maintains security controls for access, use, disclosure, and protection of electronic protected health information (ePHI).

Quality Improvement, Compliance, and Education (10%)

• Leads HIM quality improvement activities.
• Monitors key performance indicators and regulatory compliance metrics.
• Provides education regarding documentation standards, record completion requirements, privacy, and confidentiality.
• Assists with accreditation, survey, and regulatory inspections.
• Participate in Quality Improvement, Medical Staff, Utilization Review, Compliance, and other assigned committees.
• Recommends process improvements that enhance efficiency, compliance, and patient care outcomes.

Professional Development (10%)

• Maintains current professional knowledge regarding HIM practices, healthcare regulations, privacy standards, and technology.
• Maintains required credentials and continuing education requirements.
• Participates in professional associations, workshops, seminars, and relevant educational opportunities.
• Attends required organizational meetings and training programs.

Education

Associate degree in Health Information Management, Health Information Technology, Healthcare Administration, or related field required.

Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of progressively responsible Health Information Management experience required.
• Previous supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Critical access hospital or rural healthcare experience is preferred.

Licensure/Certification

One of the following certifications is preferred and may be required by facility policy:

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of HIM principles and practices.
• Knowledge of HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.
• Knowledge of electronic health records and health information technologies.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and coding concepts.
• Ability to interpret and apply healthcare regulations and accreditation standards.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and healthcare information systems.

Working Conditions

The employee works primarily in an office and healthcare environment and may:

• Be subject to frequent interruptions.
• Work with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Have exposure to protected health information.
• Occasionally enter patient care areas.
• Be exposed to infectious materials, bloodborne pathogens, hazardous substances, and other healthcare-related environmental risks consistent with facility safety policies.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Consistent with the Kansas Act Against Discrimination and applicable disability laws, the facility provides reasonable accommodation where required.

The employee must be able to:

• Sit for extended periods.
• Occasionally stand and walk throughout the facility.
• Use hands and fingers for keyboarding and office equipment operation.
• Reach, bend, stoop, kneel, and lift as necessary.
• Occasionally lift and carry up to 25 pounds; rare lifting up to 50 pounds with assistance.
• Communicate effectively in person, by telephone, and electronically.\

SDH is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable federal, state, or local law.

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the position. Duties and responsibilities may change or be added as business needs require.