[Hiring] Outpatient Coder 1 @Jackson Health

Role Description

HIM Outpatient Coder 1 is responsible for coding and abstracting outpatient medical records, including Emergency Room visits, Clinic visits, and Recurrent visits. The Coder 1 is responsible for reviewing the clinical documentation contained in the patient health record to accurately assign and sequence ICD-9 and CPT codes for use in reimbursement and data collection. Able to transition to ICD-10-CM.

• Codes outpatient diagnostics/outpatient clinics/recurring visits/emergency room visits using ICD-9 or CPT codes as appropriate.
• Maintains a yearly average accuracy rate of 94% during internal and/or external Coding audits.
• Verifies patient information to identify any discrepancies and ensures that all codes and any other abstracted information is applied to the appropriate patient's encounter.
• Serves as a quality reviewer while reviewing the record for coding purposes, identifying any documents not belonging to the patient or the correct patient's encounter.
• Ensures accuracy when using the appropriate modifiers while coding out patients' encounters.
• Assesses documentation and queries the physician for additional information when indicated to clarify a diagnosis, symptom, or any reason for services provided.
• Ensures all codes reflect the care rendered to the patient, ensuring patient safety, accuracy of data retrieval, and provides the organization with accurate reimbursement for the care provided.
• Evaluates to determine that data documented substantiates the diagnosis and treatment and is internally consistent as required by accreditation standards.
• Recognizes and reports unusual circumstances and/or information with possible risk factors to the Coding Assistant Administrator, Coding Associate Administrator, or the Coding Director.
• Meets continuing education requirements established by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and/or American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) to maintain appropriate certification and competency in job skills and knowledge.
• Meets productivity standards according to AHIMA Guidelines depending on outpatient record type (Clinics, ER, Recurrent, Diagnostics).
• Actively involved in all ICD-10 education sessions provided by Jackson Health Systems.
• Shows competency according to education received.
• Participates in educational requirements by JHS, including but not limited to Safety, Infection Control, AIDS Awareness, etc.
• Follows hospital-wide and department-specific standards for safety and infection control.
• Adheres to the Standards of Excellence at all times, respecting the rights, privacy, and property of others, including the confidentiality of information, according to Administrative Policies, HIPAA Guidelines, and all applicable laws and regulations.
• Demonstrates behaviors of service excellence and CARE values (Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Expertise).
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Generally requires 0 to 3 years of related experience.
• High School diploma is required.

Requirements

• Ability to analyze, organize, and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.
• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure.
• Ability to understand and follow instructions.
• Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment.
• Knowledge and skill in use of job-appropriate technology and software applications.

Credentials

• Employee hired AFTER June 2015 must be credentialed with an HIM/Coding Credentials and/or Certification by AHIMA or AAPC.