[Hiring] Coding Specialist III @UT Southwestern Medical Center

Role Description

The Coding Specialist III is responsible for reviewing and coding inpatient and outpatient University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) medical records. The UTSW medical records are maintained in electronic format and will be coded according to current coding guidelines, and in compliance with organizational, departmental, and regulatory requirements. The Coding Specialist III is identified as the highest level coding subject matter expert due to education, training, and experience and as such will receive coding assignments in accordance with that level of expertise. Additionally, the Coding Specialist III may be asked to mentor and proctor employees at the Coding Specialist I and II levels.

Qualifications

• 3 to 5 years acute hospital-based coding experience.
• Experience working in a remote environment required for PRN Coders.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Associate's Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field or Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field (preferred).
• Experience working in a remote environment preferred.

Requirements

• (RHIA) Registered Health Information Administrator - Upon Hire
• (RHIT) Registered Health Information Technician - Upon Hire
• (CCS) Certified Coding Specialist - Upon Hire

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer

Job Duties

• Responsible for coding concurrent or retrospective inpatient accounts using ICD-10 CM/PCS, in compliance with the Official Coding Guidelines and conventions.
• Accurately identifies most appropriate Admit Diagnosis, Principal Diagnosis, and Procedure for the DRG, and all secondary diagnoses to accurately reflect all CC/MCC's, POA status, and Severity of Illness and Risk of Mortality.
• Accurately abstracts required data elements including discharge disposition, discharge destination, procedure dates and physician(s), and other designated data.
• Identifies when a physician query is appropriate for further clarification.
• Recognizes when the documentation is missing or incomplete and routes appropriately.
• Completes review and final coding when query and/or documentation is available.
• Maintain the Quality Standards set by UTSW/HIM Coding.
• Maintain the Productivity Standards set by UTSW/HIM Coding.
• Mentor/train on designated coding service lines as requested to ensure quality.
• Maintains an expert level of knowledge of coding related guidelines and practices.
• Other duties as assigned.