Chief Medical Records Administrator

As the Chief Health Information Management (CHIM), GS-13, you will lead and direct the comprehensive Health Information Management (HIM) program within a VA Medical Center. This senior professional position involves extensive oversight of HIM practices, regulatory compliance, and staff management.

• *Key Responsibilities:**
• **Program Leadership:** Manage and direct all facets of the Health Information Management (HIM) program.
• **Staff Supervision:** Oversee and supervise professional Medical Records Administrators (MRAs), Medical Records Technicians (MRTs), and other support staff.
• **Strategic Guidance:** Provide expert technical advice, planning, and evaluation on critical HIM issues.
• **Policy & Procedure:** Establish and enforce HIM policies and procedures, including health record documentation, coding, clinical documentation improvement, release of information, records management, transcription, and medical speech recognition.
• **Compliance & Standards:** Ensure adherence to HIM industry standards, policies, laws, regulations, and accrediting body requirements.
• **Performance Monitoring:** Conduct HIM audits, develop healthcare data reports, and analyze statistical information to ensure timely, accurate reporting and program compliance.
• **Resource Management:** Participate in strategic goal setting, budgeting, procurement, and workflow management for the HIM Department.
• *Requirements:**
• **Citizenship:** United States Citizenship.
• **English Language:** Proficiency in spoken and written English.
• **Experience (General):** Three years of creditable experience in medical records, including preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems, demonstrating knowledge of medical terminology, procedures, coding, and legal/administrative requirements.

*or*

• **Education (General):** A bachelor's degree or higher in Health Information Management or a related field, with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology.

*or*

• **Combined Experience/Education:** An equivalent combination of creditable experience and education.
• **GS-13 Specific Experience:** One year of creditable experience equivalent to the GS-12 level, demonstrating expertise in compliance evaluation, policy development, program oversight, training, resource management, and supervisory duties.
• **Required Certifications:**

* **Basic:** Coding Certification (AHIMA or AAPC), OR HIM Certification (AHIMA), or Health Data Analyst Certification (AHIMA). * **GS-13 Level:** **HIM Certification through AHIMA is required.**

• **Key Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (GS-13):**

* Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical, regulatory, and accrediting guidelines in HIM. * Skill in providing sound technical guidance on major HIM program, legal, or procedural changes. * Proficiency in revising facility policies and procedures to enhance HIM services and adapt to regulatory needs. * Aptitude for analyzing complex data, interpreting trends for effective HIM program management. * Strong management/administration skills, including program planning, coordination, supervision, consultation, negotiation, and problem-solving. * Capability to delegate authority, evaluate programs, accomplish goals, and adapt to changing priorities.

• *Physical Requirements:** As per VA Directive and Handbook 5019.