Medical Records Tech

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section of the VA Las Vegas Healthcare System.

The MRT (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patient protected health information (PHI) in accordance with all laws and regulations governing authorization and disclosure of such information.

Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Experience.

One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of health records.

Six months of the required one year of creditable experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT (ROI) work.

[EVIDENCE OF THIS EXPERIENCE MUST BE DOCUMENTED IN YOUR RESUME] OR, Education. An associate degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S.

Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records).

[Transcripts must be submitted at time of application. Conferral of degree(s) must be stated on transcript(s). Unofficial transcripts(s) are acceptable]. OR, Experience/Education Combination.

Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements.

The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: (a) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology/health information management courses.

(b) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S.

Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision.

The training program may be substituted on a month for- month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy and physiology, and health record techniques and procedures.

Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met for this position. Medical Records Technician (ROI) GS-6: Experience.

One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Assignment. This is considered the journey level for MRT (ROI) positions.

Employees at this level apply, interpret, and analyze laws and regulations related to the disclosure of health information.

MRTs (ROI) are responsible for educating requestors on requirements for submitting requests for health information.

They receive and validate authorization forms and requests for information and prioritize requests according to policies and regulations.

They use various computer applications to track and release all authorized release of information requests.

MRTs (ROI) process and release health information to authorized first- and third-party requestors.

They initiate and maintain the accounting of disclosure for all records disclosed from a Privacy Act system of records.

They communicate with internal and external stakeholders to provide technical expertise regarding the release of information process.

They ensure compliance with policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.

In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:(a) Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and 38 U.S.C.

§ 7332, Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records).(b) Ability to apply health record documentation guidelines and processes to navigate efficiently through the paper and/or electronic health record to locate, assemble, and disclose protected health information.(c) Ability to apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information to process requests for release of information.(d) Ability to research and solve difficult questions related to release of health information in an accurate and timely manner.

References: VA Handbook 5005/123, Part II, Appendix G58, Medical Record Technician (Release of Information) Qualification Standard, GS-0675, Veterans Health Administration. Major Duties:

The major duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to: Evaluates validity of each request.

Determines which information is to be released in compliance with existing laws (Privacy Act of 1974, Freedom of Information Act, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act).

Ensures that proper authorization exists before release is made. Processes the request to the requesting agency or individual.

Inputs all requests into the ROI computer package for logging and tracking of these requests. Receives and directs callers and visitors.

Receives and/or gives out forms and assists visitors and/or callers with the completion of forms or documents. Responds to questions from patients concerning services.

Provides advisory and technical assistance to patients, administrative staff and professional staff regarding release of information.

Inquiries vary widely and information given requires explanation of office functions, describing specific requirements, providing basic instructions, or a similar degree of detail.

Searches records or files to compose responses, including electronic searches to retrieve and summarize hard-to-locate data. Locates materials that would verify information given.

Reviews paper and computerized health records (i.e., scanned notes, reports, special tests, etc.) to identify material to be photocopied/printed/written to electronic media and released.

Open and date incoming mail/faxes, process STAT requests.

Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 08:00am to 4:30pm Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Functional Statement #: 593-08017A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized