Hospital Coder I - Inpatient and Outpatient Coding

Description

Job Summary:

To collaborate as a beginning level coder in the review ancillary department account medical documentation provided by physicians and other providers in order to obtain detailed information regarding disease, injuries, and other procedures and translate this information into numeric codes. Assign and sequence diagnostic and procedure codes in accordance with nationally required coding systems. May perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of electronic coding systems. Knowledge of electronic health record. Proficient in the use of personal computers and related software applications. Proficient in the use of email application such as Outlook for email and scheduling purposes. Demonstrated ability to perform and maintain working relationships within the department and across all business units to foster a team environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills required. Proficient knowledge in Microsoft office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word & Outlook). 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

•  Knowledge of medical terminology
•  Knowledge of billing CPT and ICD coding required
•  Ability to pay attention to detail
•  Ability to provide a pleasant and welcoming appearance to all with which you come in contact
•  Ability to read, write, type, and follow oral and written directions
•  Ability to work independently to effectively and efficiently perform assigned duties
•  Excellent interpersonal communication and organizational skills, pleasant attitude and proven ability to work effectively with others

UNDERSTANDING OF COST AND QUALITY ISSUES. EXCELLENT VERBAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATION SKILLS. INTERPERSONAL SKILLS TO INTERACT WITH A WIDE RANGE OF CONSTITUENCIES. DECISION-MAKING SKILLS. Demonstrated ability to perform and maintain working relationships within the department and across all business units to foster a team environment. Effective written and verbal communication skills required. Healthcare revenue cycle experience preferred. PROFICIENT knowledge AND EXPERIENCE in Microsoft office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word & Outlook).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Quality: Assign correct codes in accordance with coding guidelines and accepted ethical principles of coding.

Quantity: Enter data accurately that meets productivity standards.

Monitor un-coded accounts and prioritize appropriately.

Report coding/charging issues to leadership.

Understand and apply updated coding guidelines to include study of quarterly Coding Clinic and CPT Assist. 

Demonstrative effective communication and response using systems available to both the Hospital Coder and management through telephone and email communication.

Demonstrate effective use of required software in the remote setting.

Demonstrate rapid on-site relocation in the event of failure of equipment or services remotely are not sufficient to accomplish job duties.  

THE DUTIES LISTED ARE GENERAL IN NATURE AND ARE EXAMPLES OF THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES PERFORMED AND ARE NOT MEANT TO BE CONSTRUED AS EXCLUSIVE OR ALL INCLUSIVE. MANAGEMENT RETAINS THE RIGHT TO ADD OR CHANGE DUTIES AT ANY TIME.

Environmental and Physical Demands:

Requires no exposure to unpleasant or disagreeable physical environment such as high noise level and exposure to heat and cold, no handling or working with potentially dangerous equipment, occasional working hours beyond regularly scheduled hours, occasional travelling to offsite locations, frequent activities subject to significant volume changes of a seasonal/clinical nature, constant work produced is subject to precise measures of quantity and quality, occasional bending, occasional lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds, occasional lifting/carrying up to 25 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to 50 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to 75 pounds, no lifting/carrying up to100 pounds, no lifting/carrying 100 pounds or more, occasional climbing, no crawling, occasional crouching/stooping, occasional driving, no kneeling, occasional pushing/pulling, frequent reaching, frequent sitting, frequent standing, occasional twisting, and frequent walking. (Occasional-up to 20%, frequent-from 21% to 50%, constant-51% or more)

Requirements

Education & Experience:

High school diploma or GED required. 6 months of medical coding experience directly applying codes. Education from an accredited program may be substituted for required experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

Must be able to obtain one medical coding certification from American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) within one (1) year of hire.

Accepted certifications from the Medical Coding Certification from American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) include:

Registered Health Information Management Technician (RHIT)

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Certified Coding Specialist- Physician-Based (CCS-P)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC or CPC-A)

Any Physician specialty certification from AAPC