Thoroughly reviews patient medical records as required to specifically and accurately code diagnoses and procedures treated or otherwise impacting the patient care. Effectively verifies the electronic medical record contains supporting documentation to justify diagnostic and procedural code assignments and follows up accordingly if questionable. Assists with auditing medical records for quality of coding and to ensure appropriate reimbursement, and reports findings to the Coding Program Manager. Also serves as backup for coding, billing, abstracting, and/or auditing of Outpatient and ED records. The Clinical Coding Specialist III is responsible for remaining current on all ICD and CPT coding changes as well as payer specific requirements and regulations.
Coding of complex inpatient records.
Successful demonstration of proficiency and compliance with regulatory requirements
Identification of principal diagnosis and appropriate MS-DRG.
Complete coding of the record including appropriate coding of secondary diagnoses and inpatient procedures using ICD-10-PCS
Ability to write compliant coding queries.
Education/formal training/licensure/certification/experience:
Degree in HIM. RHIA or RHIT preferred; CCS required.
4 years coding experience in hospital setting (at least 2 years inpatient)
Experience in DRG validation or chart auditing preferred
Thorough understanding and experience in both ICD-10 and CPT 4 required
Minimum of 90% score on competency assessment
Must be consistently exceeding standards of Level II and/or score minimum of 90% on competency sampling
Knowledge, skills and abilities required:
Knowledge of DNV, Joint Commission and other regulatory agency chart documentation requirements
Ability to work independently and function as an integral team member within the department.
Strong analytical skills, detail oriented, and able to make decisions independently with consideration of the potential impact to reimbursement as well as external audit
Must be able to work unsupervised and be self motivated with a strong understanding of prospective payments systems and coding guidelines
Ability to perform work under pressure with ongoing deadlines and production/accuracy standards
Use of computerized encoder and computer experience in Windows environment
Working Conditions:
Primary office setting, independent work environment
Minimal conversation in office to facilitate level of concentration required
Physical Requirements:
Ability to tolerate long periods of sitting
Numerical perception/visual acuity
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Motor coordination for operating computer