We are seeking a talented, experienced leader for the position of Director of Health Information Management.
The MetroWest Medical Center is the largest healthcare system between Worcester and Boston and is committed to meeting the health care needs of the MetroWest region by providing advanced care with a community touch. The 319-bed regional health care system includes Framingham Union Hospital, Leonard Morse Hospital in Natick and the MetroWest Wellness Center. We are seeking a talented, experienced leader for the position of Director of Health Information Management.GENERAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:Under general supervision of the CFO, the Director of Health Information Management is responsible for planning, organizing, directing and controlling the activities of the Health Information Management staff to provide efficient, effective and legally responsive medical records systems. The Director of HIM ensures that the Hospitals medical records are current, authenticated, legible, complete and maintained in a secure and confidential manner.PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:1.In consultation with the CFO and staff, develops departmental short-and long-term goals and plans to accomplish agreed-upon goals.2.Develops, secures approval for and administers a departmental budget which provides for the attainment of agreed-upon goals in accordance with approved plans.3.Formulates policy for the department and develops and administers procedures necessary to implement approved policy. Interprets and enforces departmental and Hospital-wide policies and procedures. Provides the overall direction necessary to ensure efficient, effective, and legally responsive medical record services. Is responsible for the development of Hospital-wide policy governing medical record information release.4.Hires, develops, evaluates and disciplines the HIM staff. Develops function-specific orientation and inservice training programs for departmental personnel. Establishes standards for effective job performance and evaluates staff according to such standards; delegates these responsibilities to supervisory personnel as appropriate.5.Assumes administrative responsibility for the activities of personnel engaged in analyzing, coding, assigning DRGs and maintaining a permanent medical record of Hospital patients.6.Is responsible for the development of an effective department organizational structure, including: a) efficient work flow patterns: b) established productivity standards; c) delineation of duties and responsibilities; d) suitable staffing levels; e) appropriate supervision: f) systems for the storage, retrieval, and timely completion of records; g) systems for the release of information; h) DRG management system; and i) systems for the timely communication of pertinent information.7.Is responsible for the development, implementation, documentation, and monitoring of an ongoing quality assessment program for areas of responsibility. Ensures departmental compliance with guidelines and standards promulgated by regulatory and accrediting agencies and that services provided comply with accepted principles of medical management.8.Develops, administers, interprets, and evaluates a clinical, management, and resource utilization statistical reporting service. Prepares or directs the preparation of statistical reports for the Hospital, government agencies, and others pertaining to Hospital services: e.g., occupancy rates, daily census, average length of stay, DRGs, casemix, deaths, etc.9.Is responsible for the confidentiality of the medical record; answers inquiries concerning information recorded in patient charts and makes final decision regarding release of such information, utilizing knowledge of the legal parameters governing the use, maintenance, and release of clinical record information. Represents the Hospital in court to answer medical record- related subpoenas.10.Develops medical record orientation and training programs for physicians; provides assistance in the development of criteria and methodology for evaluating the quality of medical care provided.11.Serves as resource for the dissemination of DRG information and proposed regulatory changes. Monitors record documentation content relative to established standards; informs Medical Staff committees and/or Administration of potential problem areas.12.Responds to patient requests concerning verification of services rendered and explains medical terminology. May coordinate with Business Office to facilitate explanation of associated charges and billing practices and procedures.13.Participates on various Hospital committees and in programs for safety, fire prevention, infection control, disaster, etc. Develops department-specific plans for inclusion in these Hospital-wide programs.14.Serves as liaison between local, regional, and national regulatory agencies, Hospital administration, medical staff, and pertinent committees. Establishes and maintains the working rapport with physicians and other departments necessary to develop cooperation and effectively integrate departmental services with the Hospitals overall patient care delivery system.15.Receives and investigates all complaints concerning the department and its personnel; determines veracity of such and (as necessary) takes corrective/disciplinary action and/or prepares reply. 16.Is responsible for the care (handling and in-house servicing) and security of departmental equipment and facilities; secures necessary repairs and renovations. Evaluates products and equipment and determines their viability for the Hospitals Health Information Services Department; initiates requisition or capital equipment request for preferred product(s). Is responsible for procuring and maintaining an inventory of supplies and equipment adequate for efficient operations.17.Remains abreast of developments in the fields of medical record administration and management by participating in professional organizations, attending seminars, interacting with peers, reviewing pertinent literature, etc. Integrates advancements when practicable and cost effective.18.Directs the preparation of departmental records as well as recurring and special reports and analyses, ensuring that they are complete, accurate, and prepared on time. Reviews and interprets these in order to ascertain the extent to which departmental goals are being attained; takes corrective action as necessary.KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, AND OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS:1.Bachelors degree required; Masters degree preferred.2.Current registration by the American Health Information Management.3.Seven to ten years of progressively more responsible experience in various medical record and supervisory/managerial capacities within an acute care hospital.4.Working knowledge of 3M, ARMS, HER and EMR preferred.5.Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to mentor, train and develop6.Ability for strategic thinking and initiativeQualified candidates must possess a strong operational background, coding experience (inpatient and outpatient) and keen financial acumen. Also required is proven experience with department workflow re-design, scanning and archiving. MetroWest Medical Center offers an excellent salary, including management incentive bonus, and a great benefits package. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value diversity in our workplace.