Health Information Management Technician (HIM Tech)

Okanogan County Public Hospital District 4; Tonasket (WA); On-site; USD 27,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

North Valley Hospital District seeks a Health Information Management Technician (HIM TECH) to organize, secure, and maintain patient health information with accuracy and timely access for clinical staff.

The role ensures HIPAA compliance, supports coding and billing, manages release of information, and participates in audits within a rural hospital setting.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
• An associate degree in Health Information Management or related field is preferred.
• RHIT or CCA certification is preferred.
• Experience in health information management, especially in a hospital/clinical setting, is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Record Management: Organize and manage health information data with quality, accuracy, accessibility and security.
• Data Entry: Enter and collect patient information within the EHR systems.
• Patient Privacy: Ensure HIPAA compliance and patient confidentiality.
• Documentation: Prepare and process medical documents including charts and notes.
• Coding and Billing Support: Assist with ICD-10-CM, CPT coding and billing information.
• Release of Information: Process requests to release patient health information.
• Data Retrieval: Retrieve records for clinicians and providers.
• Quality Assurance: Participate in QA activities to ensure data integrity.
• Training and Support: Provide training on the EHR and documentation practices.
• Audits and Reporting: Assist in audits and generate required reports.
• Communication: Coordinate with providers, coders, and billers, and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Adaptability

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate degree in Health Information Management or related field (preferred)

Tools

RHIT or CCA certification (preferred)

Job description

• Base Pay $19.56 - $27.41 / Hour


• Job Category Healthcare


• Industry Medical Records


• Relocation Expense Covered No


• Employee Type FT Non-Exempt


• Required Degree High school

Contact information

• Phone [phone]

Position Summary

The Health Information Management Technician (HIM TECH) manages, organizes, and maintains patient health information to ensure its accuracy, accessibility, integrity, and security. This position supports the Health Information Management Department and clinical staff by ensuring timely and efficient access to health information while complying with applicable federal and state regulations, HIPAA requirements, and North Valley Hospital District policies and procedures.

Role Qualifications

• Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required. Associate degree in Health Information Management or a related field preferred.


• Certification: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) preferred.


• Experience: Previous experience in health information management preferred, particularly in a hospital or clinical setting. Experience in a rural healthcare setting preferred.

Position Responsibilities

• Record Management : Organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in paper and electronic systems.


• Data Entry: Accurately enter and collect patient information within the electronic health record (EHR) systems as necessary.


• Patient Privacy : Ensure compliance with HIPAA regulations and hospital policies regarding patient confidentiality and information security.


• Documentation : Prepare and process medical documents, including patient charts, physician notes, and diagnostic test results.


• Coding and Billing Support : Assist with coding diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and other coding systems; support the billing department with accurate and timely information.


• Release of Information (ROI) : Process requests to release patient health information following hospital policies and legal requirements.


• Data Retrieval : Retrieve patient records and information as healthcare providers request ongoing patient care.


• Quality Assurance : Participate in quality assurance activities to ensure the accuracy and integrity of health information.


• Training and Support : Provide training and support on using the EHR system and proper documentation practices.


• Audits and reporting :


• Assist in conducting audits of health information to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and hospital policies.


• Generating and dispersing “unbilled report.”


• Review daily “coding logs” sent from off‑site coders for accounts needing attention, such as dictation, diagnosis, etc. Determine what action to take to resolve account deficiencies and then respond to coders and billers via email regarding the action taken.


• Run reports as requested to compile data and statistics as needed.


• Communication :

1. Communicate effectively with healthcare providers, patients, and external agencies regarding health information issues.

2. Performing other duties as assigned, provided skills, abilities, and qualifications are the same.

Organization’s expectations of Employee

• Represents North Valley Hospital and facilities positively and professionally by exemplifying the vision, mission, values, and goals of North Valley Hospital.


• Maintains attendance by working the hours of the position. Follows policies and procedures regarding attendance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, and leaves of absence.


• Uses the timekeeping applications efficiently and accurately.


• Adheres to dress code; appearance is neat and clean; wears name badge while on duty


• Uses good customer service skills by relating to staff/healthcare providers, patients/residents, customers, and the general public courteously and diplomatically under all circumstances.


• Compliance with all organizational policies and procedures.


• Participate in CQI/QAPI activities, NVHD Performance Improvement Initiatives, and Disaster Preparedness education/exercises, and complete duties as assigned in case of emergencies/ICS stand‑up.


• Completes mandatory training in a timely manner.


• Demonstrates the ability to make decisions, take appropriate action, and follow tasks through to completion.


• Effectively collaborates with peers and team members, using tactful, diplomatic communication techniques in potentially sensitive or emotionally charged situations.


• Demonstrates leadership responsibility and skills, including planning and completing duties with minimal direction from the supervisor when appropriate.


• Performs other duties as assigned, provided skills, abilities, and qualifications are appropriate and sufficient training is provided.

Physical Demands: The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Physical demands: While performing duties of the job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; must have speech, vision, smell, touch and hearing corrected to normal range. The employee must frequently lift/push/pull up to 25 pounds and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.


• Mental requirements: Must be able to apply common sense to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagrammatic form; must be able to add, subtract, multiply, and divide all units of measure; must be able to read, write, and speak clearly.


• Work environment: Works inside in close working quarters with co-workers. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.


• Exposures: Muscular strain, body fluids, behavior of clients/patients/residents, infectious material, chemicals/cleaning solutions, potential allergens such as plants/flowers, and noxious odors.

General Sign-off

The HIM Tech is expected to act as a role model in adherence to all policies and procedures and demonstrate North Valley Hospital District’s customer service standards.

Requirements

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrates flexibility, organization, attention to detail, and effective communication and customer service skills.


• Demonstrates proficiency with computers, office equipment, Microsoft Office applications, and electronic health record (EHR) systems.


• Communicates clearly, concisely, and professionally, both orally and in writing.


• Maintains accuracy and follows established procedures when handling confidential health information and processing medical records.


• Demonstrates the ability to prioritize tasks, manage competing responsibilities, and meet established deadlines.


• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to learn and adapt to changing healthcare regulations, coding requirements, technology, and departmental procedures.


• Understands the importance of patient confidentiality, data integrity, and compliance with applicable laws and organizational policies.

Valued but Not Required Skills and Experience

• The ability to communicate effectively in Spanish and/or additional languages.


• Experience with medical coding systems.


• Experience with medical record audits, release of information processes, billing support, and health information reporting.

Summary

At North Valley Hospital District, we take pride in providing exceptional, mission-driven care in the beautiful Okanogan Valley. As a HIM Tech, you’ll play a vital role in supporting our patients' healthcare journey. This unique position blends customer service with administrative expertise, helping to create a welcoming and efficient experience for all who visit our facility. If you're passionate about serving your community and thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, we invite you to join our dedicated team!