Health Information Technician

Empath Health is currently seeking an effective Health Information Technician to join our team handling the management, organization, and security of patient health data.

The Health Information Management (HIM) department is charged with ensuring the privacy and integrity of electronic and paper medical records are maintained and available to those who require and are authorized to access the records in accordance with policies and procedures of Suncoast Hospice, Empath Home Health and affiliated Empath Health programs. It is the responsibility of the Health Information Technician (HIT) to support the HIM department strategic objectives and goals as demonstrated by the accuracy and timeliness of their work as well as the analysis and critical thinking required to support Quality reporting and regulatory requirements.

Job Duties:

1. Applies knowledge of regulatory and legal requirements that pertain to Empath Health programs and processing of medical records, including analysis of Advance Directives, physician signature and credentialing requirements, Release of Information laws specific to Hospice patients and CMS Conditions of Participation related to Consents, Elections and technical documentation for Hospice and Home Health patients.
2. Processes information in an accurate and timely manner according to established procedure and as assigned, including new admissions, deaths, discharges and transfers to Empath Health Care Programs.
3. Professional and timely notification of appropriate clinical staff and physicians of missing documents/documentation required for medical record completion. Provides timely and professional customer service and support to all patient care teams and other departments to support the integrity of the medical record and patient care needs.
4. Initiates medical record audit process upon patient admission and continues auditing the patient record for accuracy and completeness throughout the patient's length of stay.
5. Abstracts and analyzes clinical, financial and demographic data for all Hospice Admissions, Death and Discharge to support accurate and timely reporting of Hospice Item Set data to CMS.
6. Knowledge of and use of multiple EMR and related applications including Solutions, Cognify (PACE EMR), OnBase and others that may be acquired.
7. Knowledge of and use of web based portals to order and retrieve external medical records from hospital systems and other providers.
8. Knowledge and use of web based portals to upload clinical documentation for medical legal compliance i.e physician orders for signature, Audits, Release of information.
9. Knowledge and use of multiple applications to manipulate documents electronically, including E-Faxing, Doc-U-sign, Hyland OnBase Scanning, Adobe, Microsoft Word, Access, Excel and Outlook. Utilizes intermediate to advanced Outlook email communication tools including search and organizational functions.
10. Prepares, scans, verifies and indexes paper documents into document management applications including OnBase, and PrimeSuite using intermediate to advanced level skills. Ensures timely and accurate document management using intermediate to advanced skills to include adding documents to existing batches and auditing scanned documents to avoid duplication of scanned documents in the medical record.
11. Assures time-sensitive documents are processed the day of receipt (includes Advance Directives, physician orders and regulatory documents.) Follows up on unsigned documents in a timely and consistent manner.
12. Demonstrates time management and prioritization skills daily.
13. Collaborates with HIM Supervisor as necessary to clarify and verify information or report compliance, equipment and supply needs.
14. Demonstrates the highest level of HIPAA compliance to ensure the privacy, confidentiality and security of all patient records at all times.
15. At all times demonstrates teamwork and cooperation within the HIM department to assist other HITS as directed and needed.
16. Demonstrates awareness and willingness to fulfill Service Excellence Commitments.
17. Request Records from community Providers
18. Prepare and process Physician Orders along with documenting comments in Solutions.

Position Requirements:

• Education and/or Experience: College graduate, AHIMA certification, or AS Degree preferred with minimum of one year related health information experience or credential. Will consider candidates without certification or degree, with a minimum of 1-3 years of HIM experience preferred.
• Strong analysis and critical thinking skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Computer skills with experience working with Outlook and MS Office Suite; experience in electronic health record systems as a user or HIT is required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required.
• Able to organize work priorities and meet specific objectives under time constraints.
• Accurate, detail oriented with the ability to problem-solve with minimal direct supervision
• Must be self-motivated and have excellent customer service and organizational skills.
• Must have the ability to speak clearly and have patience and compassion when answering calls (patients, family members, etc).
• Must be flexible to work weekdays and/or weekends if needed.

Suncoast Hospice, Empath Home Health, and Empath Health Pharmacy are proud to be accredited by the Joint Commission showing our commitment to quality.

Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.

Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.

Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!