This position is located in the Health Informatics section at the VA Central Western Massachusetts Healthcare Center (VACWMHCS). Release of Information (ROI) technicians disclose health information in accordance with all laws and regulations governing authorization and disclosure of health information.

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Job Grade: 7
Total Openings:

Duties:

Some duties may include: The incumbent processes all incoming requests to the facility for Release of Information (ROI) along with information required by the VA Regional Office through the Automated Medical Information Exchange (AMIE). Processes Medical-Legal releases of information to attorneys and courts pertaining to Tort Feasor (Third Party Liability), Workman’s Compensation, Labor and Industries and subpoenas. Screens and follows through on all incoming telephone calls from attorneys, insurance representatives, regarding legal cases and requests under the Privacy Act, referring only problem cases to the Supervisor. Maintains files for all Privacy Act requests and subpoena cases alphabetically for all cases being developed, processed or complete. Compiles tort cases for the Regional Office. Interviews veterans and insurance agents requesting information for Third Party Liability, Workman’s Compensation, and Privacy Act cases for referral to Medical Cost Recovery and/or the Regional Counsel’s Office. Receives and directs callers and visitors. Searches records or files to compose responses, including electronic searches to retrieve and summarize hard-to-locate data. Locates materials that would verify information given. Work Schedule: Friday 07:30 am – 4:00 pm
Compressed/Flexible: Not Authorized
Telework: Not Available
Financial Disclosure Report: Not required

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. English Language Proficiency. MRTs must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7402(d), and 7407(d). 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 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 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. 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). 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). Grade Determinations: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS 06. GS-06 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and 38 U.S.C. § 7332, Confidentiality of Certain Medical Records). Ability to apply health record documentation guidelines and processes to navigate efficiently through the paper and/or electronic health record to locate, assemble, and disclose protected health information. Ability to apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations governing privacy and release of information to process requests for release of information. Ability to research and solve difficult questions related to release of health information in an accurate and timely manner. GS-07 Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities of release of information to effectively complete job assignments (i.e., distributing workload, monitoring the status and progress of work, monitoring accuracy of work, and ensuring required timelines are met.) Knowledge of the laws and regulations related to the authorization and disclosure of health information. Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, to meet program objectives. Ability to prepare reports in various formats and present data to various organizational levels. Ability to provide or coordinate staff development and training. References: VA Handbook 5005-123, Part II, Appendix G58 The full performance level of this vacancy is GS 07. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS 07. Physical Requirements: VA Directive and Handbook 5019.

Job Requirements:

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. 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 probationary period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) – See “Additional Information” below for details.