Summary

Supervises the medical records department and staff in a major health care or medical investigations unit. Plans and develops medical record filing systems. Coordinates the implementation of operating policies and procedures, and participates in operational planning. May handle data storage and retrieval, abstracting, and statistical input.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Supervises personnel which typically includes recommendations for hiring, firing, performance evaluation, training, work allocation, and problem resolution.
2. Recommends, implements and maintains policies and procedures for continuing quality improvement of the departmental operations, record maintenance, control, security, and computer system.
3. Codes a range of medical, patient care, and/or investigatory/forensic data; trains and supervises staff in coding procedures.
4. Maintains record indexes and storage and retrieval systems.
5. Maintains, recommends, implements procedures to ensure the safekeeping of medical records and the return of all material to outside agencies when necessary.
6. Responds to inquiries from physicians, staff, and outside agencies and/or individuals regarding medical records, x-rays, slides, and/or specimens.
7. Attends meetings and workshops, and participates on committees, as assigned.
8. Responds to inquiries and researches and resolves problems related to transactions handled by the unit; serves as liaison with other constituencies in the resolution of day-to-day administrative and operational issues.
9. Assists in the annual budget planning process and regularly monitors expenditures.
10. May order and/or maintain office equipment and supplies.
11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• High school diploma or GED; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Skill in budget preparation and fiscal management.
• Knowledge of customer service standards and procedures.
• Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Ability to analyze and solve problems.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information.
• Knowledge of continuous quality improvement management principles and practices.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to investigate and analyze information and draw conclusions.
• Knowledge of medical, patient care, and/or forensic data collection coding, as applicable to the area of specialty.
• Medical data editing and abstracting skills.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Employee development and performance management skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• No or very limited physical effort required.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 02/08/2021