What Does a Release of Information Specialist Do?

The Release of Information Specialist plays an integral role within healthcare settings, focusing on managing and processing requests for patient information in compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory frameworks. This position ensures that all parties requesting medical records, including patients, healthcare providers, and third parties, receive accurate and timely information while maintaining the highest standards of privacy and security. Balancing the need for information accessibility with confidentiality obligations, the specialist navigates complex guidelines to facilitate the smooth exchange of medical records. Their work supports patient care continuity, legal processes, and healthcare operations, making them an essential component of the healthcare information management team.

Release of Information Specialist Job Duties

• Process requests for medical records by verifying the authorization for release in compliance with federal and state laws, as well as healthcare facility policies.
• Retrieve patient information from electronic health records (EHR) and paper-based systems to fulfill information requests accurately and efficiently.
• Redact confidential information from the patient’s health records as required by HIPAA guidelines to protect patient privacy before releasing the information.
• Utilize specialized software to log and track requests and releases, ensuring timely processing and compliance with regulatory timeframes.
• Communicate with healthcare providers, patients, and third parties to clarify requests and ensure the correct information is released.
• Invoice and process payments for the release of information services, adhering to facility policies and financial procedures.
• Perform quality checks on released information to ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with all release-of-information standards.
• Archive and manage the storage of released information records, both digital and physical, ensuring they are secure and accessible for future reference.

Release of Information Specialist Salary & Outlook

Salaries for Release of Information Specialists are influenced by factors including years of experience, industry sector (healthcare, government, or legal), the complexity of records managed, technology proficiency, and the volume of information processed. Additionally, roles requiring specialized knowledge in privacy laws and regulations may command higher pay.

• Median Annual Salary: $69,825 ($33.57/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $103,000 ($49.52/hour)

The employment of release of information specialists is expected to grow much faster than average over the next decade.

This growth is driven by increasing demand for healthcare services, the expansion of electronic health records (EHR), and stricter HIPAA regulations requiring meticulous handling of medical information. Release of Information Specialists are crucial in ensuring compliance and facilitating the secure exchange of patient data.

Release of Information Specialist Job Requirements

Education: A Release of Information Specialist typically pursues education in health information technology, medical records administration, or a related field. Post-secondary certificates or associate degrees are common, with coursework in medical terminology, privacy laws, and health information systems. Some may opt for relevant college courses without completing a degree. High school diploma holders often supplement their education with specific classes in healthcare administration to meet the job requirements.

Experience: Release of Information Specialists often enter the field with varied levels of experience, including those new to the role. On-the-job training is common, allowing newcomers to gain practical skills in handling sensitive information, understanding privacy laws, and mastering specific software. For those with some background, experience in healthcare settings, particularly in records management or administrative roles, is beneficial. Training programs, both formal and informal, play a crucial role in equipping specialists with the necessary expertise to manage and release information accurately and securely.

Certifications & Licenses: Certifications for a Release of Information Specialist are not typically required, but obtaining the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Release of Information Specialist (CRIS) certification can be beneficial.

Release of Information Specialist Skills

HIPAA Compliance: Release of Information Specialists meticulously adhere to federal regulations and standards to ensure the confidentiality and security of patient health information. Their precision in managing disclosures guarantees that all actions are legally compliant and ethically managed, safeguarding sensitive data effectively.

Medical Records Management: Specialists in this role organize, maintain, and retrieve patient health information with efficiency, ensuring compliance with healthcare laws and facilitating timely access for medical personnel, patients, and authorized entities. Their expertise in electronic health record systems is critical for managing data securely and confidentially.

Information Governance: Release of Information Specialists balance transparency with the need to protect patient privacy and confidentiality. Their approach to compliance with legal and ethical standards ensures the appropriate handling and sharing of sensitive information.

Data Privacy Laws: Staying abreast of evolving regulations, these specialists ensure compliance in the handling and releasing of patient health information. Their meticulous efforts safeguard patient privacy while fulfilling legal and ethical obligations for information disclosure.

Electronic Health Records Systems: Proficiency in these systems is imperative for Release of Information Specialists to manage and extract patient information accurately and promptly. Their ability to navigate digital health records maintains compliance with healthcare privacy laws and supports efficient healthcare delivery.

Patient Confidentiality: Handling all patient records and information with discretion is a core responsibility. Release of Information Specialists’ meticulous management, release, and protection of health information uphold the trust patients place in healthcare providers, in compliance with HIPAA regulations.

Release of Information Specialist Work Environment

A Release of Information Specialist typically operates within a healthcare setting, such as a hospital or a clinic, where maintaining confidentiality and adhering to HIPAA regulations is paramount. Their workspace is often equipped with computers and specialized software necessary for managing and processing requests for medical records. This role usually involves standard office hours, though some flexibility may be required to meet deadlines or handle urgent requests.

The environment is professional, with a dress code that leans towards business casual, reflecting the balance between clinical and administrative settings. Interaction with patients, healthcare professionals, and insurance companies is a significant part of the job, necessitating strong communication skills and a patient, detail-oriented approach.

While the pace can be fast due to the sensitive nature of the information handled, organizations often emphasize a supportive culture aimed at minimizing stress and promoting work-life balance. Opportunities for professional development are typically available, encouraging specialists to stay updated with evolving healthcare regulations and technology.

Advancement Prospects

A Release of Information (ROI) Specialist can advance to supervisory or management positions within health information management (HIM). This progression involves overseeing the ROI team, ensuring compliance with healthcare laws, and managing patient data privacy. To achieve this, gaining experience in various aspects of HIM, including electronic health records (EHR) management and legal aspects of healthcare information, is crucial.

Another career path is transitioning into a privacy officer role, focusing on protecting patient information and ensuring compliance with regulations like HIPAA. This requires a deep understanding of healthcare privacy laws and the ability to implement policies that safeguard patient data.

Specializing in health information technology (HIT) systems offers advancement opportunities as well. ROI Specialists can move into roles that involve implementing, managing, or training staff on new EHR systems, leveraging their knowledge of information release processes and technology.

To accomplish these advancements, ROI Specialists should focus on gaining hands-on experience in their current role, seeking opportunities to take on additional responsibilities, and staying informed about changes in healthcare regulations and technologies.