This position is located in the Health Administration Service (HAS), Health Information Management (HIM) section at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. 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

Duties Include but are not limited to: Processes Medical-Legal releases of information to attorneys and courts pertaining to Tort Feasor (Third Party Liability), Workman's Compensation, Labor and Industries and subpoenas. Screens and follows through on all incoming telephone calls from attorneys, insurance representatives, regarding legal cases and requests under the Privacy Act, referring only problem cases to the Supervisor. Reviews and analyzes written and telephone requests to ascertain type of case to be developed. Contacts attorneys when necessary to obtain additional information necessary to develop the case. Maintains files for all Privacy Act requests and subpoena cases alphabetically for all cases being developed, processed or complete. Screens and follows through on all incoming telephone calls from attorneys, insurance representatives, regarding legal cases and requests under the Privacy Act, referring only problem cases to the Supervisor. Interviews veterans and insurance agents requesting information for Third Party Liability, Workman's Compensation, and Privacy Act cases for referral to Medical Cost Recovery and/or the Regional Counsel's Office. Determines which information is to be released in compliance with existing laws (Privacy Act of 1974, Freedom of Information Act, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Inputs all requests into the ROI computer package for logging and tracking of these requests. Receives and/or gives out forms, and assists visitors and/or callers with the completion of forms or documents. Provides advisory and technical assistance to patients, administrative staff and professional staff regarding release of information. Facilitates team or unit processes by working in collaboration with team members or employees to ensure that tasks are completed, that good working relationships among team members and with management are maintained, and that team priorities and goals, needs, and achievements are coordinated with management. Serves as work leader, assuring the work assignments of employees in the unit are carried out. Assures each team member has an integral role in developing the final product or providing the assigned service. Communicates to the team the problem to be solved or program issues under review, and coaches the team and/or individual team members in identifying the parameters of a viable solution. Monitors the status and progress of work and makes adjustments in accordance with established priorities. Trains team members in the accomplishment of tasks or projects. Makes written instructions, reference materials, and relevant background material available. Resolves simple informal complaints of employees and refers more serious matters to the supervisor. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8am-4:30pm Compressed/Flexible:May be Authorized Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. 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. Experience and Education Experience. One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of health records. Six months of the required one year of creditable experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT (ROI) work. OR, Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records). OR, Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements. The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology/health information management courses. Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. The training program may be substituted on a month for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy and physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. 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: Lead Medical Records Technician (ROI) GS-07 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: 1. Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities of release of information to effectively complete job assignments (i.e., distributing workload, monitoring the status and progress of work, monitoring accuracy of work, and ensuring required timelines are met.) 2. Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information. 3. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, to meet program objectives. 4. Ability to prepare reports in various formats and present data to various organizational levels. 5. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. References: VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Appendix G58. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-07. Physical Requirements: Work is primarily sedentary in nature. May require some periods of walking and standing.

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 Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System 11301 Wilshire Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90073 US
• Name: Marie Clay
• Phone: 216-201-0922
• Email: [email protected]