Find your calling at Mercy!
The Health Information Technician processes and fulfills requests for protected health information (PHI) in compliance with regulations, aiming to enhance requester experience. The role addresses the provider questions regarding documentation and basic chart corrections. The role also involves managing scanned medical records to ensure quality and productivity standards are met.
Position Details:
Health Information Technician
Mercy Hospital St. Louis
Full-Time | 40 Hours per Week | Non-Exempt
Position Summary
Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a detail-oriented Health Information Technician to support the Health Information Management (HIM) department. This role is responsible for processing and fulfilling requests for protected health information (PHI), maintaining the accuracy and integrity of medical records, supporting providers with documentation-related inquiries, and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations and organizational standards.
The Health Information Technician plays a critical role in document imaging, record completion, release of information, quality assurance, and Epic work queue management to ensure timely and accurate patient record availability.
Key Responsibilities
Release of Information & Compliance
- Process and fulfill written and verbal requests for protected health information (PHI).
- Ensure compliance with HIPAA, state, federal, and organizational privacy regulations.
- Deliver requested medical information through appropriate and secure channels.
Medical Record Analysis & Documentation
- Review and analyze medical records to identify documentation deficiencies.
- Assist with medical record completion activities and documentation follow-up.
- Conduct intermediate abstracting and scanning activities related to quality measures and regulatory requirements.
- Support chart correction workflows in accordance with HIM policies, excluding clinical content modifications.
Medical Records Processing
- Prepare, scan, index, and verify patient records and documents.
- Validate patient and document information for accuracy.
- Manage electronic medical record workflows and assigned Epic work queues.
- Ensure records are available for coding, billing, patient care, and regulatory purposes.
Quality Assurance
- Perform quality review of scanned and indexed documents.
- Process exceptions and resolve documentation discrepancies.
- Research and clarify unknown or misrouted documents.
- Maintain quality and productivity standards established by the department.
Provider & Team Support
- Serve as a resource for providers regarding outstanding documentation requirements.
- Respond to questions from HIM staff and other internal stakeholders.
- Provide cross-functional support and back-up coverage as needed.
- Submit and monitor IT support requests related to HIM systems and workflows.
Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Monitor productivity, quality, and turnaround-time metrics.
- Support initiatives focused on patient care quality, provider engagement, and operational excellence.
- Identify opportunities for process improvements and workflow efficiencies.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
- High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
- Knowledge of medical terminology required.
Experience
- One (1) year of experience in a Health Information Management (HIM), medical records, healthcare administration, or related healthcare environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Education
- Some college coursework preferred.
- Knowledge of anatomy and physiology preferred.
Experience
- Two (2) years of experience in an acute care medical records department.
- One (1) year of Release of Information (ROI) and/or medical record analysis experience in an acute care setting.
Certifications
- Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) preferred.
- Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
- Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving abilities.
- Knowledge of medical record regulations and healthcare compliance requirements.
- Proficiency with Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Epic preferred.
- Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and departmental needs.
- Ability to perform repetitive tasks and work on a computer for extended periods.
- Highly organized with strong time management skills.
Why Join Mercy?
At Mercy, we are committed to delivering compassionate care while supporting our co-workers with opportunities for professional growth and development. Join a mission-driven organization where your contributions help ensure accurate medical records, compliance excellence, and exceptional patient care.
Why Mercy?
From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.
Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.
