HIM Specialist

University of Utah Health; Salt Lake City (UT); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Utah Health seeks a patient records management specialist to support patient care, quality, and safety through complex multimedia systems. This role focuses on releasing protected health information, managing archived records, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

The position requires collaboration with clinical and administrative teams in a sedentary office setting. Ideal candidates will have HIM experience, knowledge of HIPAA, and strong communication skills to handle inquiries

Qualifications

• Experience with HIM department functions is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance.
• Understanding of medical terminology and anatomy/physiology is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Validate requests and release protected health information per guidelines.
• Perform routine accounting and deposits for release of information revenue.
• Oversee morgue management duties and documentation.
• Process electronic death certificates per state system and hospital guidelines.
• Provide customer service and direct callers to resources.
• Archive records per retention and disposal policies.
• Scan/index records into EMR and perform quality control audits.

Skills

Archives systems

Compliance knowledge

HIPAA regulations

Computer literacy

Problem solving

Verbal/written communication

Teamwork

Job description

Overview

Tuesday-Saturday 8:30am-5:00pm, Rotating Weekends and Holidays. As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA This position assumes responsibility for the management of patient medical records in support of patient care, quality and safety, in complex multimedia systems. The incumbent has demonstrated skills in the functions of the job and has knowledge of regulatory/compliance standards. This position has no responsibility for providing care to patients. Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

Essential Functions

• Validates requests and releases protected health information from multiple sources per state, federal, and other regulatory agency guidelines.
• Performs routine accounting and deposits for release of information revenue. Follows up with delinquent accounts.
• Oversees all morgue management duties, including verification of documentation, maintaining appropriate logs, notifying appropriate parties and receiving/releasing remains.
• Initiates and completes electronic death certificates via state system and according to hospital guidelines. Ensures accuracy and timeliness of information.
• Provides exceptional customer service to patients and customers. Manages incoming phone calls to department and directs customers to appropriate resources.
• Manages and disposes of archived records according to retention schedule and disposal policy based on administrative, legal, fiscal, or research needs.
• Scans and/or indexes medical records into the electronic medical record (EMR). Performs quality control audits and correct errors on scanned documents.
• Troubleshoots scanning software. Assists in training for institution wide scanning.
• Performs downtime procedures for all relevant HIM functions, such as scanning, electronic master patient index, and release of information.
• Identifies and troubleshoots simple computer problems and escalates issues to appropriate resources as needed.
• Assists in training and mentoring team members and HIM externs.
• Audits medical records to ensure compliance with departmental and regulatory requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions outlined above.
• Demonstrated familiarity with archival systems.
• Knowledge of compliance and regulatory standards.
• Knowledge of and experience in computer based programs and desktop applications.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision making skills.
• Demonstrated verbal/written communication skills.
• Demonstrated human relations and communications skills, and ability to work in a team environment.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated competency in general HIM department functions.
• Three years of experience in a healthcare environment or equivalency.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and HIPAA regulations.

Qualifications (Preferred)

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This is a sedentary position in an office setting that may exert up to 10 pounds and may lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. This position involves sitting most of the time and is not exposed to adverse environmental conditions.

Physical Requirements

Listening, Sitting, Speaking, Standing