Release of Information Specialist

Sturdy Health; Attleboro (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Sturdy Health in Attleboro, MA is seeking a Release of Information Specialist to manage requests for PHI, ensure HIPAA compliance, and prepare records for legal purposes.

This role requires attention to detail, ability to work independently, and experience with MS Office; familiarity with Meditech or Cerner is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be able to prioritize requests with proper authorization and regulatory compliance.
• Strong ownership and ability to work independently on tasks as warranted.
• Excellent administrative telephone skills and clear communication.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate release of PHI per HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2 and state/federal rules.
• Prepare correspondence and medical records for release; complete court certifications as needed.
• Disclose PHI via paper or electronic media; maintain patient privacy and record safeguarding.

Skills

Prioritize requests

Ownership & independence

Administrative telephone skills

Explain complex information

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

HIPAA/PHI regulations

Oral and written communication

Office equipment operation

Technology proficiency

Problem solving with IT

Education

Health Sciences degree

Tools

Meditech

Cerner

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Release of Information Specialist is responsible for coordinating release of medical information of all requests for protected health information (PHI) in accordance with Federal (42 CFR Part 2), State and HIPAA rules and regulations. Customers requesting records include but are not limited to: Attorneys, Patient Financial Services, Disability Determination, Patients, Insurance Carriers, SMH departments and other healthcare providers. Prepares correspondence and medical records for the release of patient information ensuring HIPAA compliance and the patient’s right to privacy, completes certifications and other documents for court and legal purposes. Responsibilities involve the disclosure of PHI through means of paper or electronic media.

Required Skills/Qualifications/Training/Experience:

• Ability to prioritize all requests with attention to the nature of the request, while ensuring requisite documentation has been provided with appropriate authorization secured and all regulatory requirements and timeframes met
• Self-starter with a strong sense of ownership and the ability to work independently on assigned tasks as warranted and appropriate
• Excellent administrative telephone skills
• Ability to clearly, accurately and professionally present and explain complex information to patients, employees, and managers
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to prioritize and plan work activities efficiently.
• Ability to multi-task, handle interruptions and work effectively in a fast-paced, professional environment.
• Admissions processing, release of information/verbal requests processing for internal and external requestors, including burning copies of records onto CDs, filing, retrieval and photocopying of records and telephone coverage for the department.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills in working with all stakeholders, including providers, internal and external customers, peers and colleagues.
• Ability to operate general office equipment to include personal computer, CD burner, scanner, printer, telephone, fax and copy machine
• Proficiency in technology usage, including Microsoft office.
• Troubleshoot computer or system failures with IT to resolve downtime situations timely
• Ability to work under minimal supervision, while maintaining optimal quality and productivity of work
• Responsible for safeguarding patient records and ensuring compliance with HIPAA standards

Preferred Skills/Qualifications/Training/Experience:

• One year or more of office/clerical/computer experience
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in an acute care hospital setting, Health Information Management Department, specific to the release of information.
• Experience in Meditech and Cerner a plus.

Educational Requirements:

• Associates or Bachelor’s Degree, with concentration in Health Sciences preferred.

License/Certification:

• RHIT or RHIA preferred

Age Specific Criteria:

Ability to effectively communicate to all age levels served within the scope of the position/assigned areas.

Ability to Meet Job Performance Expectations:

Must have the ability to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves or other individuals in the workplace, with or without a reasonable accommodation.