Release of information specialist job description

At Houston Methodist, the Release of Information (ROI) Specialist position is responsible for responding to internal and external requests for patient health information, including receipt, data entry, accounting of payments for record copies, completion of affidavits and appropriate release of information. This position ensures state and federal laws related to privacy of patient health information are strictly adhered to when complying with subpoenas, depositions, affidavits and power of attorney directives. This position also ensures requests are addressed utilizing excellent customer service skills in a timely manner.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Job responsibilities labeled EF capture those duties that are essential functions of the job.

PEOPLE - 25%
Promotes a positive work environment and contributes to a dynamic team focused work unit that actively helps one another to achieve optimal departmental and organizational results. (EF) Serves as a resource to customers regarding release of patient identifiable health information laws, rules, regulations and policies. (EF) Assists all internal and external customers in initiating and fulfilling their request for patient health care information. Serves as a Texas Notary Public for the Release of Information section and external customers as needed. (EF)

SERVICE - 30%
Returns calls to requestors and performs follow-up on requests in a timely manner as per department guidelines/expectations. (EF) Logs requests, request status and information released into the electronic Release of Information system and as necessary, any other secondary systems. (EF) Applies patience and diplomacy to sensitive circumstances; diffuses difficult customer service situations appropriately. (EF) Monitors the ROI queue and completes work assignments. Retrieves the correct and complete patient record from the electronic medical record (EMR) systems and other patient record sources in response to a valid request; verifies correct information has been reproduced before releasing and in a timely and secure manner; provides release of records by the requested means (e.g., electronic, paper copy, etc.). (EF)

QUALITY/SAFETY - 20%
Reviews incoming assigned requests for patient health information and screens for all required elements necessary to release information in accordance with state and federal laws; determines validity of authorization and/or type of request; and verifies patient or request or identity (as necessary and applicable). (EF) Determines validity of authorization, request and documentation provided from legal entities (i.e., subpoena, subpoena duces tecum, power of attorney, deposition, affidavits, documentation from insurance companies, workers compensation, requests from patients, doctors and hospitals). (EF) Ensures records are complete prior to release and contain no deficiencies. Ensures that patient health information is released only in accordance with state and federal laws and hospital and departmental policies and procedures. (EF)

FINANCE - 15%
Organizes time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and sets priorities. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members. (EF) Enters data into the Release of Information computer system (customer request, cash and check receipts and deposits of release information income) on a daily basis. Verifies data entry and processing steps are handled appropriately. (EF) Ensures charging and posting of correct amounts for payable copies; reconciles receipts and invoices. Follows-up on aged/outstanding invoices with customers, including outside vendors, individuals, insurance companies, corporations, attorneys, subpoena services and federal and state institutions. (EF)

GROWTH/INNOVATION - 10%
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond baseline competencies with a focus on continual development. (EF) Generates and communicates new ideas and suggestions that will improve quality or service. (EF)

This job description is not intended to be all inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
o Associate's degree in health information management or related field required or additional two years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) required in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
o One year of experience working in health information management or related industry/ department
o Experience in release of information preferred
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED
o None
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
o Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
o Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
o Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
o Good communication and customer services skills are essential
o Good organizational skills; ability to prioritize and reprioritize
o PC knowledge and ability to navigate in a Windows environment
o Knowledge of state and federal laws related to the release of medical information
o Ability to work independently as well as function as team player

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Attire Yes/No
Uniform No
Scrubs No
Business professional Yes
Other (dept approved) No

On-Call* No

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. Disaster, Severe Weather Event, etc) regardless of selection above.

Travel**
May require travel within No
Houston Metropolitan area

May require travel outside No
of Houston Metropolitan area

**Travel specifications may vary by department.

Please note any other special considerations to this job: __________________________
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist is one of the nation's leading health systems and academic medical centers. Houston Methodist consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, and seven community hospitals throughout the greater Houston area. Houston Methodist also includes an academic institute, a comprehensive residency program, a global business division, numerous physician practices and several free-standing emergency rooms and outpatient facilities. Overall, Houston Methodist employs more than 27,000 employees and is supported by a wide variety of business functions that operate at the system level to help enable clinical departments to provide high quality patient care.

Equifax is where you can power your possible. If you want to achieve your true potential, chart new paths, develop new skills, collaborate with bright minds, and make a meaningful impact, we want to hear from you.

We are seeking a Release Management Specialist who will be responsible for interfacing with the various technology teams to capture and plan for upcoming releases impacting D2C operations. This individual will work to ensure clear communication, alignment and resource optimization across the Direct to Consumer (D2C) operations organization in regards to release execution. He or she will provide visibility to risks/issues resulting from release testing. This individual requires excellent interpersonal skills and strong experience in a fast paced, complex environment.
This is a great opportunity to join a growing, collaborative team with room for growth.

What you'll do
Establish a governance framework for Release Management processes and stakeholders.Conduct and coordinate activities including release visibility, stakeholder engagement, testing coordination and readiness tracking for KTLO and break/fix items.Drive insights and analytics to establish appropriate metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve visibility and effectiveness.Design and develop dashboards and reporting to enable appropriate planning, decision making and risk assessment.Support prioritization and capacity planning activities Recommend and implement continuous improvement of the release management processes, incorporating feedback and best practices to optimize process and stakeholder efficiency. Continued follow-up with technical and operational teams to ensure alignment and timely delivery of functionality Provide expertise and coaching to team members
What experience you need
Bachelor degree or equivalent work experience7+ years of professional experience, preferably with project management or change management focus; innovative, creative, and flexible

What could set you apart
Experience with cross-functional teams with respect to implementation of technical changes Ability to communicate with both business and technical teams Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to present information concisely with supporting data Proficiency with Google Product Suite Proven problem solving and project management skills Outstanding attention to detail and organizational skills Knowledge of Equifax Systems (JIRA, Aha, ACIS, ACRO, CCMS, Salesforce) Ability to facilitate and influence across business areas, while driving a positive outlook through awareness, understanding, acceptance and engagement Deal with ambiguity and competing objectives in a fast paced environment Self-start, work independently and demonstrate an owner's attitude

We offer comprehensive compensation and healthcare packages, 401k matching, paid time off, and organizational growth potential through our online learning platform with guided career tracks.

