[Hiring] Inpatient Coding Apprentice @Parkland Health

Role Description

The Primary Purpose of the Coding Apprentice role is to take the coding concepts learned in a Medical Coding or Health Information Management (HIM) program and apply them to coding Parkland medical records per policy and procedures. The Apprentice will receive hands-on coding experience under the direct supervision of a coding manager, educator, and auditor. These experiences will include:

• Utilization of the ICD 10 CM and ICD 10 PCS classification system
• Utilization of the CPT and HCPCS billing system to submit compliant claims following CMS guidance
• Development of research skills as it relates to governmental and state laws regulating coding and billing requirements

The Apprentice will function as a member of the HIM Coding team with the goal to develop their individual skillset.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Medical Coding coursework (ICD and CPT courses) must be completed. Transcript must be submitted for verification

Requirements

• None
• Letter of recommendation from the school/university Medical Coding or HIM Program Director
• Must score 70% or better on the medical terminology assessment
• Must score 70% or better on the basic computer literacy assessment

Skills or Special Abilities

• Moderate MS Office suite, computer skills and exposure to electronic health records, Computer Assisted Coder (CAC) and encoder software
• Knowledge of general medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as normally covered in a medical coding or HIM program
• Desire to gain hands-on experience in pro-fee, outpatient facility and inpatient facility coding
• Experience working with an electronic health record, encoder, and Computer Assisted Coding application
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a team setting as well as independently

Responsibilities

• Apply coding concepts learned in a Medical Coding or HIM program to Parkland medical records in an organized training environment under the mentorship of experienced leaders, educators, and coders
• Review information available in electronic and other available departmental clinical information systems to code the episode of care accurately and completely
• Utilize official and internal coding guidelines established by Parkland where appropriate
• Use online and encoder resources appropriately
• Utilize available grouper software to determine the correct MS-DRG, APR-DRG, and APC where necessary
• Practice the resolution of coding and charging issues captured by edits in the various Epic work queues
• When appropriate, abstract and verify required medical and administrative data
• Make changes to provider selected procedures and diagnosis codes when additional documentation supports the changes
• Engage in quality assurance and self-audit activities
• Participate in periodic assessments
• This position is 100% Virtual. Virtual employees must comply with all Parkland policies and procedures governing the use of Parkland information resources
• Virtual employees must maintain all equipment lent by Parkland for performing the agreed upon job duties in good working condition

Job Accountabilities

• Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction
• Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland
• Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure
• Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices
• Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws, and guidelines that impact the area
• Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans
• Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding