Outpatient Coder - Coding

Description Summary

Responsible for maintaining current and high-quality ICD-10-CM and CPT coding for all Outpatient diagnoses and procedural occurrences, through the review of clinical documentation and diagnostic results, with a consistent coding accuracy rate of 95% or better. The coder will accurately abstract data into any and all appropriate CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems, verifying accurate patient dispositions and physician data, following the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and CPT Guidelines. Outpatient coding is applicable towards clinical, provider office visits, therapeutic, laboratory, recurring, emergency department, outpatient observation, and ambulatory surgery patient encounters. Coder will work collaboratively with various CHRISTUS Health departments (Admitting, Charging, Patient Financial Services, HIM, etc.) to resolve charging issues, denials, and physician documentation clarifications, to ensure accurate billing and reduce denials. Coder will also assist in other areas of the department as requested by leadership.

Responsibilities

• Maintains high-quality ICD-10-CM and CPT coding for all Outpatient diagnoses and procedural occurrences.
• Reviews coding critical documentation to assign correct codes.
• Extracts and abstracts required information from source documentation, entering it into the appropriate CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record system.
• Completes and re-assigns accounts in the assigned coding queue, managing accounts on ABS Hold and finalizing them when necessary.
• Maintains an accuracy rate of 95% or better.
• Maintains productivity standards per chart type.
• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Works with the HIM department and Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists to query providers for missing or unclear documentation.
• Participates in internal and external audit discussions.
• Communicates effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Works independently in a remote setting, with minimal supervision.

Requirements

• High school Diploma or equivalent years of experience required.
• Completion of Accredited Baccalaureate Health Informatics or Health Information Management or an AHIMA approved Coding Certificate Program, preferred.
• Two (2) years of Outpatient coding in an acute care setting preferred.