Director of Health Information

The Manager of the Medical Records Department is responsible for overseeing the efficient, secure, and cost-effective operation of Health Information Management at American Hospital Dubai. This includes ensuring the accuracy, confidentiality, and legal compliance of patient records (paper and electronic), developing departmental policies, managing medical transcription and release of information services, and supporting hospital-wide standards in alignment with Joint Commission International (JCI) and Dubai Health Authority (DHA) regulations. The role also involves strategic leadership in staffing, development, compliance, and interdepartmental coordination.

Key Responsibilities

Health Information Management Operations

• Standardizes and ensures the quality of all patient records and interdepartmental forms.
• Coordinates the Health Information Management (HIM) Committee, including scheduling and minute-taking, in collaboration with the Medical Chair.
• Represents the HIM Department on hospital committees, offering subject matter expertise.
• Maintains expert knowledge of JCI and DHA standards relevant to Health Information Management.
• Oversees the compilation and effective utilization of departmental workload and performance statistics.

Patient Information Management

• Ensures all patient records meet JCI, DHA, and hospital standards, including clarity, accuracy, and timeliness.
• Manages the incomplete records process and communicates deficiency reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Oversees quality and timely delivery of medical transcription services.
• Ensures compliance with regulations for release of information, protecting patient privacy and adhering to UAE legal requirements.
• Administers processes for record retention, archiving, and destruction in line with DHA and legal timeframes.
• Coordinates the submission of vital statistics and medical record copies to DHA.
• Supports hospital audits and external inspections involving patient information.

Policy, Procedure, and Compliance

• Develops and implements confidentiality and operational policies specific to medical records.
• Ensures department and hospital-wide compliance with DHA, JCI, and other regulatory bodies.
• Leads or supports investigations of incidents and complaints related to medical records.
• Develops and monitors Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and performs regular audits.
• Ensures the physical and operational integrity of the department, including equipment functionality and safety.
• Drives continuous quality improvement (CQI) through process review, staff engagement, and strategic enhancements.
• Promotes and ensures a professional, courteous, and patient-centered environment.
• Manages internal and external communications related to HIM activities and customer service standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management or related field.
• Membership in a recognized international professional association in Health Information Management (e.g., AHIMA, HIMAA, CHIMA, etc.).

Professional Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a Medical Records/HIM leadership role in an acute care hospital with 100+ beds.
• Proven knowledge of Joint Commission International Accreditation (JCIA) standards.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Hospital Information Systems (HIS).
• Demonstrated ability to train, develop, and manage staff effectively.
• Middle East healthcare experience is preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strong understanding of medical records regulations, documentation standards, and healthcare data privacy laws.
• Effective leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced hospital environment.
• Commitment to continuous learning, quality, and compliance.