HIM Technician in Hillsboro, Illinois at Hillsboro Area Hospital Inc

Job Summary:

The Health Information Management (HIM) Technician supports the integrity, accuracy, and confidentiality of patient health records. This role is responsible for managing medical records throughout their lifecycle, including record completion, document imaging, data quality review, release of information, and compliance with regulatory standards. The HIM Technician plays a critical role in ensuring timely, accurate, and secure health information to support patient care, billing, legal, and quality needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Retrieve, scan, index, and file medical records in electronic health record (EHR) systems
• Ensure adherence to HIPAA and organizational privacy and security policies
• Respond to requests for medical records from authorized parties (patients, providers, insurance companies, etc.)
• Perform data entry and quality checks in EHR systems
• Assist with documentation and processing of ROI requests, including verifying authorizations
• Track, manage, and reconcile patient charts and documentation
• Support audits, compliance reviews, and accreditation activities
• Maintain record retention and destruction schedules according to policy
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to resolve documentation issues
• Answer incoming phone calls, assist callers, and route inquiries appropriately
• Open, sort, and distribute incoming mail related to HIM operations
• Receive, log, track, and process release of information (ROI) requests in accordance with policies and timelines
• Maintain accurate logs and tracking systems for all incoming and outgoing record requests
• Respond to requests for medical records from authorized parties (patients, providers, insurance companies, attorneys, etc.)
• Assist with department projects as needed
• Other duties as assigned.

Professional Requirements:

• Proficiency with EHR systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to prioritize and multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
• Analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Team collaboration skills
• Completes and maintains all required education and/or training requirements.
• Complies with HIPAA regulations and always maintains patient confidentiality.
• Follows and maintains all lawful safety, health requirements, and regulations, and follow protocols for required protective equipment (PPE).
• Promptly reports safety issues, job-related injury, or illness, near misses, etc. in SafetyZone.
• Follows Hillsboro Health Standards of Behavior.

Education and/or Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and healthcare documentation standards
• Familiarity with EHR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Meditech)
• Basic computer and data entry proficiency

Certificates and Licenses:

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) – AHIMA (preferred)

Physical Demands:

Physical demands of the position, including vision, hearing, repetitive motion, and environment are required. A separate document will be provided upon hire, during annual evaluation process, and upon request. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising patient care.

CORPORATE COMPLIANCE

Receives training and/or attends necessary meetings to meet the criteria as outlined in Hillsboro Health’s Corporate Compliance Plan and Code of Conduct. Understands the responsibilities related to compliance and knows whether to contact the Corporate Compliance Officer should there be any instance of question or concern regarding fraud and/or abuse.