The Data Integrity Specialist is responsible for ensuring that data is accurate in the Master Patient Index (MPI) and consistent across OU Health system. This position communicates with multiple departments enterprise-wide to coordinate, correct and maintain accurate patient information and other required data for new and existing medical records. This individual is responsible for reviewing the EMR and medical records created. The Data Integrity Specialist also supports patient matching activities for population health as well as specific payor platforms. The Data Integrity Specialist will identify and refer very complex discrepancies caused when two patients' information is combined under one MRN for resolution (also known as patient overlays), resolution of urgent MPI overlay errors which potentially can impact patient care and safety. Data Integrity Specialist participates in on-call coverage rotation for the Data Integrity team.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Responsible for producing and mitigating potential EMR patient overlays, evaluating if overlay was accurate by researching all tools that are available to the Data Integrity team for identification, research and resolution of identity issues
• Requires critical thinking and applying research and decisions on validity of the patient's identity utilizing these skills as well as decision trees/algorithm provided
• Merge decisions are made utilizing logic appropriate for each source system as documented in Data Integrity standard operating procedure and are executed source systems as appropriate
• Responsible for the chart correction process in the Epic environment that is not identified as needing to take place with the clinical staff only which is identified in the Chart Correction Guide located in the Learning Resource Center in Epic
• Performs investigation and resolution of non-emergent issues concerning potential medical record electronic errors using daily reports and tasks queues
• Reports task completion and errors made as required by the Admin Manager of HIM Operations
• Responsible for providing coverage for any remediation workflow functions and/or team members as requested
• Promotes collaboration and teamwork within the Data Integrity team as well as any department identified to assist with the remediation of issues
• Participates in Chart Correction Task force calls when requested
• Acknowledges and adapts to changing workflow functions and priorities
• Coordinates and communicates consistently and professionally in working any pended tasks or to seek assistance with merge/non-merge decisions (examples of other departments interaction occurs with are: clinicians, registration, billing, IT and others as needed to facilitate EMR issues, resolution and outcomes)
• Assists in cross-training other Data Integrity when asked to do so by the Administrative Director of HIM Operations when necessary
• Demonstrates initiative in the accomplishment of work duties and follows up on pended tasks through research and team discussions
• Demonstrates awareness and commitment to the key relationship between each merge/non-merge data decision, including the impact on data integrity and patient care and safety
• Demonstrates an awareness of the sensitivity and confidentiality of data/materials and the ability to handle them with discretion
• Provides support to the Administrative Director of HIM Operations with remediation workflow and reports issues or trends to the EMPI Manager
• Receives, triages and makes recommendations with calls received via the Data Integrity Hotline
• Educates front line users on the chart correction process and shares any opportunities for improvement to avoid situations that required the chart correction
• Communicates MPI data integrity issues to all impacted ancillary departments referred to as downstream systems (to include department with orders that may be impacted by a chart correct
• Refers potential cases of potential identity theft to the appropriate department but also plays an EMR identity flag on the chart for potential identity theft requesting that an official and valid ID be obtained and scanned into the EMR
• Responsible for maintaining productivity logs as well as maintaining or exceeding minimum requirements
• Maintains or exceeds established quality standards
• Assists with the daily operations of the department and departmental related projects / processes and performs other duties as assigned

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

Associates in Health Information Management or related field required.

Experience:

None required. 1 or more years of experience in Health Information Management and supporting integrity of a MPI or Person Identity preferred.

OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

License(s)/Certification(s)/Registration(s) Required:

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) required within 18 months in the position.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: