Independently performs specialized or advanced health information activities necessary to organize, maintain, and use electronic patient health records. Activities required include research, analysis, and compilation of findings into summarized reports that will be shared within and external to the Health Information Management Department. Positions at this level have high customer service, strong analytic and problem-solving skills, and require interpretation and explanation of policy and external requirements related to privacy, reliability of information, positive patient identity, and other department- and organization-wide functions. Specific job responsibilities are based on the service unit within the Health Information Management assigned. Expert computer skills in navigating and querying multiple electronic record systems. 

Release of Information: regular interaction is required with patients, attorneys, governmental agencies, providers of health care, insurance companies, auditing agencies, and researchers. Detailed working knowledge and ability to apply HIPAA rules, North Carolina General Statutes, and other state and federal laws regarding patient privacy. 

Release of Information F Functions: 

Review requests for medical records to identify dates of service, entity, provider, and specific clinical documents requested. Works extensively in the electronic health record and decentralized electronic databases to locate specific clinical documents for the purpose of fulfilling a request.  

Review patient authorizations to validate HIPAA-required elements and validate the legal authority of the requestor. Reviews NC and State Subpoenas and Court Orders to determine if valid and returns to the requestor if deemed invalid.  

Coordinates visits from Health Plan Reviewers and Research Monitors through the provision of electronic medical records, assignment of passwords, and deactivates < >passwords after the visit. Assists the reviewer in locating specific documents as needed. 

Reviews requests for patient amendments, locates disputed documents in the electronic health record, and notifies the provider of patient requests for amendment. Tracks amendment requests to ensure the patient is not notified of outcome within HIPAA required timeframe. 

Obtains itemized statements from PRMO Self Pay and uses them to calculate lien balances, generate attorney lien letters, and forward itemized statements to the requestor as needed. 

Obtains provider approval to release psychiatric encounter records when requested by the patient and seeks provider approval to release records for minor patients ages 12-17 to the parent to comply with additional privacy protections under NC Statute and Federal Law. 

Accompanies certified copies or original health records to court a location of scheduled depositions when required. Testifies in court and depositions as to the authenticity of health records containing PHI. 

Good organizational skills, excellent investigative/analytic skills with detail orientation, and strong follow-through capabilities. 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively problem solve, develop working relationships, and assist system users. 

Must be able to meet deadlines, work independently, set priorities, and maintain confidentiality.