Coder Complex Podiatry Surgery

Department: Coding Ambulatory | Work Shift: Day | Job Category: Revenue Cycle

About the role

Looking for a motivated, experienced Podiatry Surgery Complex Coder to join our talented team. This fully remote position is available if you live in the following states only: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, FL, GA, IA, ID, IN, KS, KY, LA, MI, MN, MO, MS, NC, NH, ND, NE, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WI, WV & WY.

The hours are flexible; any 8-hour period between 5am – 7pm can work, with production being the greatest emphasis. This is a higher-level position requiring 3 years within the specialty.

Position Summary

This position evaluates medical records, provides clinical and surgical abstraction for a full range of complex and/or multispecialty surgical, procedural, and E&M professional services in accordance with nationally recognized coding guidelines. Utilize coding knowledge and expertise to support department projects, validation edits, and/or revisions.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes medical information from medical records.
• Accurately codes diagnostic and procedural information in accordance with national coding guidelines and appropriate reimbursement requirements.
• Consults with medical providers to clarify missing or inadequate record information and to determine appropriate diagnostic and procedure codes.
• Provides thorough, timely, and accurate coding in accordance with department-specific productivity and quality standards.
• Codes ICD-CM and CPT-4 for accurate APC assignment.
• Addresses National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits as appropriate.
• Reconciliation of charges as required.
• Abstracts clinical diagnoses, procedure codes, and documents other pertinent information obtained from the medical record into the electronic medical records.
• Seeks out missing information and creates complete records, including items such as disease and procedure codes, discharge disposition, date of surgery, attending physician, consulting physicians, surgeons and anesthesiologists, and appropriate signatures/authorizations.
• Refers inconsistent patient treatment information/documentation to coding quality analysts, supervisor, or individual department for clarification/additional information for accurate code assignment.
• Provides quality assurance for medical records, ensuring compliance with coding rules and regulations according to regulatory agencies for state Medicaid plans, Center for Medicare Services (CMS), Office of the Inspector General (OIG), and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), as well as company and applicable professional standards.
• Compiles daily and monthly reports; tabulates data from medical records for research or analysis purposes as assigned.
• Identifies validation edits and revision issues to ensure compliant coding.
• Recognizes and distinguishes complex diagnoses and procedures, with attention to detail to make needed corrections and ensure accurate coding, reimbursement, and compliance.
• Works independently under regular supervision, using specialized knowledge for accurate assignment of ICD/CPT codes according to national guidelines.
• May seek guidance for correct interpretation of coding guidelines and LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations).

Requirements

• High school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge and specialized formal training equivalent to a two-year certification course in medical record keeping principles and practices, anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, standard nomenclature, and classification of diagnoses and operations, or an Associate’s degree in a related health care field.
• Requires at least one of the following certifications in an active status with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC):
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Specialist – Physician (CCS-P)
  • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• Certification may also include a general area of specialty.
• Requires three or more years of complex professional coding experience within the specialty.
• Must demonstrate a level of knowledge and understanding of ICD and CPT coding principles as recommended by the American Health Information Management Association coding competencies.
• Must be able to work effectively and efficiently in a remote setting, utilizing common office programs, coding software, and abstracting systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialty Certification (e.g., Radiology Certified Coder (RCC) if employed in the Imaging space).
• Experience in a large, multi-system physician practice.
• Additional related education and/or experience.
• Podiatry and/or Orthopedic Surgery coding experience is highly preferred.

Pay

Estimated Pay Range: $25.54 - $38.30 / hour. Banner Health is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted compensation range is a reasonable estimate that extends from the lowest to the highest pay Banner Health in good faith believes it might pay for this particular job, based on the circumstances at the time of posting. Actual pay determined at offer will be based on years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location, along with a review of current employees in similar roles to ensure pay equity is achieved and maintained.