[Hiring] Coding Specialist II @Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Role Description

The Coding Specialist II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The PB Coding Specialist II performs Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases, volume 10 (ICD10) coding through abstraction of the medical record with a focus on more complex encounters and/or has expertise with HCPCs procedural codes. Has deep understanding of disease process, A&P and pharmacology. Acts as a key collaborator with Providers and Clinical areas to ensure the medical record accurately reflects the patient’s service. This position trains physicians and other staff regarding documentation, billing and coding, and performs various administrative and clerical duties to support the role’s core function. Also demonstrates expertise to resolve Optum coding edits.

Responsibilities

• Utilizes technical coding expertise to review the medical record thoroughly, utilizing all available documentation to abstract and code physician professional services and diagnosis codes.
• Follows Official Guidelines and rules to assign appropriate CPT, ICD10 codes and modifiers with a minimum of 95% accuracy.
• Ensures charges are captured by performing various reconciliations (procedure schedules, OR logs and clinical system reports).
• Provides documentation feedback to physicians.
• Maintains coding reference information.
• Trains physicians and other staff regarding documentation, billing and coding.
• Reviews and communicates new or revised billing and coding guidelines and information.
• Attends meetings and educational roundtables, communicates pertinent information to physicians and staff.
• Resolves pre-accounts receivable edits. Identifies repetitive documentation problems as well as system issues.
• Makes appropriate changes to incorrectly billed services, adds missing unbilled services, provides missing data as appropriate, corrects CPT and ICD9 codes and modifiers.
• Collaborates with Patient Accounting, PB Billing, and other operational areas to provide coding reimbursement expertise.
• Acts as key point person for Revenue Cycle staff and Account Inquiry Unit staff in obtaining documentation.
• Meets established minimum coding productivity and quality standards for each encounter type.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

Competencies / Performance Expectations

• Maintains up-to-date knowledge, understands, and implements coding rule updates.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, management, staff and other customers.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving customer issues.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use personal computers and select software applications.
• Ability to analyze data for decision making purposes.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook and database entry.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt to changes in work environment, delays or unexpected events.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and monitors own work for accuracy.

Qualifications

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
• Zero (0) to two (2) years’ experience in a relevant role.
• 94% accuracy on organization’s coding test.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Associate’s degree in a Health Information Management program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
• Previous experience with physician coding.

Benefits

• Wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being.
• Protection for unexpected life events.