[Hiring] Medical Records Technician (Coder - Outpatient and Inpatient) @Battle Creek VA Medical Center

Role Description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the Battle Creek VA Medical Center. The Medical Records Technician (Coder - Outpatient and Inpatient) is skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers.

• Assigns codes to documented patient care encounters (inpatient and outpatient) covering the full range of health care services provided by the VAMC.
• Applies advanced knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures, and the principles and practices of health services to ensure proper code selection.
• Selects and assigns codes from the current version of several coding systems including ICD, CPT, and/or HCPCS.
• Adheres to accepted coding practices, guidelines, and conventions to ensure ethical, accurate, and complete coding.
• Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information for the full spectrum of services provided by the VAMC.
• Performs a comprehensive review of the patient health record to abstract medical, surgical, ancillary, demographic, social, and administrative data.
• Assists facility staff with documentation requirements to accurately reflect the patient care provided.
• Expertly searches the patient health record to find documentation justifying code assignment.
• Orients and instructs new personnel and/or students on unit operations, coding, abstracting, and use of an electronic health record.
• Works within a team environment; supports peers in meeting goals and deadlines; flexible and handles multiple tasks.

Qualifications

• United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
• Experience: One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and the structure and format of health records.
• Education: An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management.
• Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more.
• Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions must have either Apprentice/Associate Level Certification, Mastery Level Certification, or Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.

Requirements

• Ability to use health information technology and various office software products used in MRT (Coder) positions.
• Ability to navigate through and abstract pertinent information from health records.
• Knowledge of the ICD CM, PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and CPT guidelines.
• Ability to apply knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy/physiology, and disease processes to accurately assign codes.
• Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work to complete duties within required timeframes.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and regular salary increases.
• 37-50 days of annual paid time off per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays).
• Up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
• Childcare subsidy for eligible employees after 60 days of employment.
• Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance options.
• This position is designated as remote, with the option for remote work assessed continuously.