This capstone project focused on enhancing MercyHealth’s HIM operations by improving workflows and compliance related to OCR breach reporting and record amendment processes. The goal was to streamline data entry, ensure HIPAA compliance, and foster better collaboration between departments.

Key Initiatives:

1. OCR Breach Reporting Form Improvement
   • Developed a dynamic Microsoft Form with branching logic to improve accuracy.
   • Enhanced data collection for trend analysis through Excel integration.
2. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Record Amendments
   • Standardized amendment workflows across locations.
   • Ensured HIPAA compliance and consistency in handling patient requests.

Completing my capstone at MercyHealth was a rewarding experience that deepened my passion for healthcare informatics and process improvement. I had the chance to refine HIM operations by making OCR breach reporting more efficient and creating a standardized approach to record amendments. Developing a dynamic Microsoft Form with branching logic and implementing a clear SOP helped streamline processes, improve compliance, and strengthen collaboration across departments. It was a great opportunity to apply my skills in a meaningful way and see tangible results in workflow optimization.

One of the biggest challenges was getting people comfortable with the new workflows. Change always comes with hesitation, but clear communication helped ease the transition. While I haven’t yet seen the long-term impact, I designed these processes to improve efficiency and standardization across departments. This experience reinforced the importance of collaboration in healthcare and deepened my understanding of how HIM operations support patient care.

This experience also shaped my career trajectory. Moving into my role as a System Analyst at MercyHealth and pursuing my RHIA certification feels like the natural next step, building on the skills and insights I gained during this project. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue driving innovation and efficiency in healthcare informatics, ensuring that technology and processes support better patient outcomes.