[Hiring] Inpatient Hospital Coder @Albany Medical Center

Role Description

The Inpatient Hospital Coder applies skills and knowledge of currently mandated coding and classification systems, and official resources to select the appropriate diagnosis and procedural (PCS) codes, and other codes representing healthcare services. This position is responsible for selecting and sequencing the codes such that the organization receives the optimal reimbursement to which the facility is legally entitled, remembering that it is unethical and illegal to increase reimbursement by means that contradict requirements. This position is remote.

• Use a computerized encoding system to facilitate accurate coding.
• Sequence diagnoses and procedures by following the ICD-10-CM, PCS, Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS), Medicare, Medicaid and other fiscal intermediary guidelines.
• Support the reporting of healthcare data elements (e.g. diagnoses and procedure codes, hospital acquired conditions, patient safety indicators) required for external reporting purposes (e.g. reimbursement, value based purchasing initiatives and other administrative uses, population health, quality and patient safety measurement, and research) completely and accurately, in accordance with regulatory and documentation standards and requirements, as well as all applicable official coding conventions, rules, and guidelines.
• Query the provider (physician or other qualified healthcare practitioner) for clarification and/or additional documentation when there is conflicting, incomplete, or ambiguous information in the health record regarding a significant reportable condition or procedure or other reportable data element dependent on health record documentation (e.g. present on admission indicators).
• Advance coding knowledge and practice through continuing education, including but not limited to meeting continuing education requirements.
• Demonstrate behavior that reflects integrity, shows a commitment to ethical and legal coding practices, and fosters trust in professional activities.
• Utilizes official coding rules and guidelines to apply the most accurate coding to represent patient services on the hospital claim.
• Comply with comprehensive internal coding policies and procedures that are consistent with requirements.
• Attend coding meetings and roundtable sessions.
• Participate in daily huddles and LEAN problem-solving activities.
• Focus with no distractions while working and participating in meetings.
• Ensure camera is on while attending Teams calls.
• Assist with organizing the shared drive for the medical coding department.
• Other duties as assigned by manager.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/G.E.D. - required
• Prior experience in hospital medical coding - preferred
• Prior experience with 3M 360 and EPIC system - preferred
• Applicants must receive a score of 80% or above on assessment. Will consider new coders with a higher assessment score. (High proficiency)
• Excellent computer skills, navigating multiple systems at once, troubleshooting. (High proficiency)
• Must be able to work independently as position is fully remote. Maintain a remote coding work area that protects confidential health information. (High proficiency)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (High proficiency)
• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding classification system, depending on the position being hired for. (High proficiency)
• Detail-oriented and efficient while maintaining productivity.
• Coding certification/credential through AHIMA or AAPC and be in good standing - required
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Requirements

• Standing - Occasionally
• Walking - Occasionally
• Sitting - Constantly
• Lifting - Rarely
• Carrying - Rarely
• Pushing - Rarely
• Pulling - Rarely
• Climbing - Rarely
• Balancing - Rarely
• Stooping - Rarely
• Kneeling - Rarely
• Crouching - Rarely
• Crawling - Rarely
• Reaching - Rarely
• Handling - Occasionally
• Grasping - Occasionally
• Feeling - Rarely
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Frequently
• Repetitive Motions - Frequently
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Frequently

Working Conditions

• Extreme cold - Rarely
• Extreme heat - Rarely
• Humidity - Rarely
• Wet - Rarely
• Noise - Occasionally
• Hazards - Rarely
• Temperature Change - Rarely
• Atmospheric Conditions - Rarely
• Vibration - Rarely