Senior Outpatient Coder

About the role

At Houston Methodist, the Senior Outpatient Coder position is responsible for ensuring diagnostic and procedure codes are assigned accurately to day surgery and observation encounters based upon documentation within the electronic medical record while maintaining compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines. FLSA Status: Non-exempt.

Qualifications

• Education: Associate’s or higher degree in a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management accredited program, or additional two years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements) in lieu of degree.
• Experience: Three years of relevant outpatient coding experience, or successful completion of the Houston Methodist Senior Outpatient Coder Transition Program.
• Licenses and Certifications (required — must have one):
  • RHIT — Certified Health Information Technician (AHIMA)
  • RHIA — Registered Health Information Administrator (AHIMA)
  • CCS — Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)
  • CCA — Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA)
  • CCS-P — Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (AHIMA)
  • CPC — Certified Professional Coder (AAPC)

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Knowledge of coding classification systems, DRG and APC systems, official coding guidelines, and coding compliance.
• Knowledge of an electronic medical record and imaging systems.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
• Proficiency with electronic encoder application.
• Extensive PC knowledge — must be able to work effectively in common office software, coding software, and abstracting systems.

Essential Functions

People

• Interacts and communicates effectively with members of the coding team and the appropriate stakeholders.
• Participates and provides good feedback during coding section meetings and coding education in-services, and takes initiative to assist others and shares knowledge with the appropriate stakeholders.

Service

• Responds promptly to internal and external customer requests.