Please note, pay rates for non-physician positions are determined based on related years of experience and internal equity. Physician compensation is based upon specialty and includes consideration of bonus potential. Additional information for non-physician positions on Cottage Health’s comprehensive Total Rewards program can be found at cottagehealth.org/careers/total-rewards.
Job Description
Codes and abstracts conditions, diseases, reason for encounters, social determinants of health and outpatient procedures to report accurate administrative and clinical data, utilizing approved coding guidelines as set forth in Official Coding Guidelines, ICD Book, Coding Clinic for ICD-CM/PCS, AHA Coding Clinic for HCPCS and CPT Book.
Responsibilities
This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Employees will be required to perform any job, with related instruction given by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Codes and abstracts diseases, procedures from the medical record according to ICD-CM and CPT classification systems, utilizing only recognized coding guidelines. Abstracts data elements for state regulatory agencies as needed. (45%)
Validates coding to assure proper APC assignment. (30%)
Participates in quality improvement activities by identifying specific cases and pertinent data as requested. Completes and monitors follow up activities, complete documentation, MD Query responses, claim and DNB edits, daily. Participates and keeps abreast of coding education changes and participates in educational growth opportunities as well as maintain CEUs for certification. (10%)
Communicates with physicians concerning incomplete documentation and clarification of diagnoses/procedures utilizing appropriate facility query process. Communicates with Patient Financial Services regarding denials, rejections and appeals. (10%)
Participates in quality improvement activities by identifying specific cases and pertinent data as requested. (5%)
Communicates with physicians concerning incomplete documentation and clarification of diagnoses/procedures utilizing appropriate facility query process. (5%)
Qualifications
All job qualifications listed indicate the minimum level necessary to perform this job proficiently.
LEVEL OF EDUCATION
Minimum
Formalized education that provides knowledge and experience in the following areas: 1) Assigning ICD-CM and CPT coding classifications in an acute care setting; 2) UHDDS reporting requirements; 3) Medical terminology, anatomy, chemistry, pharmacology, physiology, and disease process
Preferred
Associates Degree Health Information Management
CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Minimum
CCS
Preferred
CCS and RHIT or RHIA
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
Preferred:
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES
All knowledge, skills, and abilities listed indicate the minimum level deemed necessary to perform this job proficiently.
This position works with members of the Medical Staff and must be able to diplomatically deal with issues that arise when working with providers to clarify or obtain information necessary for accurate coding.
This position requires high level communication skills to be able to explain documentation variances as they relate to coding requirements.
Ability to work with minimum supervision and interact professionally with physicians and other hospital personnel. This position requires the following abilities: critical thinking skills to identify and locate information maintained in various mediums and locations, ability to read, understand, and reiterate clinical information to apply regulatory and coding standards for a multitude of acute care settings.
About Us
Cottage Health is a leading acute care hospital system, located on the central coast of California, widely known for our superior patient care, innovation, medical research and education. Our health system operates primarily in Santa Barbara, Ca, since 1888, and consists of three acute care hospitals, a Rehabilitation Hospital, multiple clinics and a multi-site Urgent Care system. Our mission is to serve the central coast communities with excellence, integrity, and compassion. Every day we touch thousands of lives in many different ways, resolute in our mission to put patients first. We take pride in helping our patients get back to living their lives - in the places they love.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Cottage Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Cottage Health applicants are considered solely based on their qualifications, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, age, gender, transgender, gender expression and identity, national origin, ancestry, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, military status or any other classification protected by law. This policy applies to all aspects of the relationship between Cottage Health and an applicant or employee. Cottage Health is committed to upholding discrimination-free hiring practices. We strive to cultivate an environment where exceptional people bring diverse perspectives and find belonging, support and connection to their work.
Any Cottage Health applicants who require assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process may request the need for accommodation with the Recruiter.
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