When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

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Job Description:

Under the direction of the HIM Director, handles requests for the release of confidential patient medical information, coordinates record reviews and assists requestors with access to confidential patient information in accordance with state, federal and regulatory requirements governing the privacy of the patient information. Assures confidentiality standards are met, provides accurate and timely medical records services and ensures customer/patient satisfaction for the Health Information Management Department. Handles all HIPAA Amendment requests and patient questions regarding HIPAA issues and complaints.

Responds to all telephone, in person, faxed and mailed requests for patient medical record information from a variety of sources (e.g. attorneys, patients, insurance agencies, social services, disability, auditors, subpoenas/court orders) and verifies the legitimacy of the authorizations to meet state, federal and regulatory requirements governing the release of the confidential patient information. Coordinates with any contractual release of information services/agencies that provide the photocopying & scanning of the medical records on behalf of the hospital to ensure accuracy and timeliness of the processing.

Applies all HIPAA privacy rules & legal statutes to handling requests for confidential patient medical information and uses special handling rules for sensitive medical information that is further protected under state & federal laws (e.g. Drug & Alcohol Information, HIV/AIDS, genetic testing). In the case of “privileged information”, the request is handled specifically to meet the requirements of a court ordered privileged release according to Massachusetts statute. Directs any issues or concerns to the HIM Director.

Ensures that all patient medical information is complete and signed by the Physician/Clinician responsible for the patient’s care prior to any release, identifies any documents needing completion & refers them to the physician delinquency staff and verifies that the documentation meets the conditions approved for the release. Coordinates the needs for records in offsite storage with file room personnel, copies of bills with Patient Accounts, films with Radiology and other ancillary requests with the appropriate hospital Department in order to comply with the request according to established HIM Department policy and procedures.

Handles all patient requests for HIPAA Amendments to medical records documentation, HIPAA related issues and patient complaints; refers these completed forms to the Director, HIM and seeks advice as needed on a request by request basis.

Maintains the confidentiality of the patient while verifying requestor identity and a “need to know” prior to allowing release, auditing, review or access to patient medical information. Upholds all privacy policies and procedures to prevent medical identity theft or inappropriate access.

Secures the confidentiality of the patient records and information while performing the job responsibilities of this position (e.g. correspondence window area) and maintains secure access into the department during business hours (e.g. proxy card access). Maintains health record tracking system for all records and medical record information requested, distributed from and received by the HIM Department.

Adheres to HIM Department and hospital-wide quality assurance standards.

Follows hospital and department policies and procedures to contribute to the safety, efficiency and effectiveness of the Health Information Management Department and hospital.

Fosters respect for patient privacy and confidentiality by maintaining and upholding the highest level of confidentiality in all phases of the work.

Minimum Education
High School education or GED.

Minimum Work Experience
Minimum one (1) year acute care hospital Health Information Management experience preferred.

FLSA Status:

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) and COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Learn more about this requirement.

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled