HIM Technician IV

SUMMARY:
Assures complete and accurate maintenance of key patient data in the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) information systems. Understands how the various registration and clinical systems interface to trouble-shoot and determine the appropriate course of action when errors are identified. Exercises a high degree of responsibility, problem-solving ability, analytical skills, initiative, and good judgment in resolving duplicate patient records and missing or erroneous data in patient records, including both the EMR and the paper record.  Will assist in the evaluation of quality and productivity metrics.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Reviews and identifies discrepancies and omissions of information in various patient records in accordance with the Chart Correction Policy; communicates discrepancies to the appropriate system contact or responsible individual and tracks through resolution. 

Ensures correct documentation for continuity of care and record keeping practices.

Identifies, corrects and records errors scanned into the system then, educates staff on documentation.

Analyzes clinical & demographic information to accurately identify and resolve edits, duplicate, Master Patient Index (MPI) entries and patient overlays.

Determines and resolves errors in patient data that cause a transaction in the information system(s) to fail, preventing clinical information to be appropriately available for patient care.

Reviews, researches and edits master patient index information on a daily basis. 

Resolves fatal edits or warnings (caused by mismatched master patient index data elements in registration and clinical systems) received from registration or clinical systems on a daily basis. 

Reviews hard copy and electronic patient information to determine if information is similar or dissimilar and take the appropriate action.

Identifies and corrects duplicate patient records across all information systems, including the merge of patient information (clinical, financial and appointment information). 

Researches and resolves complex issues of patient identification.

Handles registration errors and correction, including notification to management of the registration area creating error. 

Communicates cross-departmentally and assists physicians and/or clinical staff with resolving errors within the EMR.

Reviews daily reports for duplicate medical record numbers, errors in consecutive issuance of medical record numbers and overall integrity of daily additions to the MPI’s.

Reviews requests for clinical system access in accordance with established policy.  Establishes/revokes system access codes within established guidelines.

Assists with testing upgrades or new systems in relation to data integrity and merging of clinical information.

Assist in developing, supporting and maintaining workflows in the department.

Adheres to and supports team members in exhibiting TMCH values of integrity, community, compassion, and dedication. 

Adheres to TMCH organizational and department-specific safety and confidentiality policies and standards.

Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION:  Associate’s degree in a computer or Health Information program or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

EXPERIENCE:  Three (3) years of related records management or healthcare information systems experience, preferably in an acute care setting. Experience with spreadsheets, word processing, and data entry is required. Familiarity with EMR, databases, and scanning

LICENSURE OR CERTIFICATION: None Required; RHIA or RHIT highly preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong analytical skills in data review.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, including lab and radiology procedures preferred.

• Knowledge of computer application software such as SDK, EPIC, PeopleSoft and On Base as well as highly proficient with Microsoft Excel and Outlook.

• Comprehensive knowledge of registration policies and procedures, expertise on registration and clinical information systems, and external sources of patient demographic information.

• Strong computer skills. Proficient in use of computer systems and office automation applications required.

• Understanding of basic coding functions and workflows

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with all levels of personnel throughout entire hospital and with physicians to obtain data integrity process.

• Ability to work independently, organize and prioritize, analyze and solve problems effectively.

• Ability to read, analyze, interpret, and present data to the HIM management team.

• Ability to develop investigation methodology to gather information, identify the problem, and resolve errors using judgment, tact, and diplomacy.