Medical Coder

Job Overview: This position reviews and analyzes health records to identify relevant diagnoses and procedures for health services provided to patients at the Montana State Hospital.  The purpose of this position is to apply the appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes to individual patient health information for data retrieval, analysis, and claims processing.  This position reports to the Health Information Director and does not supervise.

Experience, training, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other qualifications must be entered into the online application.  Additional materials submitted, but not requested, will not be considered.  Applications missing required items will not be considered.

Montana State Hospital LinkedIn

Montana State Hospital Website

 Work for the state you Love to Live in.  Your paycheck is just part of a total compensation package.  Eligible employees have access to competitive, innovative benefits packages at an affordable cost.  All beginning on your first day of employment.  Highlights of our innovative benefit package include:

• Access to No Cost health centers
• Low-cost Medical, Dental and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer
• 15 Vacation days each year
• 12 Sick days each year
• 10 Paid Holidays each year
• Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness program*
• Student Loan Repayment program*
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Programs
• One free meal per shift
• Shift differential*

*Subject to eligibility rules

Major Duties or Responsibilities:

1. Medical Coding                                                                                                                                                               85%

• Translates healthcare provider's initial diagnostic and procedural orders into coded form using the patient's admission psychiatric evaluation and admission history and physical.
• Abstracts and analyzes pertinent information from medical records and consults reference materials in order to accurately assign diagnostic and procedural medical codes for patient services.  Applies patient coding guidelines appropriately.
• Records diagnosis and assigned codes into database and the electronic health record diagnostic sheet.  Routes diagnostic sheet to patient ward and the reimbursement bureau.
• Identifies discrepancies between coded data and supporting documentation.  Clarifies documentation through proper physician query. 
• Updates diagnoses and services provided to patients while in the facility by examining medical orders, reports, evaluations, summaries, and other documents from physicians.  Determines code for information received and inputs data into various databases.
• Maintains current knowledge of continual updates made to International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes and guidelines, compliance rules, and government regulations. 
• Educates providers and other applicable staff on updates to coding changes as required.
• Verifies physician medical consultation, dental, EKG, X-ray, and laboratory billing sheets and routes copies to the reimbursement bureau.
• Gathers and sends documentation to the reimbursement bureau upon request to verify services reported are accounted for in the patient records.
• Provides coded analysis upon patient discharge, reviews patient chart for completion, and routes notices for incomplete records to appropriate staff member.
• Assists with audits relative to patient data to verify services reported are accounted for in patient records, and appropriate services are being reported for billing.  
• Monitors and provides reporting on the timeliness of physician admission reports by reviewing reports, documentation, and various databases.

1. Other Health Information Duties                                                                                                                                   10%

• Files and updates medical records as needed.
• Retrieves records eligible for archival and scans them into electronic document format.
• Provides back-up for other staff as needed.

1. Other Duties as Assigned                                                                                                                                               5%

• Assists with tasks and assignments provided by senior and executive leadership.
• Participates in team activities as directed.
• Provides input and feedback to Hospital Administrator / Chief Operations Officer as directed.
• Performs other duties as directed.

Physical and Environmental Demands: Work will be performed in a typical office environment with keyboarding responsibilities.  The individual in this position may find it necessary to enter any of the clinical units in the hospital to retrieve charts. 

Telework:  This position is not eligible for telework arrangements.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (Behaviors):

Required for the first day of work:

• Knowledge of ICD-10, DSM-5, and CPT coding and classification systems.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
• Knowledge of HIPAA, state and federal regulations, health care standards, and hospital policy regarding Protected Health Information privacy and confidentiality practices.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Accurate and precise attention to detail.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently.
• Ability to locate data in and abstract information from medical records.
• Ability to apply, adapt, and interpret guidelines from established rules, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work collaboratively and professionally with supervisor and colleagues to establish and maintain effective work relationships. 
• Ability to operate a personal computer and general office equipment as necessary including using spreadsheets, word processing, scanning, data base, email, internet, and other computer software programs.

*Skills-based Test Instructions:

- Visit eskill.com

- Click on Assessment Taker Login

- Enter applicable test code (below) in the field

For the Data Entry test use code 1718555fd259a800

For the Medical Coding test use code 91c484bc51dd0647

**Results of both tests must be uploaded with your application material.  Applications with missing test results, or scores below the minimum requirement as stated above will not be considered**

**NOTE- The Medical Coding test is not timed and may be taken open book**

Candidates will be evaluated to determine if they meet the minimum qualifications listed above and on the extent to which the application materials show the candidate possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with this position.  The selection process may consist of review of application materials (application, resume, cover letter...), physical assessment, job skill test, interview(s), background check and reference checks.  Candidates whose application and supporting documentation (cover letter, resume) do not clearly indicate all minimum qualifications are met will not be considered.

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience):

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Two years of job-related college or technical school in medical coding, health information technology, or closely related field.
• Two years of experience working in a healthcare setting with medical records, medical terminology, data entry, or a related field.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) status preferred.
• Ability to complete data entry with a minimum of 25 wpm (net) with 80% accuracy.*
• Ability to complete Medical Coding test with minimum score of 80%.*