Medical Records Administration Specialist

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs invites applications for a Medical Records Administration Specialist (MRAS) in the Health Information Management Section of the Health Administration Service at the FVHCS in Fargo.

The MRAS ensures accurate, complete, timely and secure health information for clinical, administrative and operational uses across the medical center and clinics. Basic requirements include citizenship, education or experience in medical records, and appropriate certifications

Qualifications

• Experience in medical records and health information systems.
• Bachelor's degree in health information management or related field with HIM/HIT coursework.
• Coding or HIM certifications such as AHIMA or AAPC are required or preferred.

Skills

Medical records management

Health information systems

Medical terminology

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in health information management

AHIMA/AAPC coding certification

HIM certification AHIMA

Health Data Analyst Certification AHIMA

Job description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of Health Administration Service (HAS), Fargo VA Health Care System (FVHCS). The Medical Records Administration Specialist (MRAS) supports accurate, complete, timely, and secure health information for clinical, administrative, reporting, and operational purposes across the medical center and associated outpatient clinics.

Basic Requirements

United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education or Experience: (1) Experience. Three years of creditable experience in the field of medical records that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems demonstrating a knowledge of medical terminology, medical records procedures, medical coding, or medical, administrative, and legal requirements of health care delivery systems. OR, (2) Education. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology. OR, (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education that equals 100 percent may be used to meet basic requirements. For example, two years above high school from an accredited college or university, with 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management, plus one year and six months of creditable experience that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems meets an equivalent combination. Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must meet one of the following: (1) Coding Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. OR, (2) HIM Certification through AHIMA. OR, (3) Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA. English Language Proficiency. MRAs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).

Grade Determinations

Medical Records Administration Specialist, GS-5. None beyond basic requirements.

Medical Records Administration Specialist, GS-7 Experience. In addition to the basic requirements, one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. OR, Education. (Advanced Entry-Level Placement). Applicants who meet the GS-5 grade level may be appointed at the GS-7 grade level, if they possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study in health information management, with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by: i. A 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0 GPA ("B" or better), as recorded on their official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or ii. A 3.5 GPA or higher out of a possible 4.0 GPA ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field of study, or the required courses completed in the major field of study during the final two years of the curriculum. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. i. Knowledge of current classification systems, such as International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology, and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). ii. Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) with medical center staff, patients, and external entities. iii. Ability to use data collection and analytical techniques for purposes of review, quality control, studies and analysis of health information. iv. Ability to utilize computer applications with varied functions to produce a wide range of reports, to abstract records, collect and analyze data and present results in various formats. v. Ability to work independently, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.

Medical Records Administration Specialist, GS-9 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics described at that level. OR, Education. Education equivalent to two full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's degree or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to health information management. AND Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities i. Knowledge of medical and legal requirements related to health information management and health