HIM Assistant

Astera Health; Wadena (MN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Astera Health in Minnesota is seeking a Health Information Management (HIM) Assistant to organize, secure, and maintain patient records in compliance with HIPAA. The role focuses on accurate data entry, document imaging, and timely access to information for clinicians and staff.

You will scan, index, review quality of records in the EHR, assist with release-of-information requests, and support daily HIM operations.

Qualifications

• Requires knowledge of health information practices and privacy regulations (HIPAA).
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work.
• Experience with health information management systems preferred, Epic EHR experience helps.

Responsibilities

• Assemble, scan/import, and perform quality review of documents in the EHR.
• Complete deficiency analysis and ensure accuracy of medical records.
• Retrieve and deliver historical paper records for authorized personnel.
• Assist with release-of-information requests while protecting patient confidentiality.
• Perform administrative tasks to support HIM daily operations.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and secure access to patient information.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Attention to detail

Epic EHR experience

Education

Post-high school education in medical records or related field

Job description

Job Summary/Success in this role looks like:A Health Information Management (HIM) Assistant supports the accurate, secure, and efficient handling of patient health records within a healthcare facility. This role involves organizing, updating, and maintaining electronic and paper medical records in compliance with privacy regulations such as HIPAA.Key responsibilities typically include:Assembling, scanning and/or importing, and completing quality review of patient documents in the electronic health record (EHR) system.Completing deficiency analysis by verifying the accuracy and completeness of medical records.Retrieving and delivering historical paper records for authorized personnel.Assisting with release-of-information requests while safeguarding patient confidentiality and complying with HIPAA.Performing general administrative tasks to support the HIM department’s daily operations.The HIM Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring that healthcare providers have timely, accurate, and secure access to patient information, ultimately supporting quality patient care.Essential Duties:Supports the mission of Astera Health through personal conduct and behaviors that contribute ideas and suggestions, is helpful and friendly, demonstrates regular attendance and punctuality, and adheres to organizational policies and rules.Be a role model of Astera Health culture and core values.Provides customer service and assistance related to HIM departmental functions to patients, providers, vendors, other departments, and outside facilities: in person, over the telephone, through email, fax, and postal mail.Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, providers, other departments, and outside facilities in-person, over the telephone, through email, fax, and postal mail.Performs the document imaging function as required including Batch Prepping, Indexing, Scanning, and Quality Review to ensure scanned images are uploaded into the correct electronic health record visit.Monitors record completion processes, including Hospital and Clinic Deficiency Analysis and identification of documentation deficiencies, and follow up according to departmental standards.Reviews and analyzes electronic health information, including both Hospital and Clinic Deficiency Analysis, for provider completion and record deficiencies in accordance with the Joint Commission, CMS, state licensing agencies, Medical staff rules and regulations, and HIM department standards.Conducts releases of information to all legitimate requestors in accordance with company policy and all state and federal laws, while protecting the confidentiality and security of medical records.Perform accurate and timely completion of Birth and Death Certificates by electronically submitting required data to the State of Minnesota. Serve as a resource to providers, other staff, and patients regarding the legal definitions of Fetal Deaths and Live Births and apply this knowledge to preparation of data entry.Perform a variety of other support functions including maintaining and ordering departmental supplies, accurately filing and retrieving historical paper charts, performing chart merges in the EHR, and other duties as assigned by HIM leadership.Astera Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment or career development.Required Qualifications:Requires the knowledge of health information practices and principles as normally demonstrated through completion of one or more years of post-high school education in medical records and information systemsOR high school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge and one or more years of experience working with medical records and/or health information managementRequires the ability to communicate effectively in oral and written formats; requires ability to inspect, read, and analyze written material. Must be able to perform and work on multiple tasks and organize and prioritize workRequires good judgement, initiative and problem-solving abilities along with effective teamwork skills.Requires strong technical skills in the use of software applications and databases. Experience with Epic EHR preferred.Physical Requirements:Sedentary Duty: exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects including the human body (based on U.S. Department of Labor data). The following physical activities are required to perform this job:Occasionally (up to 33% of work time): Standing, walking, reaching, lifting, kneelingFrequently (34-66% of work time): Sitting, handling, fingering, talking, hearing, near acuity vision.Astera Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of employment or career development.