HEALTH INFORMATION ADMINISTRATOR I

DEFINITION

This is mid-level professional, administrative, and/or supervisory work directing the activities of a health information management unit in a state facility.

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

Directs a health information management unit of substantial scope and complexity or assists a Health Information Administrator II in directing the activities of a large psychiatric health information management unit.

Serves as facility Privacy Officer to ensure compliance with federal law, facility policies, and procedures covering the privacy of and access to patient/client health information.

Supervises the authorized release of patient/client information to individuals, family members, hospitals, physicians, attorneys, and others; ensures compliance with federal laws, Missouri statutes, and facility policy prior to the release of such information; and supervises the tracking of all such requests.

Assists in defining standards to ensure conformance with the minimum requirements of various facility accrediting organizations.

Selects, orients, trains, and supervises professional, technical, and clerical employees of the health information management unit; provides advice and assistance as needed.

Prepares budget requests for personnel, materials, and equipment requirements of the health information management unit.

Creates and maintains an efficient filing system for health information records and related filing needs; maintains a systematic flow of clinical information to all departments of the facility.

Facilitates classification and coding of diagnoses and services to ensure adherence to the most current edition of the International Classification of Diseases Manual and/or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders coding systems; facilitates data entry into state-wide computer system.

Audits health information records for qualitative and quantitative completeness according to facility policy and accreditation standards; serves as heath information review coordinator.

Plans and directs the collection, compilation, and distribution of data for research and/or statistical reports for use by administration, medical staff, other departments, and governmental agencies.

Develops and directs orientation and educational programs for facility personnel and vendors on health information issues applicable to their field of work; provides professional advice and guidance regarding various health information management issues to medical and other department staff.

Supervises preparation of records for presentation in court; serves as a witness if required.

Oversees related ancillary services such as transcription and admissions.

Participates as a member of facility committees.

Exercises considerable independence under the general supervision of a designated administrator.

Performs other related work as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

Comprehensive knowledge of current health information management principles and practices.

Comprehensive knowledge of federal laws, Missouri statutes, and facility policy requirements relating to the maintenance and release of confidential patient/client information.

Comprehensive knowledge of current medical terminology, disease processes, and pharmacology for the proper classification, coding, and maintenance of health information records.

Comprehensive knowledge of accreditation standards and guidelines as they relate to the facility.

Comprehensive knowledge of computerized health information systems and general office procedures.

Intermediate knowledge of statistical principles and techniques in relation to health information management work.

Ability to plan, develop, and direct the organization and operation of a health information management unit consistent with federal laws, Missouri statutes, and facility policy.

Ability to perform complex work in analyzing, coding, maintaining, and protecting health information records.

Ability to perform the duties required of the facility Privacy Officer.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, vendors, outside agencies, clients, family members, and the general public.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

(The following requirements will determine merit system eligibility, experience and education ratings, and may be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers. When practical and possible, the Division of Personnel will accept substitution of experience and education on a year-for-year basis.)

One or more years of experience as a Health Information Technician II with the Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System.

OR

A Bachelor's degree in Health Information Administration accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

(Certification as a Registered Health Information Administrator [RHIA] by the American Health Information Management Association [AHIMA] may substitute for the required education.)

OR

An Associate degree in Health Information Technology accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); and,

Three or more years of post-degree technical health information management experience in a hospital, health care organization, or a state or federal agency.

(Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician [RHIT] by the American Health Information Management Association [AHIMA] may substitute for the required education.)

(Revised 6/1/07 )