[Hiring] Medical Records Technician (Coder) @Ralph H Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Role Description

This position is an outpatient medical coder who reviews patient records and assigns correct ICD-10 and CPT/HCPCS codes for surgeries, procedures, and visits. The coder checks that documentation supports the codes, fixes errors, works with clinical staff to clarify missing or unclear information, and ensures audit issues are corrected. They handle complex cases across many specialties and use various computer systems to enter and manage coding data.

THIS IS A REMOTE POSITION

Responsibilities

• Complete and accurate diagnostic and procedural coded data are necessary for research, epidemiology, outcomes and statistical analysis, financial and strategic planning, reimbursement, evaluation of quality of care, and communication to support the patient's treatment.
• Diagnoses and procedures will be coded utilizing the current edition of ICD, CPT, and/or HCPCS.
• Coders will follow current published ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, CPT Guidelines, and other established industry standard coding guidance.
• Applies comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures, and health services principles.
• Reviews assigned codes from the current version of several coding systems.
• Adheres to accepted coding practices, guidelines, and conventions when validating the most appropriate codes.
• Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information.
• Assists facility staff with documentation requirements to accurately reflect patient care provided.
• Expertly searches the patient record to find documentation justifying code assignment.
• Uses a variety of computer applications in day-to-day activities.
• Reviews, analyzes, and reports performance monitors for coding.
• Audits accuracy and completeness of assigned codes for inpatient and outpatient health records.
• Reviews coding and assists coders in improving coding accuracy.
• Facilitates improved overall quality, completeness, and accuracy of coded data.
• Responsible for performing audits of coded data, developing criteria, collecting data, and creating reports.

Work Schedule

Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:30pm. Work hours are subject to change based on agency needs.

Virtual: 100%

Functional Statement

# 60074F

Relocation/Recruitment Incentives

No

Permanent Change of Station (PCS)

Not Authorized

Financial Disclosure Report

Not required

Qualifications

• Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens.
• One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and health records.
• An associate's degree from an accredited college or university with a major in health information technology/management, or related degree with relevant coursework.
• Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program or other intense coding training program.
• Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying.

Requirements

• Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions must have either Apprentice/Associate Level Certification or Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
• For assignments above the journey level, higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, complexity, and be performed at least 25% of the time.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health benefits.
• Retirement plans.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Physical Requirements

Position is sedentary. Duties require extensive use of fingers to perform keyboarding and the ability to hear requests by phone and in person. Vision must be adequate to read and prepare documents.