Health Information Practitioner

Position Summary
Interior Health is looking for an experienced Health Information Practitioner to join our team on a full time permanent basis at our site in Vernon.

In accordance with established vision and values of the organization, the Health Information Practitioner performs technical functions such as coding, abstracting, retrieval of computerized data and processing of medical and legal correspondence.

What we offer:
-Employee & Family Assistance Program
-Employer paid training/education opportunities
-Employer paid vacation
-Medical Services Plan
-Employer paid insurance premiums
-Extended health & dental coverage
-(Potential) Municipal Pension Plan
-Work-life balance

About the job:
- Performs coding and abstracting functions according to standards and guidelines for classification systems and administrative and clinical databases and data holdings.
- Ensures that database submissions are complete, accurate and meet turnaround targets by following established procedures. Performs data validation activities and processes database error corrections and other related communications.
- Consults with physicians in order to ensure code assignments are accurate according to classification rules and consistent with clinical documentation in the record.
- Maintains up to date knowledge of guidelines for classification systems and reporting requirements. Brings identified concerns to appropriate supervisor for resolution.
- Ensures use of current data abstracting manuals.
- Prepares routine statistics for administrative and clinical use, prepares ad hoc statistics for authorized requesters as required.
- Participates in quality improvement, audit and research studies/projects by collecting, retrieving, analyzing data and reporting on findings.
- Performs qualitative analysis on patient records in accordance with established standards.
- Manages, monitors and maintains physician incomplete documentation system in accordance with established standards.
- Processes medical and legal correspondence requests by providing information in accordance with IH HIMS guidelines and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and other legislation as appropriate.
- Participates in multidisciplinary committees as required.
- Assists with orientation of new staff and acts as a preceptor for health information management students during their practicum.
- Participates in the quality improvement program of Health Information Management Services to ensure compliance with established guidelines, external regulatory and accreditation requirements and to ensure consistency of quality data for the organization’s internal data needs and identify, investigate and prevent violations.
- Performs other related duties as assigned

Qualfications
Education, Training and Experience:
Graduation from a recognized program for Health Information Practitioners. Certified by the Canadian College of Health Information Management and eligible for active membership with Canadian Health Information Management Association.

Knowledge of protection of privacy and freedom of information legislation, patient’s rights to confidentiality and legal requirements for the production of records.

Knowledge of health information systems and database management, statistical calculations, and interpretation of reports from administrative and clinical databases.

One year’s recent related experience in a HIMS department of an acute care health care facility or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Skills and Abilities:
Teaching: Ability to teach clients and others both one-on-one and in groups.
Knowledge Integration: Integrates best practice and current research evidence to support professional practice decisions and actions.

Communication: Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, the public, medical staff and the members of the interdisciplinary team using, oral written and computer communication means. Demonstrated ability to effectively resolve conflict.

Critical Thinking: Demonstrated ability to integrate and evaluate pertinent data (from multiple sources) to problem-solve and make decisions effectively. Applies the problem solving process demonstrating critical thinking and decision making skills using a systems approach.

Management: Demonstrated ability to organize work, set objectives and establish priorities. Manages time and resources, implements activities to promote cooperation among the interdisciplinary team, supervises responsibilities of others, and collaborates across disciplines.

Leadership: Promotes staff morale, engagement, and risk-taking. Demonstrates creative planning for change and innovations, implementation of IH policies or other protocols, and ongoing professional development of self and others.

Teamwork: Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and a commitment to excellence in the provision of client care.

Equipment: Demonstrated computer skills including the use of Meditech and Windows based programs. Demonstrated data analysis skills including appropriate data analysis and reporting tools. Demonstrated ability in the use of e-mail and word processing. Ability to operate other related equipment as required in the specific practice area.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.