Summary

Supervises all functions of health information management unit. Provides user support, problem analysis and resolution, technical assistance, and training to all user groups within department, including clinical and non-clinical staff. Ensures compliance with all relevant regulations and standards. Participates in departmental operational planning and implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Analyzes medical records to verify accuracy and completeness; ensures necessary forms and documents are present. Conducts routine and special audits and researches and corrects data and information to maintain integrity of programs and ensure adherence to established protocols and various current regulatory requirements/standards.
2. Codes a range of medical, patient care, and/or investigatory/forensic data as needed.
3. Ensures strict confidentiality of medical records. Responds to inquiries from physicians, staff, and outside agencies and/or individuals regarding medical records. Interprets and applies privacy act information when processing requests for the release of medical health information.
4. Recommends, implements, and maintains policies and procedures for continuing quality improvement of the departmental operations, record maintenance, security, and computer systems and to assure compliance with any/all Federal and State regulations and University/UPA policies.
5. Performs problem solving and assistance on various clinical applications and hardware systems for physicians, nurses, and other staff directly involved in patient care. Follows the policies and procedures for the technical support of clinical informatics software in accordance with HIPAA, FERPA and all other applicable regulatory agency requirements.
6. Collects and analyzes patient data and provides relevant reports for quality and operational management. Assists with the development and preparation of statistical reports required by internal constituents or external agencies and regulatory authorities.
7. 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.
8. Provides, oversees, and/or coordinates the provision of training for new and existing departmental staff on applicable coding policies, protocols, systems and procedures, standards, and techniques. May provide individual and/or group instruction and training to users on computer systems and clinical applications.
9. Provides cross-system IT support. Troubleshoots, applies resolution, and provides prompt feedback to end users on service requests.
10. Oversees the supervision of personnel, which includes work allocation, training, promotion, enforcement of internal procedures and controls, and problem resolution; evaluates performance and makes recommendations for personnel actions; motivates employees to achieve peak productivity and performance.
11. Attends meetings and workshops, and participates on committees, as assigned.
12. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

• Associate's degree; at least 5 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

• Advanced knowledge and understanding of medical billing and/or coding systems, as appropriate to the position.
• Ability to supervise and train employees, to include organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively with practicing physicians, clinical management, and clinical technical staff.
• Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage and impart confidential information.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of relevant medical coding systems 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 make administrative/procedural decisions and judgements.
• Ability to gather data, compile information and prepare reports.
• Employee development and performance management skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver effective training materials to faculty and staff within area of professional specialty.

Conditions of Employment

• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

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: 04/01/2022