Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Health Information Management Chief)

Quick Facts

• Role: Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Health Information Management Chief)
• Schedule: Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–4:30 pm

Description

This role supports the Assistant Chief of Health Information Management by managing day-to-day HIM operations and assisting the Chief HIM in planning, directing, and maintaining an effective, integrated HIM program. Responsibilities cover health record documentation, coding and clinical documentation improvement, transcription/speech recognition, release of information, file room/scanning, and health information exchange. In the Chief HIM’s absence, the incumbent acts as Chief and provides supervision, technical guidance, auditing, reporting, and compliance oversight.

Responsibilities

• Assist in daily HIM department operations (coding, documentation analysis, transcription/speech recognition, release of information, file room/scanning, HIE)
• Support HIM program planning, policy development, organizing, and control; act as Chief HIM when needed
• Collect and process data for reports, surveys, and research projects; prepare recommendations and long-range planning inputs
• Recommend staffing and equipment; develop and maintain procedures and operation manuals
• Provide guidance to physicians and other clinicians on obtaining record information for research while protecting confidentiality
• Screen, abstract, and tally data from records and computer-generated reports
• Conduct audits and monitor quality, accuracy, quantity, and timeliness of work
• Perform competency assessments; manage training, performance standards, and personnel actions
• Interview and recommend selection; support training and evaluations for HIM staff
• Provide technical guidance for subpoenas, court orders, advance directives, and medico-legal release of information
• Develop training materials and participate in orientation/instruction on medical terminology, record documentation requirements, Release of Information, Privacy Act, and HIPAA
• Ensure record review activities comply with VA handbooks/directives and meet The Joint Commission (TJC), CARF, Behavioral Health, and OIG scoring/requirements
• Assist with budgeting, contracting, procurement, and property management

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship
• Proficiency in written and spoken English
• Background/security investigation required
• Pass pre-employment physical examination and complete onboarding/I-9 requirements
• HIM certification through AHIMA or AAPC
• Education or experience equivalent to at least 3 years of creditable medical records experience OR qualifying degree with health information management/technology coursework (or an equivalent combination)
• For GS-12: 1 year experience at the next lower grade level demonstrating required knowledge, skills, and abilities

Benefits

Comprehensive federal benefits package (eligibility depends on position type).