HIM Specialist

Monday-Friday | 8:30am-5:00pm | 2-3 days remote after training period.

The HIM Specialist supports the management and integrity of patient medical records by performing record processing, scanning, document management and quality audits. Responsibilities also include processing release of information requests, subpoenas, search warrants, customer service, and other HIM operations. The HIM Specialist role is a hybrid role that involves occasional weekend work (1-3 days per month).

We are ushering in a new era of healthcare where achieving good health is just the beginning. At UVA Community Health, part of the world-class UVA Health academic health system, we are committed to caring for the whole person by building meaningful connections with our patients in the local setting of UVA Health's community hospitals, outpatient locations, and provider offices. By combining our team's talent and expertise, the breadth of capabilities across the entire UVA Health system, and our dedication to community wellness, we are bringing expert care close to home.

As a member of the UVA Community Health team, individuals contribute to patient care decisions, support advanced medical technologies, and experience the satisfaction of making a difference in people's lives every day.

Health Information Management (HIM) Team Members are responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and monitoring information management standards and systems to support the patient record. The HIM Specialist is responsible for supporting all HIM workflows within the HIM Departments This includes, but is not limited to, department phone coverage, record pulling/ordering from off-site vendors, discharge unit rounding, document assessment/prepping, scanning/indexing, HIMSS7 unit scanning, and quality analysis of paper medical record documents into any record scanning application/electronic medical record system. The HIM Specialist will conduct medical record analysis, evaluating the medical record for chart deficiencies and facilitating chart completion by providers. To support regulatory compliance, the HIM specialist will also participate in conducting various monthly qualitative audits of the medical record, reporting results to the HIM Manager and other facility leaders.

The HIM Specialist will also perform release of information tasks for walk-in medical record requests, continuity of care, and incoming mail. The HIM Specialist will process subpoenas, search warrants, business office and audit and accounting of disclosures requests. In addition, the HIM Specialist will provide customer service to callers/visitors to the HIM Departments as appropriate. HIM Specialists will also serve as birth and/or death registrars, facilitating state registration of births and/or deaths as assigned. HIM Specialists may be assigned additional on-site HIM duties as necessary in order to maintain fluid departmental operations. Team member will also foster working relationships with other departments to ensure timely resolution related to any issues within these workflows.

High School Diploma or GED required. 2 Year/Associate's Degree preferred.

Minimum of 3 years of equivalent work experience with similar work assignments roles, and responsibilities preferred or RHIT/RHIA in lieu of experience. Internal Candidates: A combination of the above qualifications and proven success will be considered within HIM leader discretion. Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.

RHIA or RHIT preferred.

Must possess excellent analytical skills and customer service skills. Ability to successfully complete generic and department-specific skills validation and competency testing. Must have the ability to multitask and work independently with limited supervision. Must be able to meet standardized productivity metrics/goals. Should have a strong working knowledge of HIPAA requirements. Must be comfortable in a computer-based workflow. Must have a working knowledge and/or familiarity with acute care medical records and hospital regulatory environment. Ability to drive/travel to multiple locations/facilities as needed.

Experience with the EPIC EHR and/or Hyland On Base scanning application.

• Communications: Works with internal staff and customers to handle Electronic Medical Records (EMR) requests.
  • Handles record requests and scans/logs them into the EHR system as appropriate.
  • Escalates any record release issues through the appropriate chain of command to avoid missing deadlines.
• Quality: Follows document scanning policies/procedures/standards, as applicable.
  • Reviews each scanned image/batch for image quality and accuracy against any upstream mapping/indexing policies/procedures/standards.
  • Performs a page-to-image comparison across any scanned image, as appropriate.
  • Reviews, reconciles, resolves, and approves any and all images contained in applicable document imaging work queues, as applicable. Follows up and troubleshoots issues, as appropriate.
  • Clears any and all issues/approves all scanned documents for accuracy in preparation for physical document destruction.
• Technical Competence: Performs work within established turnaround time metrics/goals.
  • Understands how to apply HIPAA rules/regulations/policies/procedures to all record release situations.
  • Scans any paper documents into the scanning/imaging software application/EHR.
  • Reviews/works any electronic document imaging queues to assure appropriate indexing/mapping has occurred and updates as appropriate.

The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, and bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment. This job description may not include all assigned duties, responsibilities, or aspects of the job described. It may be amended at any time at the sole discretion of UVA Community Health.

• May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention: Yes

• On call responsibilities as directed: No

• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed: Yes

The base compensation range for this role is $16.12- $26.70 hourly.

Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. Please note that the pay range does not include any applicable incentive compensation programs such as shift differentials, clinical ladders, and other incentives that may be available for those in eligible positions.