Inpatient Coder

Conifer Health Solutions • Frisco, TX

9d • $27 - $41 • Remote

About The Position

JOB SUMMARY Responsible for assigning diagnostic and procedural codes to inpatient charts using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS or any other designated coding classification system in accordance with coding rules and regulations. Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by AHIMA. Abstracting required clinical information from the medical record. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Include the following. Others may be assigned. Coding: Reviews medical records for the determination of accurate code assignment of all documented diagnoses and procedures in accordance with Official Coding Guidelines. Adheres to Standards of Ethical Coding (AHIMA). Abstracting: Reviews medical records to determine accurate required abstracting elements (facility/client specific elements) including appropriate discharge disposition. Coding Quality: Demonstrates consistency in achieving or exceeding 95.5% coding accuracy in the selection of principal and secondary diagnoses ((including DRG, MCC & CC, SOI/ROM)) and procedures. Demonstrates accuracy and consistency in abstracting elements defined by per facility. Coder Productivity: Meets and/or exceeds Conifer’s inpatient coding productivity guidelines Physician Queries: Demonstrates strong skills in creating appropriate and compliant physician retrospective coding queries. Professional Development: Stays current with AHA Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines, CMS and other agency directives for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding. Completes mandatory coding education as assigned. Quarterly review of AHA Coding Clinic. Attends all required coding operations conference calls. DNFB: Reviews held accounts daily for resolution in support of coding DNFB performance. Communicates barriers to leaders ( physician queries, missing documentation, second level review, DRG reconciliation, etc.) for appropriate follow-up and resolution.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of MS-DRG and APR DRG classification and reimbursement structures
• Proficient at writing AHIMA compliant physician queries
• Adept at comparing documentation, code assignment and charge in the financial system for accuracy and completeness and elevating concerns to the appropriate manager
• Proficient in researching and responding to Business Office questions related to coding and/or payer-specific coding guidelines.
• Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level of proficiency
• Works collaboratively with CDI, Quality and other facility leadership
• Functional knowledge of facility EMR, encoder, CDI tool and other support software
• Conifer requires its candidates, as applicable and as permitted by law, to obtain and provide confirmation of all required vaccinations and screenings prior to the start of employment. This may include, but is not limited to, the COVID-19 vaccination, influenza vaccination, and/or any future required vaccines and screenings.
• One to three years experience performing inpatient coding in acute care setting required
• High school graduate or equivalent is required
• AHIMA RHIT or RHIA or AAPC CCS approved credential
• Ability to lift 15-20lbs
• Ability to sit and work at a computer for a prolonged period of time.
• Includes ability to walk through hospital-based departments across broad campus settings, including Emergency Department environments if appropriate
• Must be able to travel nationally as needed, not to exceed 10%

Nice To Haves

• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information, Nursing, or other related field preferred.
• Years of coding experience would be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

Responsibilities

• Reviews medical records for the determination of accurate code assignment of all documented diagnoses and procedures in accordance with Official Coding Guidelines.
• Adheres to Standards of Ethical Coding (AHIMA).
• Reviews medical records to determine accurate required abstracting elements (facility/client specific elements) including appropriate discharge disposition.
• Demonstrates consistency in achieving or exceeding 95.5% coding accuracy in the selection of principal and secondary diagnoses ((including DRG, MCC & CC, SOI/ROM)) and procedures.
• Meets and/or exceeds Conifer’s inpatient coding productivity guidelines
• Demonstrates strong skills in creating appropriate and compliant physician retrospective coding queries.
• Stays current with AHA Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines, CMS and other agency directives for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding.
• Completes mandatory coding education as assigned.
• Reviews held accounts daily for resolution in support of coding DNFB performance.
• Communicates barriers to leaders ( physician queries, missing documentation, second level review, DRG reconciliation, etc.) for appropriate follow-up and resolution.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Paid time off (vacation & sick leave) – min of 12 days per year, accrue at a rate of approximately 1.84 hours per 40 hours worked.
• 401k with up to 6% employer match
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
• Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
• Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, AD&D, auto & home insurance.
• For Colorado employees, Conifer offers paid leave in accordance with Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees