Inpatient Coder 2 Certified / HIM Coding

Hartford HealthCare • Farmington, CT

88d

About The Position

The creation of the HHC System Support Office recognizes the work of a large and growing group of employees whose responsibilities are continually evolving so that we and our departments now work on behalf of the system as a whole, rather than a single member organization. This position involves reviewing inpatient clinical documentation to determine the appropriate assignment of alpha numeric diagnosis/procedure codes and Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRG). Data is classified for internal and external statistical reporting, research, regulatory compliance and reimbursement. The role includes coding high dollar and more complex accounts including but not limited to, medical, surgical behavioral health, IP Rehabilitation and others.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree or equivalent experience.
• Minimum: Two to three years of progressive on-the-job experience in an acute care hospital.
• Preferred: Two to four years of progressive on-the-job experience in an acute hospital.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) required and maintained thereafter.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM diagnostic and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes.
• Knowledge of UHDDS.
• Familiarity with various DRG methodologies (MS-DRG, APR-DRG, Tricare, etc.).
• Understanding of IP Rehabilitation coding rules for IRF-PAI.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Products; Word, Excel.
• Experience with Encoder and/or CAC.

Responsibilities

• Applies strong knowledge of anatomy and physiology, clinical disease processes, pharmacology, and diagnostic and procedural terminology to determine the appropriate assignment of diagnosis and procedure codes for more complex accounts.
• Analyzes medical records using the Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS), interprets documentation and assigns proper International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) diagnoses and ICD-10-Procedural Classification System (PCS) operative procedure codes utilizing designated software.
• Reviews DRG assigned to each record. Enters coded/abstracted information into software, analyzes DRG groupings, and observes for appropriate DRG assignment.
• Reviews high dollar and more complex cases including but not limited to, medical, surgical, behavioral health and IP Rehabilitation.
• Applies IRF-PAI guidelines for IP Rehabilitation coding.
• Adheres to all department coding procedures, policies, guidelines and quality standards.
• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association/American Association of Procedural Coders and adheres to official coding guidelines.
• Meets revenue cycle goals (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Productivity Standards).
• Completes on a daily basis cases that have been assigned for review of edits, etc.
• Collaborates with clinical documentation specialists (CDS) to determine appropriate DRG assignment for compliance and reimbursement purposes.
• Collaborates with Quality Management and other departments (Billing Registration, etc.) as required.
• Seeks clarification from attending physician in cases where documentation is absent, ambiguous, or contradictory.
• Assists in training and mentoring new coders to become acclimated to new environment, and understand internal coding policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance.
• Opportunities for career development and growth.

What This Job Offers

• Industry: Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations
• Education Level: Associate degree