Health Information Services

Health Information/Medical Records

Health Information Management is dedicated to the effective management of patient information and healthcare data needed to deliver high quality treatment and care to the public. Health information staff are an integral part of the healthcare team.  They serve the healthcare industry and the public by using best practices in managing healthcare information to support quality healthcare delivery.  As healthcare adapts to the electronic health record environment, the health information department’s role is critical to ensure that providers, healthcare organizations, and patients have access to the right healthcare information when and where it is needed.

Health information management (HIM) professionals provide services in all aspects of records management including: data collection and data quality management, integrity, standards, disclosure, coding, disposition, and privacy of health information. They perform detailed analysis of the information in the health record to facilitate healthcare delivery, patient safety and decision support. They play a role in ensuring the confidentiality of health information within the patient record and are advocates of the patient’s right to private, secure and confidential information. HIM professionals are essential in quality programs, and provide guidance on documentation, communication, e-Health implementation, Electronic Health Record infrastructure, and policy issues.

Some typical responsibilities may include collecting and analyzing of patient data, ensuring accuracy of patient records, ensuring privacy of patient records, managing and maintaining databases, and generating and analyzing reports.

Health information managers are responsible for information governance, and ensuring enterprise-wide health data integrity, privacy, and security. Some of their main responsibilities may include:

• implement processes and systems to support accurate and complete medical record documentation
• work with physicians to improve the quality of documentation
• work with coding staff to ensure accurate coding for reimbursement and clinical care
• comply with state and federal laws and standards related to privacy, security and record completion
• track and trend audits and denials from third-party payers and auditors
• prepare and analyze clinical data for research purposes, process improvement, utilization management and mandatory reporting

If you would like a copy of your medical records, you may sign up for the patient portal, call the Health Information department or print the form by clicking on the link below and faxing it to us. If you choose to complete the form please clearly indicate the records you need, sign and date it and mail, deliver or Fax it to us at:

Northern Maine Medical Center
Health Information Department
194 East Main Street
Fort Kent, Maine 04743
FAX: 207-834-2311

For questions or assistance in completing the authorization form, call 207-834-1464.