Lead Medical Data Coder

JES Tech•Houston, TX

About The Position

The Lead Medical Data Coder supports the Lifetime Surveillance of Astronaut Health (LSAH) at NASA’s Johnson Space Center as part of the Human Health and Performance Contract 2 (HHPC2). The role enhances astronaut medical records by incorporating records from outside providers into the internal medical record and manages the LSAH medical coding program. It performs health information management and medical coding functions, develops quality assurance procedures, and provides leadership oversight for one additional medical coder and data entry personnel. The position codes diagnoses and procedures so information can be retrieved for occupational surveillance and medical research. It reviews, abstracts, quality-checks, and enters records from paper and electronic sources into the JSC electronic health record and customized database software; coordinates with providers to obtain missing information; audits datasets against source records; and works with software developers to support the custom database. The role also maintains coding certifications, protects patient privacy and data confidentiality, and provides weekly activity reports to the supervisor.

Requirements

Certified Professional Coder (CPC or CPC-A) or Certified Outpatient Coder (COC or COC-A).
Experience using an electronic health or medical record in a clinical setting; billing-only experience does not meet this requirement.
Three to five years of experience performing medical coding of patient medical data and/or medical-records management.
Experience overseeing junior staff.
Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
Demonstrated leadership skills.
Strong command of ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, and CPT coding systems, with the ability to learn SNOMED if not already known.
Ability to interpret a range of medical-record documents efficiently and accurately.
Extensive knowledge of human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and abbreviations, and pharmaceutical names and uses.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of medical and personal information accessed through the role.
Ability to work effectively in a professional environment, independently and with teams that may include physicians, allied health staff, information technology specialists, and management.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, EMR software, and associated programs.
Strong written and interpersonal communication skills.
Highly developed organizational and decision-making skills.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Nice To Haves

Experience coding in multiple specialties.
Experience or familiarity with coding-assistance software.
Demonstrated workflow-management skills and ability to prioritize tasks with minimal oversight.
Familiarity with AI tools and best practices.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily LSAH medical coding operations and ensure coding and data-entry assignments are accurate, efficient, timely, and compliant with established procedures and policies.
Serve as the primary point of contact for LSAH medical coding concerns and coordinate operational, customer, and personnel issues with management as needed.
Oversee medical coder work, support onboarding, delegate daily tasks to one junior medical coder and part-time data-entry personnel, and communicate workload, issues, and accomplishments to team leadership.
Code medical record diagnoses and procedures using ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, and SNOMED-CT for occupational surveillance and medical research purposes.
Plan and administer the LSAH coding function using independent judgment.
Review, abstract, quality-check, and enter medical records from paper and electronic sources and internal and external care providers into the JSC electronic health record and customized database software.
Review records for completeness and work with medical providers to obtain missing data.
Establish and monitor quality-assurance controls, including performance metrics for medical coders and data-entry personnel, and escalate matters requiring additional authorization.
Evaluate coding procedures and recommend quality improvements to LSAH coding processes.
Implement strategies to improve team performance, efficiency, and customer satisfaction, and provide employees with guidance and resources.
Work with software developers to maintain and enhance the custom database, including testing new versions and providing feedback on issues and improvements.
Audit generated datasets compiled from various sources against original source data.
Generate and maintain copies of documents and reports using standard computer software, including Microsoft Office products.
Maintain required certifications through applicable continuing-education modules.
Comply with applicable patient privacy and data-confidentiality requirements, including NASA Privacy regulations, the Privacy Act, and HIPAA.
Provide weekly status reports of work activities to the supervisor.
Perform other tasks as directed.