[Hiring] Sr. Coder @Ochsner Health

Role Description

This job reviews and accurately codes and abstracts hospital services, in-patient procedures, overnight / multi-night stay services or complex Professional 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. In the inpatient setting, 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. In the professional setting, works closely with Providers and Educators to assign the most accurate ICD/CPT codes. Researches patient accounts based on questions and/or errors, monitors coding rules, regulations and best practices.

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)/American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding program with certification

Requirements

• Required – 3 years of 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)
• Required – Certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
• Preferred – American Association of Professional Coders Specialty Certification

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, CPT, HCPCS and coding principles.
• Excellent decision making, problem solving, analytical and quality management skills.

Job Duties

• Accurately assigns ICD-10, CPT and/or HCPCS codes as applicable and within the established coding guidelines, rules and regulations.
• Types of Coding may include but not limited to, Professional medical coding, Surgical coding and/or reviewing evaluation and management codes and CPT procedure codes for complex clinical visits and/or inpatient professional visits of a complex nature.
• Inpatient coding of Diagnoses and PCS procedures for concurrent accounts and discharged accounts of a non-complex nature.
• Single Path Coding.
• 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.
• Collaborate with assigned areas to identify query opportunities for documentation improvement.
• Communicate with providers if applicable for clarification or request additional documentation as needed.
• 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.

Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

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.