Lead Medical Records Technician (Coder)
About the role
The Lead Medical Records Technician (Coder) is responsible for coordinating and performing technical level work in various medical record functions including coding, reimbursement, and medical record systems. The position also involves assisting physicians and other clinicians in proper documentation practices.
Responsibilities
Helps distribute, prioritize, schedule, and facilitate daily coding work assignments to ensure completion of coding and billing deadlines.
Provides complete training and orientation to new medical record personnel concerning coding, documentation requirements, chart assembly, analysis, reimbursement requirements, physician support procedures, and other medical record issues.
Assigns the appropriate ICD-10 codes for all diagnoses and surgical procedures as required and documented by the provider for outpatient visits.
Affirms that diagnoses are sequenced appropriately.
Works with computerized information systems including an electronic health record, encoding software, the Internet, and other software applications.
Assists and educates physicians and other clinicians in proper documentation practices, further specificity, sequencing, or inclusion of diagnoses or procedures to more accurately reflect the acuity, severity, and occurrence of events.
Requirements
Conditions of employment: Selectee may be subject to a probationary period. U.S. Citizenship is required. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Position requires compliance with Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children.
Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications: GS-09: At least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-08 grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector.
Examples of specialized experience include assigning and sequencing ICD-10-CM diagnosis, CPT procedure, and HCPCS codes for outpatient encounters; reviewing provider documentation to ensure coding accuracy, medical necessity, and appropriate E/M code assignment; applying official coding guidelines to support accurate medical record documentation, reimbursement, and third-party billing; identifying, researching, and correcting coding errors, irregularities, or denied/rejected claims; analyzing medical documentation for completeness and communicating coding issues with providers and other staff to obtain clarification or corrections; assisting with coding education or guidance; and supporting timely completion of coding assignments to meet billing, productivity, and compliance requirements.