Coding Specialist I Emergency Medicine

About the role

The Coding Specialist I is an entry level ED professional fee coder with less than 24 months of ED professional coding experience. The role requires critical thinking skills in evaluating medical necessity in regulatory policies, utilizing coding tools and resources, and maintaining appropriate certification.

Responsibilities

• Examines medical records to determine the proper ICD (diagnosis) and CPT (procedure codes) to be assigned
• Utilizes coding tools & resources to verify the correctness of CPT and ICD codes assigned
• Abstracts data including providers, injury info, quality measures, and others as needed
• Maintains knowledge of current trends and practices in coding principles and government regulations through reading materials and/or attendance at educational meetings or seminars
• Maintains appropriate certification
• Communicates with coworkers and physicians to resolve and clarify questions and documentation discrepancies
• Communicates risk management concerns to appropriate parties
• Completes priority accounts (Holds) daily
• Refers complex issues to designated work queues
• Participates in coder specific training and education based on audit metrics and trends
• Review and analyze content of medical record to accurately assign ICD diagnosis and procedure codes; CPT procedure codes and modifiers according to national coding guidelines, USACS policies and SOPs
• Answer coding and abstracting questions from coding leadership, compliance, clinicians, etc.
• Accurately identify and enter core abstracting elements such as physician and APP attributions
• Identify documentation trends and topics for education/feedback to physicians and APPs
• Keep current with coding and industry changes through participation in educational opportunities
• Thorough understanding of updates from intermediaries, carriers, government agencies, third party payers to ensure proper documentation, coding and compliance
• Thorough knowledge of coding guidelines, medical terminology, and anatomy/physiology, reimbursement schemes, payor specific guidelines
• Assists with special projects as needed and performs related duties as assigned

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent
• One or more of the following credentials REQUIRED within 12 months of employment - Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P)
• Must have completed or be close to completing a Coding Program and be eligible to sit for one of the credentials as listed

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience using ICD and CPT coding
• Knowledge of payor guidelines
• Knowledge of and skill in using personal computers in a Windows environment with an emphasis on basic word processing and data entry
• Ability to work independently and make decisions
• Ability to pay close attention to detail
• Ability to identify research and solve problems and discrepancies
• Ability to communicate with employees, management and physicians in a courteous and professional manner
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to process assigned duties in an organized manner

Skills

• Knowledge of and experience using ICD and CPT coding
• Knowledge of payor guidelines
• Knowledge of and skill in using personal computers in a Windows environment with an emphasis on basic word processing and data entry

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) employee and employer contributions
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid parental leave & family support benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
• Employee assistance programs & wellness resources