Health - Health Assistant

The Health Assistant, under the direction of the Marquette Area Rural Health Program Manager, is responsible for collecting, maintaining, monitoring, and making available to authorized users timely, accurate, secure and complete, patient health information. The position is responsible for controlling the release of medical information from patient medical records in accordance with the Privacy Act, HIPAA, applicable Federal, State, or Tribal Regulations / Codes, and Sault Tribe Health Center policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS : (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

Updates patient medical records including chart preparation, retrieving, and locating records.

Performs Quality Reviews on medical records for completeness and accuracy and ensures compliance with regulatory and Health Center requirements.

Releases protected health information according to the requested format and in compliance with regulatory and Health Center requirements and enters data into Electronic Health Records log to document requests and information sent.

Reviews authorizations, requests, and forms for the release of protected health information according to the clinic, state, and government standards and regulations.

Maintains and operates health record storage and retrieval systems to collect, classify, store, file, and analyze record data.

Notifies users of any deficiencies or incomplete information and corrects electronic errors (change note titles, retract documents, remove notifications).

Performs physical chart maintenance of medical records including reducing, thinning, repairing, scanning, and archiving medical records.

Informs internal and external customers of HIPAA regulations, the release of information, and internal processes and procedures.

Uploads dictations and downloads transcriptions.

Performs general office duties and coverage for Scheduling / Patient Registration, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Referral, or other assigned areas as needed.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES : (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

The position is also responsible for performing duties that vary on a daily and hourly basis, based on the needs of the clinic and the department.

Attends meetings and training as required.

All other job-related duties as assigned.

CONTACTS :

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor / manager, managers in other departments, executives, customers, outside vendors / service providers, Federal, State, and Tribal agency representatives, hospital and medical field personnel, and insurance agencies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

Position light with the lifting of 20 pounds and frequent lifting / carrying up to 10 pounds, Physical factors include constant use of near / midrange / far vision, depth perception, color / field of vision; frequent standing, walking, sitting, pushing / pulling, stooping, kneeling, reaching, manual handling, use of hearing; occasional crawling and use of smell. Working conditions include constant exposure to the medical office environment. Potential hazards include constant computer use; frequent patient contact, occasional exposure to moving mechanical parts, highly exposed places, infectious exposure, needles / syringes, and equipment.

REQUIREMENTS :

Education : High School diploma or GED required.

Experience : None

Certification / License : Must maintain a good moral character standing. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check. Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities : Knowledge of medical terminology preferred. Knowledge of HIPAA and the Privacy Act is preferred. Knowledge of electronic health record software is preferred. Must have working knowledge and be able to use word processing and spreadsheet and database software. Must have working knowledge and be able to use office machines, such as calculator, copier, fax, printer, and computer. Must have critical thinking skills.  Reading and writing skills are required.  Must be able to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing. Must have organizational skills and be able to plan, prioritize and manage workload to meet goals in a timely manner.  Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, supervisors, and the general public.   Must have the ability to respond to difficult and stressful situations in an efficient, effective, and positive manner.  Must maintain confidentiality.  Native American preferred.