Summary This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section within the Battle Creek VA Medical Center, Located at the Wyoming Clinic. The Medical Records Technician (ROI) reviews and processes requests for patient protected health information (PHI) in accordance with all laws and regulations governing authorization and disclosure of health information. Responsibilities Duties include but are not limited to: Evaluates the adequacy of each completed authorization form; screens each request for information to determine urgency and assures that most urgent requests are completed fist using established priority systems. Abstracts and processes medical release of information requests that meet the requirements to the Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Provides advisory and technical assistance to patients, administrative staff and professional staff regarding release of information. Reviews paper and computerized health records (i.e., scanned notes, reports, special tests, etc.) to identify material to be photocopied/printed/written to electronic media and released. Completes and processes routine releases of information to other VA and Federal Agencies and when requested, to patients and their families, insurance representatives, physicians, hospitals, and city and state health agencies according to VA directives. Processes requests for information from patients' medical records for release to appropriate facility, agency, or physician. Processes Medical-Legal releases of information to attorneys and courts pertaining to (Third Party Liability) Workers' Compensation, Labor and Industries, and subpoenas. Screens and follows through on all incoming telephone calls from attorneys and insurance representatives regarding legal cases and requests under the Privacy Act, referring only problem cases to the supervisor. Reviews information to be released for completeness, signatures, etc., by reading material and checking request for release of information, ensuring that information being released is limited to material requested and conforms to VA directives and policies. Completes and processes routine releases of information to other VA and Federal Agencies and, when requested, to patients and their families, insurance representatives, physicians, hospitals, and city and state health agencies according to VA directives. Composes and types all forms of correspondence to insurance companies, Veterans, health care facilities, and other requesters. Incumbent is responsible for evaluating the adequacy of each completed authorization form. Screens each request for information to determine urgency and assures that the most urgent requests are completed first using established priority systems. Work Schedule: 8:00AM - 4:30PM Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: FS-93054A/FS-93055A/FS-93056A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Experience and Education: Experience. One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology and general understanding of health records. Six months of the required one year of creditable experience must have provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) needed to perform MRT (ROI) work. OR Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records). OR Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying towards meeting basic experience requirements. The following experience and educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and one year above high school with a minimum of six semester hours of health information technology/health information management courses. Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, privacy and release of information, the health record, and successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical and professional supervision. The training program may be substituted on a month-for- month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy and physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. Grandfathering Provision. All persons employed in VHA as a MRT (ROI) on the effective date of this qualification standard are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the grade held, including positive education and licensure/certification/registration that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. English Language Proficiency. Medical Records Technologists (ROI) must be proficient in spoken and written English, as required by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). Grade Requirements: Medical Records Technician (ROI), GS-4: Experience or Education. None beyond basic requirements. Medical Records Technician (ROI), GS-5:Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level; OR Education. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, legal aspects of health care, and introduction to health records). Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the
