Clinical Coder (Onsite)
Johnson County Hospital
- Tecumseh, NE
- $16.00-27.00 per hour
- Permanent
- Full-time
- Knowledgeable of all charting and coding requirements, including Acute care, Swingbed, and outpatient services.
- Ensures that records are coded accurately and timely, within four (4) days of discharge, excluding weekends and holidays.
- Reviews medical record thoroughly to ascertain all diagnoses/procedures.
- Abstracts pertinent information from patient records. Assigns ICD-10-CM or HCPCS codes in accordance to the ICD-10-CM/CPT coding principles and the Coding Manual.
- Queries physicians when code assignments are not straightforward or documentation in the record is inadequate, ambiguous, or unclear for coding purposes.
- Contacts responsible provider in a professional, tactful manner.
- Coder's diagnoses and procedures on clinical summary agree with physician's preference.
- Logs diagnoses, procedures, and other abstracting data for registers according to State reporting guidelines.
- Refers to HIM Coding Lead or HIM manager if there is a question regarding the diagnoses/codes.
- Keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reimbursement reporting requirements. Brings identified concerns to supervisor or department manager for resolution.
- Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association and adheres to official coding guidelines.
- Demonstrates proficiency in coding and abstracting software/encoder.
- Utilizes coding references available. Reviews coding periodicals within seven (7) days of receipt.
- Analyzes records for completeness and accuracy according to department and hospital policy and procedures for physician and nursing completion.
- Notifies physicians and nursing departments of delinquent or deficient medical records.
- Follows up on incomplete records within one week of notification.
- Runs deficiency analysis reports and other abstracting as requested by HIM manager.
- Performs final qualitative chart analysis to ensure all required documentation has been completed.
- Performs quantitative chart analysis to ensure accuracy of documentation pertinent to encounter, and accurate record preparation for coding.
- Collaborates with Admission staff, Billing staff, Coding Lead and HIM Director as necessary for patient accounts requiring attention for timely and optimal hospital payment.
- Performs quality improvement functions through data collection and documentation review.
- The HIM Coder will understand and demonstrate compliance with HIPAA regulations and will comply with all JCH policies and procedures.
- The HIM Coder will carry out any other responsibilities deemed necessary by the HIM Director.
- Preferred level of Education: Successful completion of coding certificate program in a program with AHIMA approval status; RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, CCA certification status preferred.
- Minimum level of Education: Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology Coursework.
- Prefer work experience as a coder or strong training background in coding and reimbursement.
- Technical skills and proficiency with spreadsheets, databases and EHR software, communication, customer service, time management, critical thinking and troubleshooting skills.
- Understanding of data gathering, structuring, categorization and manipulation.
- Ability to research billing and coding regulations and resources.
- Good business communication skills, professional telephone techniques and patient relations.
- Able to treat others with respect and consideration.
- Requires professionalism.
- Be an active team member and support each member and the team as a whole.
- Competitive wages
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
- Retirement savings plan
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Paid time off
- Sick pay