Job Requirements

Directs, leads, monitors, and is responsible for the successful operations of Health Information Management (HIM) for the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS). Oversees all affiliate HIM departments at the member organizations in the following areas: medical record processing, chart analysis, document imaging, a decentralized oversight of forms management, transcription/voice recognition, record storage/retrieval, the collection/reporting of birth and death certificate information. Ensures compliance with activities related to the implementation of and adherence to policies and procedures governing patient privacy and access to patient information in compliance with all federal and state laws, and UMMS Notice of Privacy Practices to show compliance with state and federal agencies as well as The Joint Commission, (TJC), Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and any other accrediting agencies pertaining to medical record keeping. Responsible for developing and implementing operational budgets in conjunction with the HIM departmental management teams. Ensure standardization of HIM policies and procedures to achieve excellence in service delivery and outcomes that are in alignment with UMMS strategic plan and key operational goals.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job responsibilities performed.

• Directs and ensures ownership within the HIM function at all UMMS Affiliates/member orgs for clinical information, ensuring HIM is the primary contact source or area for patient-related medical record information, including information stored on microfilm, paper or electronically. Ensures the standardization of storage, content, and retrieval of medical record information across all settings of care.
• Manages all HIM operational initiatives and the agenda for change within the HIM department and services shared with other UMMS Affiliates ensuring alignment with the organization's strategic objectives. Develops cost effective staffing models to ensure the delivery of HIM solutions and monitors departmental expenditures to assure fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• Establishes and implements a framework for the development of written standards within the HIM department and facilitate standardization of HIM policies and procedures for all other UMMS Affiliate hospitals' HIM departments of for duties of which they are responsible.
• Evaluates statistical data regarding operating efficiency received from management staff to ensure efficient and accurate workflow, staffing patterns and operating systems through systematic feedback mechanisms.
• Oversees staff that will support physicians in any area needed related to record completion and transcription.
• Oversees the development and maintenance of adequate internal and external communication systems for the HIM department by coordinating and integrating the efforts of the department with those of other ancillary departments such as medical staff, nursing, administration and allied health staff to achieve both institutional and departmental goals, including completion of medical records through educating physicians and other professional staff regarding documentation standards, providing transcription and record analysis education and monitoring and reporting compliance guidelines.
• Directs and oversees current state and federal legislative changes and new related hospital policies. Communicates changes, protocol and procedural revisions to ensure implementation of updated guidelines through legislation to the appropriate department for operational changes to ensure compliance.
• Directs and provides effective leadership to perform the analysis for the completion of medical records with timely and accurate reviews of the medical record within the Epic System.
• Directs and provides effective leadership to ensure processes are in place for all UMMS affiliates to facilitate timely and accurate imaging /scanning of paper medical record information into the imaging system and Epic.
• Directs and provides effective leadership for the coordination of the dictation and voice recognition applications for the Medical Staff, to ensure timely and accurate turn-around times on dictated reports.
• Directs and provides effective leadership and oversight for all UMMS affiliate locations for reviewing, approving, posting and tracking forms used for clinical documentation and downtime processes.
• In Entities where applicable, directs and provides effective leadership for the collection and compilation of Birth Certificate and Birth Defect information for submission to the Vital Statistics Agency according to state regulations. Ensures that the Medical Staff is assisted with the completion of Death Certificates and facilitates autopsies, if necessary
• Ensures all staff are properly trained in the use of the HIM systems and provide report writing support to the HIM leadership and end users.
• Routinely assesses usefulness of current systems and assists in the evaluation of new products on the HIM market.
• Performs all other related duties as assigned.

Work Experience

Required

• Bachelor's degree in health information management required.
• Current certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Heath Information Technician (RHIT) through the Health Information Management Association is required.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in a HIM Manager role, preferably in a teaching or large hospital system.

Preferred

• Master's degree preferred.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge in the following areas required, HIM operations, including but not limited to Chart Correction, Chart Analysis, Auditing, Chart Deficiency Tracking, Document Imaging and Transcription/voice recognition systems.
• Thorough knowledge of Health Information Management operations and applicable metrics and financials include improvements and impact on operating margins.
• Proficiency in the operations and functions of HIM software systems, both from a user point of view and with ability to perform advance information and statistical analysis and report generation functions.
• Ability to oversee the operational budgets to ensure that they are aligned with organizational priorities and goals.
• Expert knowledge of health information management pertinent to JC, CMS and CARF standards and related laws and regulations.
• Strong standard of proficiency in directing, monitoring, evaluating and motivating the performance of professional management/supervisory staff.
• Highly effective oral and written communication skills are required.