HIM Specialist 1

St. Charles Health System; Bend (OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Charles Health System is seeking an entry-level HIM Specialist I to support patients by managing confidential health information and coordinating with internal and external customers.

The role emphasizes accuracy, adherence to Joint Commission guidelines and federal/state regulations while maintaining patient privacy and data integrity. Key duties include handling release of information requests, organizing and scanning records, and ensuring timely access to records across departments.

Qualifications

• Typing skills, attention to detail, ability to file alphabetically and numerically, and basic computer experience are required.
• Preferred: Medical office/hospital experience and administrative/clerical skills.
• RHIT/RHIA or release of information credentials are listed as preferred in education section.

Responsibilities

• Professionally answers inbound department phone calls and responds to requests promptly.
• Processes walk-in requests and assists patients with completing authorization for release of information.
• Maintains patient records in electronic and paper format.
• Retrieves medical records from hospital departments as needed.
• Reviews and analyzes ED records for completeness and accuracy.
• Delivers compliant release of information for continuing care requests.

Skills

Typing skills

Attention to detail

Alphabetical filing

Numerical filing

Computer experience

Strong communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

College or vocational school education (preferred)

Job description

The St. Charles Health System’s HIM Specialist I is an entry level position responsible for working with a variety of internal and external customers on behalf of St. Charles Health System patients to ensure timely and accurate management of confidential health information. This role will be responsible for the following work functions set forth in Joint Commission guidelines, State and Federal Regulations. This position does not directly manage other caregivers.

Essential Functions And Duties

• Professionally answers inbound department phone calls and responds to requests promptly.
• Processes walk-in requests and assists patients with completing a valid authorization for release of information.
• Works directly and indirectly with internal and external customers to resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Maintains patient records in both electronic and paper format.
• Retrieves medical records, or other related material, from hospital departments as needed.
• Demonstrates organizational, problem-solving and attention to detail skills.
• Provides release of information for continuing care requests.
• Preps, scans and indexes medical records to facilitate complete electronic storage including monitoring inbound electronic fax work queues and indexing per department procedure.
• Reviews and analyzes ED records for completeness and accuracy following departmental and regulatory guidelines.
• Responsible for quality assurance to ensure accuracy of medical records.
• Protects the confidentiality of medical record information as required by hospital policies and Federal/State laws.
• Role models two-way communication of the St. Charles Health System mission, vision, values, and strategic plan for the department.
• Supports the vision, mission, and values of the organization in all respects.
• Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change.
• Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests.
• Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies, and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings.
• Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient, and accurate.
• May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.

EDUCATION

• Required: High school diploma or GED.
• Preferred: College or vocational school education.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION/REGISTRATION

• Required: N/A
• Preferred: RHIT, RHIA, Release of Information or Patient Identification & Matching (micro credential). Maintains required education credits (CE) through AHIMA.

Experience

• Required: Typing skills, attention to detail, ability to file alphabetically and numerically. Computer experience.
• Preferred: Medical office/hospital experience. Administrative/clerical skills such as faxing, copying, emailing and scanning and strong communication skills.