This position is in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the VA Medical Center. The MRT (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patient protected health information (PHI). The MRT (ROI) also provides direct customer service to the Veteran (or third party), by providing copies of the Veteran's PHI, when a signed, written request is received, or upon the Veteran's valid authorization to a third party.

Duties

The following are the requirements for appointment as a Medical Records Technician (MRT) (Release of Information (ROI)) in the Lt. Col. Luke Weathers, Jr. VA Medical Center. These requirements apply to all VHA MRT (ROI) assignments in the GS-0675 series. The MRT (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patient protected health information (PHI). The MRT (ROI) also provides direct customer service to the Veteran (or third party), by providing copies of the Veteran's PHI, when a signed, written request is received, or upon the Veteran's valid authorization to a third party. The MRT (ROI) must ensure that only the information that the Veteran specified be released, is shared only with those whom the Veteran has authorized, or who have legal authority to receive such information. To perform this task, a MRT (ROI) must possess expertise in all applicable Federal laws, rules, and regulations regarding release of health information Duties include but are not limited to: Responsible for evaluating the adequacy of each completed authorization form. Screens each request for information to determine urgency and assures that most urgent requests are completed first using established priority systems. Personally greets veterans/visitors and assists them in determining the exact nature of the request and whether the information requested can be released. Applies public laws, rules, regulations and exclusions governing confidentiality of the medical record, including the Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act and 38 U.S.C. 7332 governing the release of records containing information regarding the treatment of or referral for drug and/or alcohol abuse, Sickle Cell Anemia and infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Processes all incoming requests to the facility for Release of Information(ROI) along with information required by the VA Regional Office through the Automated Medical Information Exchange (AMIE), referring only problem cases to the Supervisor. Evaluates validity of each request and determines what information is to be released in compliance with existing laws Ensures that proper authorization exists before release is made. Processes the request to the requesting agency or individual. Inputs all requests into the ROI computer package for logging and tracking of these requests. Receives and directs callers and visitors. Receives and/or gives out forms, and assists visitors and/or callers with the completion of forms or documents. Responds to questions from patients concerning services. Provides advisory and technical assistance to patients, administrative staff and professional staff regarding release of information. Inquiries vary widely, and information given requires explanation of office functions, describing specific requirements, providing basic instructions, or a similar degree of detail. Searches records or files to compose responses, including electronic searches to retrieve and summarize hard-to-locate data. Reviews paper and computerized health records (i.e., scanned notes, reports, special tests; etc.) to identify material to be photocopied/printed/written to electronic media and released. Composes responses to routine requests tor release of patient information. Selects and compiles information from health records and prepares correspondence, typically using standard form or standard formats for letters. Ensures the information released is limited to what is specifically authorized and to the person or agency designated to receive it. Composes detailed explanations in response to correspondence received, arranging information into logical sequence and appropriate format and choosing appropriate words and expressions to convey the desired tone. Determines extent and tone of replies independently. Resolves conflicting or inconsistent information found on initial requests. Replies to vague, incomplete, or ambiguous inquires by independently recognizing issues, topics or problems. Finds alternative sources of information on which to base a reply when correspondent has provided inadequate or inaccurate information. Processes Social Security requests for health information using ROI software. Downloads VistA Imaging documents and ROI software documents onto a secure Network Drive. Accesses the secured Social Security Web page and uploads documents to the Web portal. Transfers the confirmation codes to the ROI software package and closes the requests in both the ROI and Social Security packages.Completes necessary transactions for deposit of money collected from subpoenas, legal fees, and processing fees for release of information to individuals and insurance companies. Work Schedule:7:30am-4:00pm or 8:00am-4:30pm Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position .Functional Statement #: 000000/MRT ROI Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not 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. Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service. English Language Proficiency. MRTs (ROI) must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. ? 7403(f). Experience or Education. MRT (ROI). All individuals assigned to this occupation must have an approved parenthetical title, as described below:(1) MRT (ROI)(2) MRT (ROI-Legal);(3) Lead MRT (ROI); or(4) Supervisory MRT (ROI). Medical Records Technician (ROI), GS-6 (FPL):Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and 38 U.S.C. ? 7332, Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records). Ability to apply health record documentation guidelines and processes to navigate efficiently through the paper and/or electronic health record to locate, assemble, and disclose protected health information. Ability to apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information to process requests for release of information. Ability to research and solve difficult questions related to release of health information in an accurate and timely manner. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a MRT HIT, on the effective date of this qualification standard, are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/ registration that are part 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 to it, the following provisions apply:(1) Such employees in an occupation that does not require a licensure/certification/ registration, may be reassigned, promoted, or demoted within the occupation, but will not be promoted beyond the journey level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.(2) Employees who are 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.(3) Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation, who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/certification/registration that meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation. 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). References: VA Handbook 5005/123, PART II, APPENDIX G58 Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. There is walking, bending and reaching required such as for filing or locating material, and carrying items such as reports, documents, and supplies. Entering data and word processing on a personal computer may result in physical problems from the effects of repetitive motion and eyestrain.

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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.

Contacts

• Address Memphis VA Medical Center 1030 Jefferson Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 US
• Name: Judith Castro
• Phone: 4078406953
• Email: [email protected]