Sr. Release Of Information Specialist

Department/Unit:

Health Information Services

Work Shift:

Day (United States of America)

Salary Range:

$49,763.00 - $69,668.00

The Senior Release of Information (ROI) Specialist is responsible for processing all requests for patient health information (PHI) in accordance with federal and state laws, including HIPAA, as well as organizational policies. This role requires handling highly sensitive, confidential, and legally protected information with accuracy, professionalism, and compliance. The Senior ROI Specialist ensures that only authorized individuals receive access to medical records and that all releases are documented and tracked appropriately. This position also requires strong customer service recovery skills to effectively manage and resolve concerns from all types of requestors. Clear, courteous, and proactive communication with key internal and external stakeholders, including corporate compliance, AMHS physicians, legal team, and risk management, is essential to support timely resolution and accurate fulfillment of records.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for coordinating the release of medical information to all requestors including patients, physicians, health care providers, insurance companies and attorneys in accordance with Hospital policy, State and HIPAA laws. Responsible for processing subpoenas and court orders.
• Validates patient authorization in accordance with Hospital policy, HIPAA, State and Federal Law.
• Reports medical data to health care professionals in accordance with hospital and departmental policies.
• Attends educational sessions to maintain knowledge of NYS law and HIPAA regulations ensuring skills are inclusive of the new and upcoming regulatory changes.
• Maintains active certification requirements if applicable.
• Adapts to the diversity of the customer to understand complex issues.
• Safeguards PHI in accordance with HIPAA laws and regulations

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. - required
• Associate's Degree in HIM or related field - preferred
• 4-6 years experience in Health Information Management (HIM), Release of Information or related work environment - required
• Proficient in using electronic health records, specifically EPIC and OnBase
• Skilled in data entry with strong attention to detail and accuracy
• Advanced knowledge/application of computer software and office equipment such as Word, Excel, Nitro Pro, Adobe, fax machines, scanners and copiers
• Excellent verbal/written communication and delivery skills
• Strong customer service and recovery skills
• Skilled in team-oriented tasks but also able to work independently
• In-depth understanding of HIPAA, state-specific privacy laws and federal regulations
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Ability to work in fast-paced and stressful environments
• Capable of managing high volumes of requests and multitasking when necessary to optimize productivity
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to make decisions independently and escalate accordingly when necessary

Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Physical Demands

• Standing- Occasionally
• Walking- Occasionally
• Sitting- Constantly
• Lifting- Rarely
• Carrying- Rarely
• Pushing- Rarely
• Pulling- Rarely
• Climbing- Rarely
• Balancing- Rarely
• Stooping- Rarely
• Kneeling- Rarely
• Crouching- Rarely
• Crawling- Rarely
• Reaching- Rarely
• Handling- Occasionally
• Grasping- Occasionally
• Feeling- Rarely
• Talking- Constantly
• Hearing- Constantly
• Repetitive Motions- Frequently
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination- Frequently

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold- Rarely
• Extreme heat- Rarely
• Humidity- Rarely
• Wet- Rarely
• Noise- Occasionally
• Hazards- Rarely
• Temperature Change- Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions- Rarely
• Vibration- Rarely

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Thank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!

Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.

This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:

Access to information is based on a "need to know" and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.