Are you ready to power your possible? Apply today, and get started on a path toward an exciting new career at Equifax, where you can make a difference!

Equifax is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Primary Location:
USA-Atlanta JV White

Function:
Function - Project, Program and Process Management

Schedule:
Full time

Role Value Proposition:


The
Global Technology & Operations group (GTO)
is a diverse team of engineers, developers, and business analysts with the freedom to create innovative solutions to address core business challenges within MetLife. The role of
Global Release & Change Enablement Specialist
is an opportunity to deliver our next phase of Agile Transformation, enable a differentiated customer experience and increase MetLife's operating leverage.

The
Global Release & Change Enablement Senior Specialist
position is responsible for enabling the agile run and management and maturity of Global Release and Change Practice. This includes a leadership role for continuous improvement and enablement of a mature release & change practice. Agility, Innovation, and technical advancement along with application of ITIL, SAFe and Lean IT methodologies are at the core of this GRCE role.


Key Responsibilities:



Global Release & Change Enablement and Strategy


Provide a leadership role including Scrum Master services, such as leading work schedules for the team, responding to impediments, and coach the Release and Change team on agile values, principles, and practices. Enable release & change stakeholders to efficiently execute changes to MetLife's systems while continuing to adhere to Release & Change protective foundational policies. Lead and instruct Release & Change Enablement processes. Coordinate and execute ServiceNow upgrade/release module tool improvements and testing. Day-to-day GRCE support for the Release & Change Management processes . Includes resolving basic technical & process related issues and providing final approvals as appropriate. Govern the release & change schedule/calendar and perform preliminary collision analysis & reports . Participate in SDLC for ServiceNow tool maintenance including unit test and business sign off. Perform analysis and develop Release/Change ServiceNow reports . Analyze and/or develop Power BI Dashboards in the ServiceNow tool. Provide support and strategic improvements for US and Global CAB. Lead offshore resources in strategic and BAU activities.



Release & Change Process Maturity & Improvement


Lead and enable strategic, innovative Release & Change initiatives. Participate in process improvement activities, i.e., governance/adherence, automation , brainstorming, improvement recommendations. Analysis, design, develop and test Jira/Azure stories for Release & Change SNOW tool improvements and strategic process enhancements. Utilize value stream mapping , strategic planning via Miro and other visual planning tools. Continual socialization of the GRCE practice across all stakeholders.



Release & Change SWAT


Provide leadership and Coordination for Release SWAT Services Senior Leadership and Business partner communications for High Profile, Wide Impacting Releases/Changes. Off schedule/weekend communications, and guidance for High Risk / Highly Impacting Release & Change activities. War Room leadership and coordination



Essential Business Experience and Technical Skills:



Required:


Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related technical field. Courious,problem solving, energetic, and fun-loving attitude. 5+ years of related Strategic , Operational, Business or Industry work experience. Experience in Analysis, Process Improvement , Agile Methodology & Data Analytics Lean IT, DevOps, SAFe, ITIL v4, and/or DevOps, Agile certification and/or awareness Broad knowledge of IT systems, Automation toolsets, and Industry best practices. ServiceNow ITSM Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills. Including oral & written skills and presentation experience. Ability to execute multiple assignments concurrently in a fast-paced ever-changing environment. Strong customer service focus.



Preferred:


Jira, Azure DevOps, Miro, ServiceNow Reporting, Power BI Proficient with the MS Office suite used in day-to-day work functions. Visio, Excel, PowerPoint, Fluent in one or more languages in addition to English i.e. Spanish, Japanese, Chinese, French...



At MetLife, we're leading the global transformation of an industry we've long defined. United in purpose, diverse in perspective, we're dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our customers.



#LI-WRAPJOB



MetLife:


MetLife, through its subsidiaries and affiliates, is one of the world's leading financial services companies, providing insurance, annuities, employee benefits and asset management to help its individual and institutional customers navigate their changing world. Founded in 1868, MetLife has operations in more than 40 countries and holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

We are one of the largest institutional investors in the U.S. with $642.4 billion of total assets under management as of March 31, 2021. We are ranked #46 on the Fortune 500 list for 2021. In 2020, we were named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) for the fifth year in a row. DJSI is a global index to track the leading sustainability-driven companies. We are proud to have been named to Fortune magazine's 2021 list of the “World's Most Admired Companies.”

MetLife is committed to building a purpose-driven and inclusive culture that energizes our people. Our employees work every day to help build a more confident future for people around the world.

We want to make it simple for all interested and qualified candidates to apply for employment opportunities with MetLife. For further information about how to request a reasonable accommodation, please click on the Disability Accommodations link below.

MetLife is a proud Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer dedicated to attracting, retaining, and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at MetLife without regards to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, national origin, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, genetic information, citizenship status, uniformed service member or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

MetLife maintains a drug-free workplace.