Outpatient Coder (Occasional Onsite Required)

Overview

The Health Information Management Coding Specialist Outpatient provides timely and accurate clinical and administration data to ensure optimal reimbursement for facility outpatient, ambulatory surgery, observation, recurring accounts to support the facility coding needs. This may include coverage on some Rehab or Skilled Care accounts. Primary patient contact is only social.

Demonstrates excellent customer service performance in that his/her attitude and actions are at all times consistent with the standards contained in the Vision, Mission and Values of Covenant HealthCare and the commitment to providing Extraordinary Care for Every Generation.

Responsibilities

• Contributes to organization success targets for patient satisfaction.
• F ormulates and uses effective working relationships with all members of the HIM department, physicians, external customers, patients, and other department staff members.
• A dhere to coding rules for outpatient coding, APC assignment, outpatient coding CCI edits and other to ensure quality coding based upon documentation with the patient record.
• M ay also code skilled care or rehab services with involves CMG assignment and IRFPAI completion.
• F ollows policies, procedures, and guidelines to assure consistent coding quality. At the same time, utilizes analytical skills when reviewing charts, interpreting documentation, and applying codes, sufficing edits, reviewing pertinent charges, etc.
• A ssures coding is completed timely and all work queues are maintained at a reasonable completion rate/turnaround timeframe. This includes the willingness to help others, accepting help from others and the ability to work extra when backlogs occur.
• P articipates in HIM department meetings and area specific meetings (OPC, charge master, clinical areas, resident/physician meetings, etc.) as required.
• A ssist in achieving departmental, AR and area specific goals.
• M ay also be required to work with external vendors/customers on issues, audits, or projects.
• H elps to identify solutions to problems and assists in resolving issues.
• P articipates in identifying lean opportunities to enhance coding efficiency and lower AR.
• S hares knowledge during training of new staff and is a resource to others.
• I ndependent learning with desire for continued personal and professional growth. Stays current on coding updates such as Coding Clinics, code updates/changes.
• U tilizes numerous references to support technical decisions, clinical understanding of disease processes or procedures/tests performed.
• M aintains professional credentials.
• A ssist CBO/Finance/Data/CMG/Patient Safety and Quality/Other as requested for follow up on items related to coding, billing, reimbursement. Assure that all legal requirements, including Federal (HIPAA) and State regulations are followed.
• D emonstrates an awareness of legal/confidentiality issues and adheres to all HIPAA Privacy and Security and department policies and procedures.
• P articipates in the development and attainment of department and workgroup goals.
• P erforms other duties as assigned which may include reviewing, analyzing coding denials, denial appeals, denial entry, writing appeal letters to outside agencies, coding quality reviews, training of new staff, mentoring students, or testing for new software upgrades.
• H elp develop or maintain guidelines, procedures, or policies.

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

RHIA, RHIT, or CCS credential required.

Eligible Bachelor or Associate Degree graduates will be considered with the expectation they pass the national exam.

Acute care outpatient coding experience preferred (diagnosis and procedural coding utilizing ICD10CM and CPT-4 coding books and references including NCCI edits or modifiers).

Clinical documentation knowledge of outpatient coding preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES

Basic computer skills.

Must be able to tolerate working under stress, limited constraints and with frequent interruptions and deadlines.

Knowledge of standard office equipment.

Knowledge of computer use including EMR, email/Outlook, internet, encoder, and other software as needed (Vital Ware, Lawson, Excel).

Demonstrates effective communication methods and skills, both verbally and in writing.

Uses appropriate organization/priority setting skills to complete work timely and accurately.

Practices effective problem identification and resolutions skills as a method of sound decision making.

Demonstrates interpersonal skills required to work with many other people and personalities.

Ability to use sound judgement, based upon the latest guidelines, federal and state statutes, and regulations, as well as hospital and departmental policies.

Ongoing professional growth in many areas.

Ability to sit and look at computer screen for long periods of time.

Ability to be flexible to adjust assignments as priorities change.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards.

Constant sitting, use of hands to finger, handle and feel.

Constant hearing and near vision.

Frequent depth perception, midrange and far vision.

Frequent color and field of vision.

Frequent lifting 0-10lbs.

Occasional standing, walking, carrying, pushing, pulling, climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, squatting and crawling.

Occasional twisting, reaching and talking.

Occasional lifting 11-50lbs. ICIMCHNonNJ

Why Work at Covenant HealthCare

At Covenant HealthCare, we are united by a shared mission of providing Extraordinary Care for Every Generation. We foster a culture built on teamwork, excellence, accountability, respect, customer service, and enthusiasm, where every employee plays an important role in delivering patient-centered care and making a difference in our community.

Our benefits include

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement plans with employer match
• Paid time off to support work-life balance
• Employee wellness programs and mental health support
• Tuition reimbursement, university discounts, and professional development opportunities

How to Apply

Submit your resume and any required documents with your application. A resume is required .

Applicants will receive confirmation that their application has been received. Candidate updates will be provided via email, text message, or phone call. ICIMCHNonNJ