Coding Tech

PURPOSE OF POSITION: 

Assign diagnosis and procedure codes to outpatient medical records using ICD (International Classification  of Disease) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) coding and classification systems. Coding  assignments are made for the purpose of research, reimbursement, compliance with Federal and State  regulations, guidelines, and for severity of illness. 

INTER-RELATIONSHIPS: 

Must demonstrate ability to work with physicians to obtain clarification of clinical information to optimize reimbursement and accurately record information. Collaborate daily with both intradepartmental staff and ancillary departments in a cooperative effort to meet organizational objectives. 

PRIMARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

The following are representative of the duties that the HIM Coding Technician will perform while  exemplifying the five YRMC values of integrity, respect, accountability, quality, and commitment. In  interacting with others the HIM Coding Technician is expected to: 1) maintain and enhance the self-esteem  of others, 2) listen and respond to others using empathy, 3) ask for help from others in solving problems, 4)  share thoughts and rationale with others, 5) provide support without removing the responsibility of others. 

• Employee will comply with all laws, rules, and regulations relating to the position.  • The employee has a duty to report any suspected violations of the law to his/her immediate  supervisor, compliance officer, or CEO.  
• Employee will follow the coding guidelines set by AHIMA (American Health Information  Management Association,) NCCI (National Correct Coding Initiative) edits, CMS (Center for  Medicare and Medicaid Services,) and the Standards of Coding Ethics. 
• Selects appropriate assignments for coding from assigned work queues. 
• Assigns codes to ancillary outpatient and recurring encounters by: 

o Selecting the accurate principal diagnosis and procedure code; 

o Sequencing codes to optimize reimbursement in conformance with policies; 

o Coding only diagnoses and procedures which can be substantiated by documentation with the  medical record; 

o Following coding guidelines; 

o Distinguishing cases which require additional information from physicians and contacting the  physician for clarification using either direct contact or the physician query form. 

• Where defined in policy: Verifies charges entered for the encounter match the documentation  contained within the record. 
• Writes the record to an appropriate queue when charges do not agree. 
• Correctly utilizes coding applications & systems to appropriately code and abstract all assigned  encounters. 
• Analyzes APCs and Modifier assignment to ensure all data has been considered to ensure accurate  and compliant coding and charging.
  • HIM Coders shall use their skills, their knowledge of ICD and CPT rules, guidelines and  requirements and any available resources to select appropriate diagnosis and procedural codes. • HIM Coders shall not change codes or narrative of codes so that the meanings are misrepresented, nor  should diagnosis or procedures be included or excluded because the payment may be affected.  Statistical clinical data is an important result of coding and maintaining a quality database shall be a  conscientious goal. 
  • Physicians will be consulted for clarification when conflicting or ambiguous documentation is noted  in the record. 
  • The HIM Coder is a member of the healthcare team and, as such, shall assist physicians who are  unfamiliar with ICD, CPT or DRG methodology. 
  • The HIM Coder is expected to strive for optimal payment to which the facility is legally entitled and will not engage in unethical and illegal practices to maximize payments by means that contradict  regulatory guidelines. 

  SECONDARY JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Reviews unbilled to assure records are all coded within department timeframes. • Maintains patient, medical record, department, and employee confidentiality at all times. • Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and fosters teamwork by offering assistance to others as  needed. 
  • Effectively uses tools provided to monitor coding backlog and coding errors needing correction. • Works with other departments to correct inaccurate clinical or demographic information regardless of  the source of the information. 
  • Reviews the APC grouper edit and assists in clearing the edits related to coding and compliance. • Assists with the orientation and training of new employees. 
  • Provides input to supervisor regarding coding policies and procedures. 
  • Fulfills yearly continuing education requirements of the department and the hospital, to include safety  and mandatory in-services. Responsible for maintaining credentials.  
  • Attends and participates in department or section meetings. 
  • Contributes to the overall operation of the department by performing other duties, as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• High school graduate or GED. 
• Knowledge gained through formal education programs sufficient to accurately apply ICD and/or CPT codes. Ability to demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of medical terminology,  anatomy and physiology, disease processes, clinical foundations and clinical data management. 
• One year of experience using ICD and CPT coding strongly preferred; knowledge of APC's,  modifiers and other payment methodologies preferred. 
• Registration/Certification as a CCA, CPC-A, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-H, CPC-P or RHIT required. Equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing  providing excellent customer service. 
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and handle multiple priorities/tasks  simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. 
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Windows. 
• Basic proficiency with MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) 
• Electronic Medical Record (EMR) experience preferred; Cerner strongly preferred. 

A compensation range of $18.83 - $23.53/hr is the reasonable estimate that CommonSpirit in good faith believes it might pay for this particular job based on the circumstances at the time of posting. CommonSpirit may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range as permitted by law.

While you’re busy impacting the healthcare industry, we’ll take care of you with benefits that include health/dental/vision, FSA, matching retirement plans, paid vacation, adoption assistance, annual bonus eligibility and more!

This is a remote position.

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