HIM Release of Information Specialist I

Advocate Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Release of Information Specialist to ensure privacy and accurate handling of medical data requests. You will validate authorizations, log requests, and assemble PHI while complying with HIPAA, HIPAA-related state laws, and internal policies.

This role emphasizes quality service and meticulous record review. The position requires attention to detail, strong communication, and experience with healthcare information systems.

Qualifications

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills.
• Strong ethical handling of confidential information.
• Ability to adapt to new technology, including AI tools.

Responsibilities

• Process release of information requests accurately and timely.
• Validate authorizations meet legal requirements and identify requester type.
• Log requests in tracking system and scan authorizations.
• Select necessary PHI from records to fulfill requests in compliance with HIPAA.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Organizational skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

OnBase

EPIC

Microsoft Office

Job description

This position is responsible for processing basic release of information requests in a timely and efficient manner ensuring accuracy and providing customers with the highest quality product and customer service. The specialist safeguards 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 in compliance with the request, authorization, company policy and HIPAA regulations.

Major Responsibilities

• Ensures, safeguards, and protects patients right to privacy by staying current and knowledgeable of all Federal and State Regulations and organization policies regarding privacy, confidentiality, and release of information pertaining to continuing care, insurance, patient, and social security disability requests.
• Receives requests, validates that the authorization meets legal requirements, and identifies requester type. Ensures all releases of information are in compliant with the request, authorization, policies, and State and Federal HIPAA regulations and guidelines to safeguard the organization from legal and government repercussions.
• Logs requests into the Release of Information tracking system utilizing OnBase and EPIC. Scans the authorization into the release module according to documented process.
• Identifies and accurately selects appropriate patient information that is included within the legal health record and designated record set to process the request and to comply with State and Federal regulations to prevent a breach or a complaint from the Office of Civil Rights.
• Locates and ensures any information that is imported or scanned into the EHR that is not available via the release module is included in the request as appropriate.
• Reviews each page of scanned documentation prior to releasing to ensure there are no incorrect patient documents in the record. Any improperly scanned documentation is reported to their leader for correction.
• Releases records in the format requested, creating electronic files to export to CD's, e-mail, the patient portal, or requester portals. Understands potential dangers of lack of cyber security and follows rules around encrypting electronic communication, CD's, and e-mail.
• Provides excellent customer service in a respectful manner, ensures understanding of customer requests and assists them appropriately; this includes, but is not limited to providing status of requests, providing information on how to request records, and explaining the process including typical turnaround times.
• Performs clerical functions which may include answering phones, copying, faxing, distributing mail, and/or ordering/delivering department or facility supplies.

Minimum Job Requirements

Education

• High School Diploma or GED Equivalent

Certification / Registration / License

• N/A

Experience

• Typicallyrequires0-1 years of experience in healthcare or customer service.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service, and organizational skills
• Strong ethical skills to handle confidential information with integrity and keep it confidential
• Strong research skills to identifyappropriate PHIin historical and current patient records
• Excellent spelling, grammar, and punctuation skills
• Ability to adapt to and accurately work withnew technologyand artificial intelligence
• Strong understanding of cyber security risks and proper reporting thereof
• Meet or exceed department quality and productivity expectations
• Advanced computer skills including proficient keyboarding skills and experience in using Microsoft Office products, electronicmailand/or electronic health information record systems
• Ability to read and comprehend medical terminology, human anatomy, and disease processes, and/or state and federal regulations related to HIPAA and release of medical information
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and make decisions with good judgement
• Demonstrates strong problem-solving skills including the ability to handle difficult situations
• Ability to prioritize workload, multi-task, and work under pressure in a fast-paced environment with time constraints
• Must have high attention to detail and accuracy

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.
• Exposed to a normal office environment.

Preferred Job Requirements

Preferred Experience

• Preferredexperiencein customer service, release of information, health information management, or healthcare billing.
• Ability to read and comprehend medical terminology, human anatomy, and disease processes, and state and federal regulations related to HIPAA and release of medical information.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.