Inpatient Coder

TEKsystems•Annapolis, MD

6d•$30 - $40•Remote

About The Position

The Inpatient Medical Coder under the supervision of the Manager of Coding and Data Quality accurately codes hospital inpatient accounts for the purpose of appropriate reimbursement, research, statistics and compliance to federal and state regulations in accordance with established ICD-10-CM/PCS coding classification systems. Essential Job Duties: The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified. 1. Analyzes inpatient cases, identifies and assigns ICD-10 diagnostic and PCS procedural codes for the purpose of reimbursement, research and compliance with federal and state regulations. Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of coding nomenclature to ensure accurate APR-DRG/SOI/ROM and POA assignment. 2. Utilizes critical thinking to analyze and evaluate documentation issues with consultation from the medical and clinical staff, and clinical documentation specialists as needed. 3. Monitors assigned work on a daily basis in order to facilitate the billing process within the established timeframes. Codes and abstracts records within timeframes established for each patient type. 4. Maintain a high level of accuracy in code assignment to prevent claim denials, billing errors, and potential legal issues. 5. Review medical records, including patient histories, examination findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans, to extract pertinent information for code assignment. 6. Communicates with various departments within the hospitals regarding billing and registration issues. Refers any problems to management timely, providing clear details. 7. Complies with AHIMA standards of ethical coding and coding compliance guidelines, including adherence to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy regulations. 8. Utilizes coding references, software tools, and electronic health records (EHR) to facilitate accurate and efficient code assignment. 9. Participate in ongoing education, training, and certification programs to enhance coding proficiency and maintain credentials. 10. Demonstrates support and compliance with the Medical System mission, vision, values statement, goals and objectives and policies. Performs other duties or projects such as coding corrections as assigned by the manager.

Requirements

At least three years of experience in outpatient coding with a CCS certification (or obtain within one year) required with at least a minimum of one year of inpatient ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS coding and abstracting experience in a hospital setting required.
Must have understanding of coding guidelines specifically with APR DRG's and MS DRG and how reimbursement works
Understanding of SOI (Severity of Illness) and ROM (Risk of Mortality)
Certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC),Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) required.
Strong analytical and organizational skills; filing systems; ability to prioritize workloads; meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure; excellent customer service skills; general office procedures; ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision; familiar with basic medical terminology; computer experience; typing ability.
High School graduate or equivalent.
Formal ICD-10-CM and CPT training required.

Nice To Haves

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health information Administrator (RHIA).
Associates or Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Analyzes inpatient cases, identifies and assigns ICD-10 diagnostic and PCS procedural codes for the purpose of reimbursement, research and compliance with federal and state regulations.
Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of coding nomenclature to ensure accurate APR-DRG/SOI/ROM and POA assignment.
Utilizes critical thinking to analyze and evaluate documentation issues with consultation from the medical and clinical staff, and clinical documentation specialists as needed.
Monitors assigned work on a daily basis in order to facilitate the billing process within the established timeframes.
Codes and abstracts records within timeframes established for each patient type.
Maintain a high level of accuracy in code assignment to prevent claim denials, billing errors, and potential legal issues.
Review medical records, including patient histories, examination findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans, to extract pertinent information for code assignment.
Communicates with various departments within the hospitals regarding billing and registration issues.
Complies with AHIMA standards of ethical coding and coding compliance guidelines, including adherence to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy regulations.
Utilizes coding references, software tools, and electronic health records (EHR) to facilitate accurate and efficient code assignment.
Participate in ongoing education, training, and certification programs to enhance coding proficiency and maintain credentials.
Demonstrates support and compliance with the Medical System mission, vision, values statement, goals and objectives and policies.
Performs other duties or projects such as coding corrections as assigned by the manager.