Release of information (ROI) is a cornerstone HIM function. Efficient, correct, and compliant ROI processes are necessary to support patient care, legal processes, reimbursement, and patients’ rights. However, ROI can be a complex task, subject to various regulatory requirements. Whether the function is handled in-house or outsourced, ROI staff must have a firm grasp of the organization’s policies and procedures and be confident in their knowledge of the ins and outs of federal and state laws.
Well-trained ROI staff keep the flow of information running smoothly. Their education must cover regulatory basics, but simply fulfilling the letter of the law doesn’t mean training is complete or effective. Managers and the organization itself set the tone for education: If leadership just goes through the motions of providing education, staff will follow suit. And that may lead to errors, waste, costly compliance failures, and dissatisfied customers.
Is your organization making the most out of required training for ROI staff? Instead of treating it like a chore, look at it as an opportunity to elevate ROI staff and transition your entire department to the next level.
