The position serves as the Chief, Health Information Management (HIM) OF THE Office of the Associate Director at the Charlie Norwood VAMC. The Chief, HIM is responsible for the management of the facility's health record program and medical information/data management. The incumbent participates actively in all clinical programs in the VAMC and assures that the institution has a state- of- the-art health information program that exceeds Joint Commission and VA requirements.

Duties

Assigned Duties but are not limited to : Direct the operation of all personnel working within the following program areas: records analysis, coding, health record files, incomplete records, physician liaison, data validation, health records QI processes, medical transcription and other health information projects. Develops and implements innovative solutions to correct technical , complex problems. Provide detailed technical expertise in health records science and other very technical aspects of health information. Maintain all health information input into local Vista database and assures timely transmission of that data into all VA centralized databases. Recommends improvements in documentation systems used to provide patient care, to optimize VERA workload , third party reimbursement and to manage resources. Represents the Office of the Associate Director and acts as subject matter expert at the facility wide Health Records Committee. Advises Health Records Committee on health record issues, including VA requirements, The Joint Commission standards, record retrieval processes, health record components, systems, goals, and electronic records. Work closely with Information Resource Management Service (IRMS) and Clinical Informatics to guide the automation of health record documentation, health record tracking, and physician incomplete record tracking. Conduct training programs in health records science, medical terminology, health record documentation, and medico -legal matters. Provide direct support and consultation to Regional Counsel staff in areas dealing with health information. Maintain active affiliations with professional groups in the health information field , serving in their committees or as an elected official. Supervise all personnel working within the Health Information Program which includes Coding Supervisor, Medical Record Coders, Medical Record Technicians, and Transcriptions Coordinators. Establish guidelines and performance expectations for staff which are clearly communicated through the formal employee performance management system. Provide advice ad counsel to workers related to work administrative matters. Work Schedule: Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:F00636 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

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. Education or Experience. Must meet one of the following: Experience. Three years of [creditable] experience in the field of medical records that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of [health] records and health information systems [demonstrating a knowledge of medical terminology,] medical records [procedures, medical coding, or medical, administrative, and legal requirements of health care delivery] systems. OR, Education. [Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university [recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology. OR, Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of [creditable] experience and education that equals 100 percent may be used to meet basic requirements. [For example, two years above high school from an accredited college or university, with 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management, plus one year and six months of creditable experience that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems meets an equivalent combination. Certification. Health Information Management (HIM) Certification. Higher-level health information management certification is limited to certification obtained through AHIMA. To be acceptable for qualifications, the specific certification must represent a comprehensive competency in the occupation. Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of HIM certification may be added/removed by the above certifying body; however, current HIM certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA). NOTE. HIMs Certification is required for all positions above full performance level. Loss of Credential. Following initial certification, credentials must be maintained through rigorous continuing education, ensuring the highest level of competency for employers and patients. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies, if a placement opportunity exists. Grandfathering Provision.] [ ] All persons employed in VHA [as an MRA] are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and [registration and/or] certification [ ] that are part II-G33-4 of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements [ ] in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed [ ], the following provisions apply: Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to, and including, the full performance (journeyman) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the journeyman level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions. Employees who were appointed on a temporary basis, prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/registration/certification, and meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. MRAs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry, as a medical records administrator. Physical Requirements. Will be required to meet requirements of VA Directive and Handbook 5019. English Language Proficiency. MRAs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates. GS-13 - Chief of Health Information Management (MRA) Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates the KSAs described at that level: AND, Certification. Employees at this level must have a HIM Certification. AND, Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities as follows: Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management. Ability to provide sound, technical guidance to staff at various levels about major program, legal, or procedural changes related to health information management. Skill in revising facility policies and] procedures to improve health information management services and to evaluate, modify, and/or adapt new methods to meet regulatory requirements. Skill in analyzing complex data, interpreting and trending results for effective management of the HIM program. Skill in management/administration, which includes program planning, coordination, interpretation, supervision, consultation, negotiation, problem solving, and monitoring of HIM processes. Ability to delegate authority, evaluate and oversee people and programs, accomplish program goals, and adapt to changing priorities References: VA Handbook 5005/130, PART II, APPENDIX G33

Education

IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.

Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Contacts

• Address Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center One Freedom Way Augusta, GA 30901 US
• Name: Seve Irby
• Phone: (813) 614 -7811
• Email: [email protected]