[Hiring] Senior Hospital Coder @Ochsner Health

Role Description

This job reviews and accurately codes and abstracts the most complex hospital services, in-patient procedures, overnight / multi-night stay services and all other complex medical services. Utilizes appropriate coding guidelines to assign ICD and CPT codes; conforms to applicable Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payer guidelines to ensure receipt of accurate reimbursement; works in collaboration with the Clinical Documentation Improvement team to ensure accurate DRG assignment and works closely with management to resolve problems and meet deadlines.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Qualifications

• Required - High School diploma or equivalent
• Preferred - Completion of American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) accredited coding program with certification

Requirements

• Required - 3 years coding experience
• Required - Certification as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), OR a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process
• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard
• Knowledge of ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, and coding principles
• Excellent decision making, problem solving, analytical and quality management skills
• Proven ability to code complicated inpatient cases

Job Duties

• Accurately assigns ICD-10 codes within the established coding guidelines, rules and regulations
• Types of Coding may include but not limited to, Coding of Diagnoses and PCS procedures of complex hospital accounts performed in the inpatient setting, including both concurrent coding and coding of discharged accounts
• Ensures the data integrity of coded patient records by reviewing the medical documentation and validating that documentation is sufficient to support the assigned codes
• Acts as a resource by researching patient accounts in response to questions and/or errors
• Consistently complies with established department productivity and accuracy standards
• Collaborates with the CDI nurse to identify query opportunities for documentation improvement and to ensure accurate DRG assignment
• Works in collaboration with team members and other departments to meet departmental monthly goals which may include one or more of the following: DNFB, Pre-AR, Denials and Claim Edits
• Verifies correct discharge disposition based on medical documentation
• Other related duties as required

Physical and Environmental Demands

• Light Work - Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly
• Normal routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluid or tissue and as part of their employment, incumbents are not called upon to perform or assist in emergency care or first aid
• The incumbent has no occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases
• There may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.

Ochsner Health does not consider an individual an applicant until they have formally applied to the open position on this careers website.

Ochsner Health endeavors to make our site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website, or if you need an accommodation to complete the application process, please contact our HR Employee Solution Center at 504-842-4748 (select option 1) or [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.