JOB PURPOSE: Health Information Technician (HIT) is responsible for processing all release of information requests, specifically medical record and audit requests, in a timely and efficient manner. This role must also ensure accuracy and provide clients and customers with the highest quality product and customer service. At all times, the Health Information Technician must safeguard and protect the patient's right to privacy by ensuring that only authorized individuals have access to the patient's medical information and that all releases of information are compliant with the request, authorization, client policy, and state and federal laws to include HIPAA regulations. The Health Information Technician engages in direct customer service and must perform duties and conduct interpersonal relationships in a manner designed to project a positive image of the Central Records department and Spindletop Center. The Health Information Technician must work with their team leader, supervisor, manager and other members of the department to promote a harmonious work environment.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:  High School diploma or GED required and at least two years of increasing responsible experience in administrative or office practices. Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Outlook and computer data entry is required.

DEGREE AND/OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED (IF APPLICABLE): 

DRIVING REQUIRED:  Yes

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

•   Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize work to complete in a timely manner.
•   Skilled in the use of Microsoft technologies: Word, Outlook and Teams.
•   Possess exceptional skills in oral and written communication.
•   Ability to write letters with acceptable spelling and grammar and according to standards.
•   Ability to input data into computer and complete daily activities logs.
•   Skilled in delivering professional customer service to coworkers and clients.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS OR CONDITIONS (specify):

•   May be required to interact with other consumers, referral sources, outside agencies, and family members to determine needs and actions to be taken.
•   Current State of Texas Driver License or if you live in another state, must be currently licensed in that state.
•  Liability insurance required if employee will operate personal vehicle on Center property or for Center business.  Must be insurable by Center's liability carrier if employee operates a Center vehicle or drives personal car on Center business.
•   Must complete all training requirements in month in which they are due.
•   May be required to provide on-call duties. 
•   Availability of a personal vehicle for business use may be required.
•  Must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test
•   Must successfully pass all background screens as required by the state
•   Work will take place within office setting or remote home office

Essential Tasks & Standards  

1. Manages all requests and inquiries for patient heath information; validates HIPAA compliant authorization; ensures requesting party has legal right to patient information; dispenses patient health information with accountability to all regulatory entities and according to the facility's policies and procedures.
2. Provides excellent customer service; exhibits professional, attentive, courteous, and respectful demeanor with each customer or coworker.
3. Interacts with requestors to identify medical records needed for continuity of care, review, billing, or release of information.
4. Access and transmit patient health information via various computerized health record systems, paper, fax, scanning, Spindletop Center Electronic Medical Records applications, etc.
5. Maintains the confidentiality of all patient, client, and facility information.
6. Performs quality reviews according to the quality improvement policies and procedures to ensure accuracy of release, confidentiality, and compliant invoicing.
7. Performs job duties at established quantitative and qualitative standards to meet departmental goals and objectives.
8. Demonstrates a complete understanding of the release of information process, including guidelines in training manuals, regulatory manuals, and facility policies and procedures, as related to patient health.
9. Maintains current knowledge related to applicable statutes, regulations, guidelines, and standards necessary to perform job duties.
10. Works with the IT department to incorporate new technologies.
11. Communicates effectively at all levels within the organization, expressing ideas and information clearly and concisely in verbal and written form.
12. Contributes to the morale and teamwork of the staff and facility; displays a positive attitude and patient-minded vision with customer/client satisfaction as the goal.
13. Understands that this role requires specific responsibilities for protecting sensitive data.
14. Other duties as assigned.