Health Information Specialist

Overview: 

• Supports care teams under general supervision, but according to established policies and procedures, answers requests for confidential health information. Discloses health information in compliance with Rhode Island General Laws, Federal Public Health Laws, HIPAA Privacy Regulations and PCHC policies and procedures.
• Reviews and conducts chart reviews of the clinical documentation in the patient’s electronic medical records to obtain and/or retrieve the most accurate and complete physician’s documentation that appropriately supports the patient’s encounter.
• Function as Health Information Associate as needed.

Duties & Responsibilities: 

• Demonstrates a complete understanding of the release of information process, including Rhode Island General Laws, Federal Regulations, Public Health Laws, HIPAA Privacy Rules and PCHC policies and procedures as they relate to obtaining or disclosing medical, dental, behavior health and billing information related to patients’ treatment and services provided by PCHC.
• Handling all requests and inquiries for patient information; dispersing the information with accountability to all regulatory entities and according to policy and procedure, including:
  1. Reviews authorizations for release of information and validates that it is complete, accurate and in compliance with HIPAA Privacy Regulations, Rhode Island General Laws, Federal Public Health Laws and PCHC policies and procedures. If the request is invalid, returns the request with an explanation and requests a valid authorization.
  2. Analyzes requests for health information, abstracts pertinent portions of health records, copies, mails and/or releases in accordance with PCHC policies and procedures to safeguard patient confidentiality.
  3. Screens health records for any confidential information that is not covered under a general authorization.
  4. Prepares and documents invoicing for requests requiring payment.

Qualifications: 

• Knowledge of Rhode Island State and Federal laws/regulations and HIPAA Privacy regulations regarding release of information required.
• Analytical abilities and good judgment necessary to evaluate, often under pressure, the legal rights of requesting parties. 
• Ability to read/write/speak English required. 
• Excellent communication skills required. 
• Presentation skills preferred.
• Medical terminology required.
• Proficient computer skills are required including working with Microsoft word and windows based application for data entry. Excel and PowerPoint experience preferred.
• Ability to communicate with people of various diverse backgrounds in a sensitive and compassionate way.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent required. 
• Completion of a two year program in Health Information or equivalent experience typically acquired by two years current experience working in Health Information required.  

PCHC is EOE/M/F/D/V/SO