West Tennessee Healthcare
Location
Napoleon, Ohio
The Health Information Technician is primarily responsible for maintaining the patient medical record, which involves creating the Electronic Medical Record post-discharge through imaging, scanning, quality control, and validation of documents. This role also covers all activities in the Imaging area, including processing physician orders and covering HIM department functions during weekends and holidays.
Candidates need proficiency in Health Information Management principles, typically acquired through 5+ years of experience or an Associate's degree/Certification from an accredited HIM program, with a degree in Health Information Technology or Management preferred. Required skills include computer application knowledge (Word, Excel, scanner) and the ability to apply critical thinking to complex medical records while working independently under potentially stressful conditions.
Summary: The Health Information Technician performs many functions in effectively maintaining the medical record for patients at WTH. The HIT is responsible for the creation of the Electronic Medical Record post discharge via imaging process. Responsible for all activities of the Imaging area including processing physician orders for transcription and records for transfers, covering entire HIM department on weekends and holidays, and preparing medical records for release to the EMR by prepping, scanning, performing quality control and validation of documents. Under the direct supervision of a Manager of Health Information Management, responsible for the assigned shift 5-7 days per week, two shifts. This includes weekend rotation, irregular hours, overtime and call back as required by the hospital. Employee is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Prepares charts for scanning into Ascent Capture Batch Manager. Chart is prepped in correct document hierarchy and date order. Documents are accurately identified as belonging within the specific encounter. Reference to Power chart is done when verification is needed. Recognizes documents requiring special handling and processes per procedure. Batches are created correctly based on the appropriate chart type or document. Appropriately identifies documents that will not be scanned. Determines the validity of potential duplicate records by researching patient information in power chart. If record needs to be combined; notifies EMPI to perform the merge or unmerge in power chart and then corrects the medical records for each encounter as dictated by the type of merge. Scans all batches via Ascent Capture Batch Manager software using correct batch type. Identifies hardware issues affecting document legibility and takes appropriate action. Recognizes documents requiring special handling and takes necessary steps to accurately correct image. Performs scheduled scanner maintenance documenting completion by name and date in log. Tracks inventory and notifies management of inventory level allowing adequate time for ordering and receiving supplies. Performs quality control on all record types using Ascent Capture Batch Manager software. Verifies each document scanned is the correct patient and in correct date order by performing a one to one verification that all pages in the batch were captured during scanning process, and are accurate and legible. Deletes or scans documents as necessary based on quality control criteria. Verifies documents are indexed to the correct document type and executes corrections as needed. Reviews “not to be scanned” documents and verifies for correctness. Performs validation via Ascent Capture Batch Module verifying accuracy of patient demographic information and document types. Reviews “not to be scanned” documents and verifies for appropriateness. Ensures that the batch releases to Power Chart from the Validation Module. Any and all release issues are reported to the Imaging Coordinator. As a team goal, the imaging process is accomplished within 24 hours post discharge or receipt of record. Utilizes Infolinx chart tracking software system to ensure location of record is available for patient care during all steps of the Imaging process. Reconciles missing chart lists as assigned. Trouble shoots equipment failures and corrects whenever possible. Promptly notifies customer service and management of equipment failures and system-related problems. Manages incoming medical record request faxes and physician requests and orders and appropriately responds to each request for release of information. Reviews requests for appropriateness and accuracy and responds per criteria. Retrieves discharge charts per Infolinx list. Checks records into Infolinx, sorts and places like dates on prepping shelf. Reconciles patient discharge list with charts received to ensure accurate tracking of charts. Accepts requests for stat dictations. Appropriately handles request to outside vendor to obtain a dictated report. Follows up on stat requests to ensure report is available. Notifies next shift of any outstanding requests for dictated reports. Cross trains in ROI and DI functions and MModal transcription software to ensure efficiency of department when covering department on weekends and holidays. Tasks are completed with high quality within the assigned timeframe with minimal supervision. Performs related responsibilities as required or directed. JOB SPECIFICATIONS: EDUCATION: Skill and proficiency in the principles, concepts, and techniques of Health Information Management, normally acquired through 5+ years’ experience in Health Information Management. An associate’s degree or Certification from an accredited HIM program or minimum of 5 years’ experience in Health Information Management; degree in Health Information Technology or Management preferred. LICENSURE, REGISTRATION, CERTIFICATION: Registration and certification as a RHIT by AHIMA preferred EXPERIENCE: Knowledge in Health Information Management practices, as normally acquired through RHIT or RHIA credential, or minimum 5 years previous experience. Experience with an electronic medical record preferred.
Knowledge and skill of computer applications (Microsoft word, excel, scanner) required. Ability to navigate through the computer (software and hardware) and recognize potential issues. Ability to apply critical thinking skills to complex medical records and procedures. Ability to communicate effectively, including verbal, written, and speaking. Ability to work independently and perform excellently on the job without supervision. Ability to work under stressful conditions without being overwhelmed. NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE STATEMENT We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. West Tennessee Healthcare complies with federal, state, and/or local laws regarding mandatory vaccination of its workforce. If you are offered a position and must be vaccinated under any applicable law, you will be required to show proof of full vaccination or obtain an approval of a religious or medical exemption prior to your start date. If you receive an exemption from the vaccination requirement, you will be required to follow West Tennessee Healthcare’s accommodation precautions to mitigate the spread of illness.