Professional Coder - Remote Position

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of Professional Coding and CDI Manager, The Professional Coder provides timely and accurate clinical and administration data to ensure optimal reimbursement for professional services performed at acute care, inpatient, outpatient, urgent care or physician offices to meet organizational needs. This position is responsible for ICD10CM diagnosis, CPT-4 coding and charge entry related to coding, documentation, billing and reimbursement issues. Works as a liaison between centralized billing staff, practice managers and office staff and may be required to meet with the office staff and physicians as needed. This position is responsible for the monitoring the quality of coding and stays current on professional coding changes, compliance issues, billing, documentation, reimbursement and interpretation of coding/documentation rules.

Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.
2. Codes accounts in work lists appropriately based on priority.
3. Adhere to coding rules for coding professional services for multiple specialties (such as; Neurosurgery, Pediatric, Physical Medicine & Rehab, Orthopedic, Pulmonology, Wound Management, Professional Hospital Services, Ophthalmology, Urology Gastroenterology, etc.), Urgent Care, Occupational Health, Family Practice, Internal Medicine and other to ensure quality coding based upon documentation within the patient record.
4. Utilizes Selectcoder software applications, which includes all applicable online tools and references in the assignment of International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) diagnosis and procedure codes.
5. Meet and sustain productivity metrics established by the Manager while maintaining high accuracy rate.
6. Investigates and tracks unbilled accounts to determine reason for incomplete status and works with appropriate resources for completion.
7. Queries physicians and other healthcare providers when there is conflicting, incomplete, or ambiguous information in the health record. Comply with industry standards "Guidelines for Achieving a Compliant Query Practice" when composing queries.
8. Communicates in a positive, cooperative, timely and accurate manner with providers, office staff and others on all missing or unclear information, including; diagnoses, procedure codes, ACUITY levels, test resulting and appropriate signatures for chart completion.
9. Actively contributes to the morale and teamwork of the staff and facility and always presenting a positive attitude and patient-minded vision, with patient satisfaction as the continuing goal.
10. Completes assigned tasks in appropriate timeframe and adjusts to increased workload.
11. Problem solves and brings concerns to Manager for resolution when appropriate.
12. Keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reporting requirements.
13. Promotes protection of patient confidentiality in all phases of work.
14. Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding, maintains certification and continuing education requirements under the appropriate credentialing program.
15. Assists with training/orientation of new employees and students.
16. Other duties as assigned.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

1. High School diploma or GED required. Associate's degree in Health Information Technology is preferred.
2. Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is required.

EXPERIENCE

1. Minimum of 1 (one) year of coding experience and 1 (one) year of medical office experience preferred.
2. Working knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS coding, anatomy and physiology, keyboarding and computer skills.
3. Competency in the use of computer applications.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES/MOTOR SKILLS

1. Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
2. Small motor skills required for operating modern computer, office, and telephone equipment as utilized by Memorial Healthcare (MHC).

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL ABILITIES

1. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
2. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
2. Able to hear for work-related purposes.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.