Join Andalusia Health in Andalusia, AL, an 88-bed, Joint Commission–accredited hospital that has earned chest pain and heart failure accreditations, and designation as a Baby-Friendly hospital. Andalusia delivers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient specialty services while embracing a shared commitment to patient safety and high-quality care. Grow your career with Andalusia, where we value your contributions to the community we serve.

Job Summary

Responsible for the leadership and management of Health Information Management (HIM) services consistent with standards of accrediting and regulatory agencies and policies and requirements of ScionHealth. Plans, organizes, and directs the provision of HIM services; establishes policies, procedures, standards, and departmental objectives; supervises all departmental functions, including record completion, transmission, indexing, abstracting, research, filing, storage, retrieval and maintenance.  Has expert knowledge in the legal aspects of patient medical records, including release of information and HIPAA Privacy and Security requirements. 

Essential Functions 

• Supervises HIM staff in processing medical records and in performing other HIM functions in large ScionHealth facilities.
• Oversee the HIM department(s) to optimize the efficient and effective handling of patient records and related documents.
• Ensures the suspension process for physicians with delinquent medical records is consistent with hospital policy as well as medical staff bylaws/rules and regulations.
• Oversee procedures to meet legal and accreditation regulations regarding content, processing of medical records, and release of information,
• Serves as a HIPAA resource to the hospital.
• Manages continuous quality improvement in the handling of patient information; ensures confidentiality and integrity of patient records.
• Oversee the dictation and transcription process per Hospital Division and facility policies and procedures.
• Maintains record indexes and storage and retrieval systems.
• Develops in-service educational materials and conducts instructional programs for HIM and for health care personnel.
• Assists in annual budget planning and monitors department expenditures.
• Attend committee meetings, workshops, and other meetings as needed or required per policy.
• Analyzes patient data for facility planning, quality of patient care, risk management, utilization management, and research.
• Ensures medical record reviews and other reviews/audits are conducted within established timeframes and per hospital policy.
• Maintains appropriate medical records and statistics for prospective payment systems to ensure compliance with The Joint Commission (TJC), Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other accrediting or regulatory agencies.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Knowledge of accreditation standards, federal, state and local regulations and third-party requirements in quality assurance, record and information management, correspondence, medical records documentation and coding rules. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally as well as being able to interface with all levels of the organization.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all patients and/or employee information to assure patient and/or employee rights are protected.
• Ability to work under stress and to respond quickly in emergency situations.  Ability to work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Microsoft Office software such as:  Word, Excel and Outlook. 
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, appropriate prioritization and time management skills.
• Skills in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Ability to train and supervise employees, to include organizing, scheduling, and prioritizing work assignments.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and processes.
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement principles and practices.
• Employee development and performance management skills. 
• Must read, write and speak fluent English.
• Must have good and regular attendance.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education

• Associate’s degree in health information technology required. 
• Bachelor’s degree in health information management preferred.   

License/Certification

• Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) required. 
• Certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by AHIMA preferred.

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in HIM operations required. 
• Previous experience in an electronic medical record environment required.  
• Previous experience as an HIM Director/Manager preferred.