Inpatient Coder 4 Certified / Him Coding

Description

Work where every moment matters. 
Every day, over 30,000 Hartford HealthCare colleagues come to work with one thing in common: Pride in what we do, knowing every moment matters here. We invite you to become part of Connecticut’s most comprehensive healthcare network. 
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.
With the creation of our new umbrella organization we now have our own identity with a unique payroll, benefits, performance management system, service recognition programs and other common practices across the system.

Position Summary:

Leads Inpatient coding team as assigned and backs up manager in their absence. Trains and mentors new and existing coders.

Reviews and investigates issues sent to IP Coding team and collaboration with coders and other departments to resolve.

Codes all types of Inpatients accounts to assist with backlog as necessary by reviewing inpatient clinical documentation to determine the appropriate assignment of alpha numeric diagnosis/procedure codes and Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) - data is classified for internal and external statistical reporting, research, regulatory compliance and reimbursement.

Position Responsibilities:
Key Areas of Responsibility

Coding

1.      Applies extensive 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 all types of IP accounts.

2.      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 to included Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) and/or encoder, coding manuals and other reference material.

3.      Reviews DRG assigned to each record. Enters coded/abstracted information into software, analyzes DRG groupings, and observes for appropriate DRG assignment.

4.      Codes all types of cases including the most complex.

5.      Adheres to all department coding procedures, policies, guidelines and quality standards.

6.      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.

7.      Meets revenue cycle goals (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Productivity Standards).

Issue Resolution

1.      Manages the coding and IP edit work queues.

2.      Works with coders and other department to resolve.

3.      Reviews and investigate other issues related to IP coding and communicates with IP coder and other departments to resolve.

4.      Completes combined accounts.

5.      Completes reviews of denials and combined accounts.

Communication

1.      Collaborates with coders to resolve issues and provide guidance.

2.      Collaborates with clinical documentation specialists (CDS) to determine appropriate DRG assignment for compliance and reimbursement purposes.

3.      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.

Training/Leadership/Other

1.      Leads coding teams as assigned.

2.      Backs up manager in absence.

3.      Trains and mentors new coders to become acclimated to new environment, and understanding internal coding policies and procedures.

4.      Trains and mentors coders who want to progress to more specialize coding of the more complicated types of accounts.

5.      Advances the team by influencing desired H3W Leadership Behaviors

6.      Advances the team by influencing positive team behaviors; encourages collaboration and communication within the team and across work groups.

7.      Completes additional assignments and special projects as assigned by Manager.

Working Relationship:

This position reports to Inpatient Coding Manager.

Qualifications

Education

·        Associate’s Degree or equivalent experience

Experience

·        Four years or more of progressive on-the-job experience in an acute care hospital setting

Licensure, Certification, Registration

·        Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) required and maintained thereafter.

Language Skills

·        Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Knowledge, Skills and Ability Requirements

Extensive knowledge of:

·        ICD‑10-CM diagnostic and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes

·        UHDDS

·        Various DRG methodologies (MS-DRG, APR-DRG, Tricare, etc.)

·        IP Rehabilitation IRF-PAI coding requirement

·        Clinical information related to areas of responsibility

·        Microsoft Office Products; Word, Excel

·        Encoder and/or CAC

Skills:

·        Read, write and speak English proficiently.

·        Strong analytical capabilities.

·        Excellent organizational skills.

·        Project management skills

·        Proficiently read and interpret physician writing.

Strong ability to:

·        Function independently.

·        Handle multiple priorities.

·        Deliver results individually and through a team.

·        Delegate tasks effectively to others.

·        Create a positive learning environment.

·        Motivate, mentor and coach team members.

·        Listen and acknowledge ideas and expressions of others attentively.

·        Converses clearly using appropriate verbal and body language.

·        Collaborate with others to achieve a common goal through mutual cooperation.

·        Influence others for positive and productive outcomes.

·        Work across the Hartford HealthCare System.

·        Utilize coding subject matter expertise to support Levels 1-3 coders and other projects

We take great care of careers.

With locations around the state, Hartford HealthCare offers exciting opportunities for career development and growth. Here, you are part of an organization on the cutting edge – helping to bring new technologies, breakthrough treatments and community education to countless men, women and children. We know that a thriving organization starts with thriving employees-- we provide a competitive benefits program designed to ensure work/life balance. Every moment matters. And this is your moment.