Specialist, Release of Information

Job Summary

Under indirect supervision, maintains confidentiality of protected health information (PHI). Reviews requests for health information. Abstracts case histories. Prepares medical records for use in legal proceedings. Supports compliance and Principles of Responsibility. Adheres to applicable federal and state laws and regulations, accreditation and licensing requirements, policies and procedures. Reports and/or resolves issues of non-compliance.

Essential Responsibilities

This description is for recruitment posting purposes only. It has not received full HR review and approval.

Meets compliance requirements by complying with all federal, state and local law, rules and regulations, as well as Kaiser Permanente-s policies and procedures for the release of health information by applying understanding of such law, and using judgment as to how best respond to a specific request based on the authorization provided for the release of PHI.

• Accurately and proficiently analyze and interpret the health information to assure appropriate disclosure of health information to attorneys, insurance companies, outside providers of health care and others, as directed by the patient or as compelled by law or regulations.
• Prepare health records in response to Subpoena Duces Tecum for court appearance or depositions.
• Consult with health care providers to ascertain undocumented information such as patient data not entered into the health record by the provider.
• Access various resources within the Kaiser Permanente system to locate health record information which may be found in secondary records, unfilled material, computerized data and dictated but not transcribed documentation in order to obtain time loss information, diagnosis, treatment, physical limitations or other required information requested by attorneys, insurance companies, outside providers and others.
• Create summaries/abstracts of health information from paper and electronic health documentation.
• Manipulate a variety of computer systems which are intricately designed programs in order to extract information regarding diagnosis, procedures, service utilization, length of stay, dates of service, ICD Codes, and provider identification.
• Create / maintain documentation log of health information released so colleagues can clearly track what has been done.
• Access Intranet and Internet to research laws and health related sources of information.
• Compute costs for services provided and create lists for billing purposes.
• Coordinate and track completion of physician forms and requests for narratives from attorneys, insurance companies, etc. May require communicating with physician regarding completion.
• Performs other duties as assigned.