Bizzell Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 organization with the mission of creating sustainable global social impact through healthcare equity and economic development. We believe that the world would benefit from empowering individuals and families to lead healthier lives and achieve their fullest potential. We envision a world where health equity and economic opportunities are within reach for everyone.
Job Summary:
The goal of the MD MMRT Abstractor is to comprehensively select and extract pertinent information from medical records and an array of other sources to accurately capture the events leading up to and including the death of each case and d to document those findings for review by the MD MMRT.
The Maryland Maternal Mortality Review Program (the Program) was established in statute in 2000. The Maryland Annotated Code Health-General Article §13-1203 - 1207, establishes the Program in the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) and describes its scope. The purpose of the Program is to: 1) Identify maternal death cases; 2) Review medical records and other relevant data; 3) Determine preventability of death; 4) Develop recommendations for the prevention of maternal deaths; and 5) Disseminate findings and recommendations to policymakers, physicians and other health care providers, health care facilities, and the general public. Program reviews are conducted by the Maternal Mortality Review Team (MMRT).
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Duties/Key Responsibilities:
The MD MMRT Medical Records Abstractor will receive a list of assigned cases with corresponding records from the Program Director to abstract within a specific time frame. Records may be from multiple sources including the Vital Statistics Administration, prenatal, hospital, and emergency medical services medical records, autopsy, pathology, and police reports, newspaper articles, social media, and others. All pertinent information extracted will be entered into the Maternal Mortality Review Information Application (MMRIA) data system.
- The MD MMRT Medical Records Abstractor will coordinate with the MDH Maternal Mortality Review Coordinator to notify them of records that they require for case abstraction.
- The MD MMRT Medical Records Abstractor will attend all MD MMRT meetings where an abstractor has a case scheduled to provide additional support and information as appropriate to MMRT members during the case reviews. These meetings are held monthly.
Performance Metrics:
Timely Case Abstraction & Documentation:
- Abstractors will be required to complete assigned case reviews within a defined timeframe in alignment with MD MMRT guidelines.
- All extracted data must be accurately and completely entered into the Maternal Mortality Review Information Application (MMRIA) system.
Comprehensive Data Collection & Quality Assurance:
Abstractors must extract and compile data from multiple sources, including but not
limited to:
- Vital Statistics Administration reports
- Prenatal, hospital, and emergency medical records (scanned documents and electronic health record access)
- Autopsy, pathology, and police reports
- CRISP (Chesapeake Regional Information System for Our Patients) records
- Community Vital Signs (CVS) records
- Judiciary case search records
- Social media and news reports (when available)
- Ensure all data is complete, unbiased, and in compliance with confidentiality laws (e.g., HIPAA).
Time Expectations for Case Review & Communication:
- Abstractors are expected to spend an average of 10 hours per case abstracting relevant data.
- The time required may vary depending on case complexity and record length.
- If an abstractor anticipates needing more than 10 hours for a case, they must communicate with MDH and the program manager as soon as possible to discuss the expected time required.
Meeting Participation & Subject Matter Expertise:
- Attendance at monthly virtual MD MMRT meetings is mandatory for meetings where an abstractor has a case scheduled. Meetings are typically scheduled on the first Monday of the month from 5:30p.m.-8:30p.m ET.
- During meetings, abstractors are expected to present an abbreviated version of the case summary, and provide additional insights and support during case reviews.
- Abstractors should be prepared to answer inquiries from MMRT members regarding case-specific details.
Compliance & Confidentiality:
- Abstractors must adhere to HIPAA and confidentiality regulations while handling sensitive case data.
- All documentation must be stored securely and submitted through designated channels in compliance with Maryland Department of Health (MDH) standards.
Professional Qualifications & Training:
- Abstractors must meet the required qualifications outlined in the position description and complete any additional MD MMRT-specific training as required by the program.
- Strong knowledge of medical terminology, maternal health, and public health systems is expected.
Required Skills/Abilities:
- Demonstrated understanding of normal/abnormal processes of pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum care and the wide spectrum of factors that can influence outcomes
- Understanding of medical terminology and the health care system in general
- Flexibility and ability to accomplish tasks in short time frames
- Ability to adjust to varying or developing situations to meet changing program requirements
- Strong attention to details
- Knowledge of HIPAA and confidentiality laws
- Ability to serve as an objective, unbiased storyteller; not looking to assign blame
- Demonstrated understanding of social determinants contributing to maternal mortality
- Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
- Skill with word processing and data entry (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint)
- Knowledge of methods to maintain database information
- Ability to work well with others, including people of diverse linguistic, cultural, or economic backgrounds
- Ability to maintain organized, accurate records
Education and Experience Requirements:
- Must have at least five years of full-time, or equivalent part-time professional, medical, administrative or managerial experience in public health, health care, or equivalent, of which the major duties involved working in obstetrics, antenatal and postpartum care.
- Experience in medical record review (peer review, FIMR, etc.) including an in-depth understanding of the organization of medical records.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
- Ability to maintain a stationary position to operate a computer and other office equipment.
- Must be able to identify, analyze, and assess detailed information.
- Ability to communicate effectively and exchange information clearly with others.
Bizzell Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity in the workplace. All
qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color,
religion, gender, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
