Coding Specialist - CHC

Coding Specialist

Assign appropriate ICD codes to diagnoses and procedures for inpatient encounters.  Perform the functions of concurrent reviews, concurrent coding, assembling and analyzing discharged patients' medical records.  Update incomplete/deficient medical record reports as needed.  Assist with the filing of patient medical record documentation.

SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrates and understands the importance of and respect for the rights, dignity and individuality of each patient in all interactions.
• Manages the daily operations of coding for assigned hospitals ensuring timely and accurate coding of medical records.
• Maintain a DRG accuracy rate of 95% and code accuracy of 95%.
• Must communicate documentation improvement needs with the medical staff in a query format, verbal and/or written.
• Will assign DRGs on admissions, concurrently code during the visit and final code within 5 calendar days of the patient discharge.
• Will assist with education for documentation improvement in conjunction with the Case Manager of the local facility.
• Accurately abstracts each medical record in accordance to best practice standards.
• Will assist in the patient evaluation process by providing a preliminary DRG.
• Will attend the weekly inter-discipline team meeting or its equivalent.
• Must have knowledge of medical terminology, the human disease process, anatomy and physiology.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge of reimbursement (Medicare) principles.
• Develop an understanding of responsibilities for participation in Performance Improvement activities.
• Participate in Care Conference meetings when needed.
• Understands work objectives, establishes priorities, anticipates and handles problems and carries out work activities in an orderly and timely manner to meet defined standards.
• Displays a positive/effective working relationship with co-workers, other department and medical staff. Demonstrate respect, friendliness and helpfulness in dealing with the public in person and/or over the telephone.
• Attend scheduled staff meetings

STANDARD JOB DUTIES

• Adheres to all components of the Hospital Compliance Plan in performing job duties and reports any violations or suspected violations of the Plan to the Compliance Officer.

• Demonstrates professional conduct and complies with hospital and departmental policies and procedures.

• Adheres to hospital attendance policy as outlined in the Employee Handbook.

• Complies with measures for preventing exposure to blood borne pathogens.

• Participates in the Hazardous Material Program; hazards include exposure to blood and body fluids, possible communicable diseases, sharp objects and instruments, assorted chemicals and gasses as listed in the Hazardous Materials Program Manual.

• Complies with established Safety and Patient Safety Program practices.

• Performs other incidental and related duties, as required and/or assigned.

• Develops an understanding of responsibilities for recognizing patient abuse and follows policy for making appropriate referrals/interventions.

• Develops an understanding of responsibilities for participation in Performance Improvement activities and participates in such activities.

• Limits access to protected health information (PHI) to the information reasonably necessary to do the job, and shares such information only on a need-to-know basis for work purposes.

(Access to verbal, written and electronic PHI for this job has been determined based on job level and job responsibility within the organization.  Computerized access to PHI for this job has been determined as described above and is controlled via user ID and password.)

Qualifications: