Role Description
Reviews, interprets, and abstracts clinical documentation from inpatient and outpatient hospital records to assign accurate diagnosis and procedure codes (ICD10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS).
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Codes complex orthopedic surgical cases across multiple subspecialties including spine, joint replacement, hand surgery, podiatry, and neurology-related musculoskeletal procedures.
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Applies appropriate DRG and/or APC assignment methodologies in compliance with federal and payer-specific regulations.
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Ensures coding accuracy and compliance with ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines, UHDDS definitions, CMS regulations, and other applicable standards.
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Utilizes hospital EMR and coding systems to capture all required clinical and demographic data for accurate billing and reporting.
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Collaborates with physicians and clinical staff to clarify documentation and ensure complete and accurate coding.
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Provides education and feedback to providers and staff regarding documentation improvement opportunities related to orthopedic surgical services.
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Meets or exceeds established productivity and quality benchmarks.
Qualifications
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High school diploma or GED required.
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Associate degree in Health Information Management or related field preferred.
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Must hold at least one of the following credentials: RHIT, CCS, CIC, COC, COSC.
Requirements
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Minimum of 3+ years of facility/hospital coding experience required.
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Demonstrated experience coding inpatient and outpatient hospital cases.
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Strong background in orthopedic surgical coding, including complex musculoskeletal procedures.
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Experience with DRG and/or APC assignment preferred.
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Prior remote coding experience preferred.
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Advanced knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
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Strong understanding of orthopedic anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures.
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Proficiency with hospital coding software and electronic medical record systems.
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Ability to independently manage coding assignments with minimal supervision.
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Excellent attention to detail and commitment to coding accuracy and compliance.
Knowledge
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Comprehensive understanding of coding guidelines, including ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines, UHDDS, CMS regulations, and payer-specific requirements.
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Knowledge of DRG and APC reimbursement methodologies.
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Familiarity with government and commercial insurance policies.
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In-depth knowledge of musculoskeletal disease processes, surgical techniques, and related specialties (neurology, pain management, rehabilitation).
Skills
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Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for complex case review.
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Effective communication skills when interacting with providers and interdisciplinary teams.
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Ability to educate clinical staff on documentation and coding best practices.
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Proficiency in computer systems, coding tools, and data entry.
Abilities
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Ability to maintain strict patient confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA.
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Ability to work independently in a remote or office-based environment.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and productivity standards.
Environmental Working Conditions
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Remote or standard office environment. HIPAA compliant.