General Summary
Under general supervision, performs moderately complex administrative duties including processing requests for Protected Health Information (PHI) that contain patient authorization and other noncompulsory requests that do not require a signed authorization. Providing front-line customer service to attorneys, insurance companies, clinicians, patients, funeral homes in person and by telephone. Responsible for accounts receivable as it relates to invoicing, posting and collections for the Release of Information (ROI) division of the Health Information Management Department. This position demands an environment of exceptional confidentiality and strict adherence to and knowledge of regulatory requirements guided by state and federal laws. Also fulfills continuity of care (ROI) requests and other administrative and support tasks.

Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Process requests for health information in compliance with applicable statutes, departmental policies, guidelines, and state and federal regulatory requirements by using multiple electronic document management and electronic medical record systems, and other electronic and paper documentation associated with each facility. Receive, review, and verify all incoming requests on a daily basis for health information to determine if the request has a complete and valid authorization. Stamp all incoming mail as well as enter requests in the computerized release of information tracking system the same day of receipt. Process requests for release of radiology images and uploads foreign images into the appropriate radiology system.
2. Coordinate billing, posting and collection functions for the Release of Information area for medical records copied and released to external customers in compliance with applicable statutes, departmental policies, guidelines, state and federal regulatory requirements. Return incomplete and invalid requests for medical information the same day of receipt, routes requests for health information to special units and other departments daily, as necessary.
3. Provide minimum necessary information on an as needed basis in response to requests for health information and document information sent according to proper protocol. Fax information requested for direct patient care and request medical information from other healthcare facilities as needed for continued patient care in urgent situations. Performs quality checks on all work to assure accuracy of the release and confidentiality
4. Handles "walk-in" requests from the public and directs them appropriately. Ensure that customers are greeted with a high degree of professionalism and are given timely, accurate, and appropriate information. Responsible for verifying the identity of requestors to ensure requests for PHI are only released to the proper individual. Must be able to handle volatile situations with confidence and authority.
5. Complete and submit personal productivity reports to the designated team leader, supervisor or manager.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.

The University of Maryland Medical System is a 14-hospital system with academic, community and specialty medical services reaching every part of Maryland and beyond. UMMS is a national and regional referral center for trauma, cancer care, Neurocare, cardiac care, women's and children's health and physical rehabilitation. UMMS is the fourth largest private employer in the Baltimore metropolitan area and one of the top 20 employers in the state of Maryland. No organization will give you the clinical variety, the support, or the opportunities for professional growth that you'll enjoy as a member of our team.

Education and Experience

1. High school graduate or equivalent required. Graduate of an accredited Health Record Technician program with RHIT preferred.
2. Minimum of two years' experience in a Health Information Management Department or other healthcare setting performing medical record duties, and one year performing release of information required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Strong analytical and organizational skills; basic math skills; filing systems; State and Federal legal requirements for releasing health information; basic medical terminology; ability to prioritize workloads, meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure; ability to work with general supervision; excellent communication, interpersonal, customer service and problem solving skills. Must be proficient with computer skills to navigate in several different computer systems.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.