In 2020, united in a fierce commitment to deliver the highest quality care and exceptional patient experience, Virginia Mason and CHI Franciscan Health came together as natural partners to build a new health system centered around the patient: Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Our combined system builds upon the scale and expertise of our nearly 300 sites of care, including 11 hospitals and nearly 5,000 physicians and providers. Together, we are empowered to make an even greater impact on the health and well-being of our communities.

CHI Franciscan and Virginia Mason are now united to build the future of patient-centered care across the Pacific Northwest. That means a seamlessly connected system offering quality care close to home. From basic health needs to the most complex, highly specialized care, our patients can count on us to meet their needs with convenient access to the region’s most prestigious experts and innovative treatments and technologies.

Job Summary:

Performs release of information (ROI) functions in compliance with established policies, procedures and Federal and State regulations including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).

Work includes: 1) reviewing, validating and processing medical information requests from patients, physicians/medical professionals, patient accounts/billing staff, insurance companies and other third parties, 2) logging/scanning release forms and details of request in the appropriate module of the electronic health record (EHR), 3) copying records/files and carrying out the transfer, 4) producing periodic statistical reports demonstrating compliance with required turnaround time and 5) prepare certifications/attestations as imposed by subpoenas and court orders.

Work requires knowledge of privacy/confidentiality practices, knowledge of medical terminology and applicable Federal and State laws. An incumbent follows proper channels of communication in handling daily and routine problems and recognizing issues that need referral to management. Strong customer service skills are necessary.

An incumbent works behind-the-scenes, interacting with patients, staff and 3rd parities on the phone or at the front desk interacting with patients directly.

Essential Duties:

• Receives, reviews, validates and processes medical information requests from patients, physicians/medical professionals, insurance companies and other third parties.
• Processes all requests for medical information in accordance with established procedures, policies and Federal and State regulations.

• Determines validity of authorizations ensuring only authorized parties receive information.
• Prepares incoming correspondence for processing.
• Process all requests from the Regional Billing Office for records to be sent to various insurance companies for charge reimbursement per policy.
• Keeps customers apprised of request status by communicating through work queues and phone.
• Logs/scans release forms and details of request in the appropriate module of the electronic health record (EMR).

• Enters appropriate data into electronic medical record system’s release of information tracking module.
• Scans authorization form into the EMR.
• Accesses/monitors EMR work queue to resolve all outstanding matters associated with release of information requests in accordance with established timeframes.
• Copies records/files and carries out the transfer of medical information.

• Requests hard copy records from clinics and prepares electronic records for assigned clinics.
• Produces routine system reports demonstrating compliance with required completion timeframes.
• Attends depositions and/or appears in court to prepare certifications/attestations as imposed by subpoenas and court orders. May appear in court or at depositions as the Record Custodians designee.

• Other: Performs related duties as required.

Education/ Work Experience:

• One year of release of information work experience is required.