This position reports to the Chief, Health Administration Service. Incumbent serves as the Health Administration Service Section Chief, Health Information Management Services (HIMS) at the Ralph H. Johnson Medical Center (RHJVAMC). The Chief of HIMS is responsible for the management of the facility's health record and coding programs, records management program, and medical information/data management.

Duties

Responsible for all facets of health records management for the facility; Fully responsible for directing the operation of all personnel working within the following program areas: records analysis, release of information, health record files, incomplete records/physician liaison, data validation, health records QI processes, medical transcription, scanning, outpatient/inpatient Coding and other health information projects. Evaluates health records program and independently determines the nature and extent of problem areas. Develops recommendations and solutions for program improvement. Develops and implements innovative solutions to correct technical, complex problems. Responsible for administering the health record program and assuring that the facility fully accounts for workload in a timely, accurate manner. Must provide detailed technical expertise in health records science and other very technical aspects of health information. Maintains all health information input into the local VistA database and assures timely transmission of that data into all VA centralized databases - most frequently those maintained at the Austin Data Processing Center. Serves on a multidisciplinary revenue team to ensure optimal processes are in place in order to facilitate maximum reimbursement opportunities. Provides expertise on billing actions to improve collections. Recommends improvements in documentation systems used to provide patient care, to optimize VERA workload, third party reimbursement and to manage resources. Serves as an advisor to various committees and management groups, and is responsible for providing technical guidance on health information issues such as documentation requirements, coding, liability issues, advance directives, informed consent patient privacy and confidentiality, etc. Completes internal quality assurance reviews to ensure employee performance and that work meets quality and quantity standards. Establishes monitors to ensure the timeliness of hard-copy and/or electronic health record entries and reports findings with subsequent trending of data. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 07:30am 4:00pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 534-10336F Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: May be Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

Requirements

Qualifications

Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. 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: 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. Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must have the following certification: HIM Certification through AHIMA. 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: To qualify for the GS-13 level, you must have at least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level GS-12, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Experience. At least 1 year experience comparable to the next lower grade level, which is directly related to the duties of the position to be filled, and must fully meet the KSAs at that level. Certification. Employees at this level must have a HIM Certification. The following KSA's should be reflected within your resume or on a separate document with your application package: 1. Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management. 2. Ability to provide sound, technical guidance to staff at various levels about major program, legal, or procedural changes related to health information management. 3. 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. 4. Skill in analyzing complex data, interpreting and trending results for effective management of the HIM program. 5. Skill in management/administration, which includes program planning, coordination, interpretation, supervision, consultation, negotiation, problem solving, and monitoring of HIM processes.6. Ability to delegate authority, evaluate and oversee people and programs, accomplish program goals, and adapt to changing priorities. Preferred Experience: 1. Must posses knowledge and ability to oversee activities, to include reporting processes and procedures, related to Privacy and Compliance. 2. Ability to provide technical guidance and direction related to HIMS operations to all levels of personnel. 3. Must posses strong auditing skills and abilities to generate reports that are reviewed at higher levels of management and leadership. 4. Must posses skills and abilities in understanding revenue processes and procedures. References: VA Handbook 5005/130, Part II, Appendix G33, The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-13

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 Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center 109 Bee Street Charleston, SC 29401 US
• Name: Leslie Hawkins
• Phone: 210-439-6422
• Email: [email protected]