Specialty Coder Senior - Coding

About the role

Selected by CHRISTUS Health Coding Leadership to focus coding skills and expertise on designated Inpatient or Outpatient high dollar or specialty account types. The Specialty Coder is responsible for maintaining current and high-quality ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS and/or CPT coding for Inpatient and/or Outpatient diagnoses and procedural occurrences through review of clinical documentation and diagnostic results, with a consistent coding accuracy rate of 95% or better. The coder accurately abstracts data into all appropriate CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems, verifying accurate patient dispositions and physician data, following the Official ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and AMA CPT Guidelines. Works collaboratively with various CHRISTUS Health departments, including HIM and Clinical Documentation Specialists, to ensure accurate and complete physician documentation to support accurate billing and reduce denials. Assists in other areas of the department as requested by leadership. Reports directly to the Regional Coding Manager, with additional leadership from the Director of Coding Operations and System HIM Director.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders
• Assigns codes for diagnoses, treatments, and procedures according to ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting through review of coding critical documentation to generate appropriate MS/APR DRG
• Abstracts required information from source documentation for entry into appropriate CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems
• Validates admit orders and discharge dispositions
• Works from assigned coding queue, completing and re-assigning accounts correctly
• Manages accounts on ABS Hold, finalizing accounts when corrections have been made in a timely manner
• Meets or exceeds an accuracy rate of 95%
• Meets or exceeds designated CHRISTUS Health Productivity standard per chart type
• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by AHIMA
• Assists in implementing solutions to reduce backend errors
• Identifies and appropriately reports all hospital-acquired conditions (HAC)
• Expertly queries providers for missing or unclear documentation, working with HIM department and Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists
• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work independently in a remote setting with little supervision
• Participates in both internal and external audit discussions
• Performs all other work duties as assigned by the Manager

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Completion of accredited baccalaureate Health Informatics or Health Information Management program, or AHIMA-approved Coding Certificate Program preferred
• 1–3 years of experience preferred
• No licenses, registrations, or certifications required

Schedule

10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, 8-hour shift, Full Time