[Hiring] Supervisory Medical Records Technician @Danville VA Medical Center

Role Description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS) Medical Center. MRTs (Coder) are 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. They analyze and abstract patients' health records and assign alpha-numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure.

• Applies comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures as well as the principles and practices of health services and the organizational structure to ensure proper code selection.
• Selects and assigns codes from the current version of several coding systems to include ICD, CPT, and/or HCPCS.
• Applies codes based on guidelines specific to certain diagnoses, procedures, and other criteria used to classify patients under the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) program.
• Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information for the full spectrum of services provided by the VAMC.
• Timely compliance with coding changes is crucial to the accuracy of the facility database as well as all cost recovery programs.
• Assists facility staff with documentation requirements to completely and accurately reflect the patient care provided.
• Ensures provider documentation is complete and supports the diagnoses and procedures coded.
• Directly consults with the professional staff for clarification of conflicting or ambiguous clinical data.
• Reports incorrect documentation or codes in the electronic patient health record.
• Works within a team environment; supports staff in meeting goals and deadlines; flexible and handles multiple tasks; works under pressure; and copes with frequently changing projects and deadlines.
• Provides daily operational oversight of all coding functions to ensure needs are met by adjusting staffing, investigating workflow issues, answering coder questions, ensuring turnaround times are maintained, developing action plans, and following appropriate escalations.
• Develops performance standards and conducts performance evaluations for subordinate staff.
• Identifies, communicates, and ensures coding staff meet productivity and accuracy standards.
• Interviews new employees, recommends selection, and carries out training and development activities, awards, or disciplinary action.
• Approves leave schedules. Implements provisions of EEO programs to ensure fair and equal treatment for all employees.
• Schedules the sequence of work and operations on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis to assure even workflow and distribution.
• Revises schedules/assignments to meet changes in workload considering peak loads, availability of manpower and time limits.
• Monitors the status and progress of work and day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities.
• Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies.
• Gives on the job training to new coders and students to provide the individual with the basic knowledge, skill and ability to perform the full range of routine and non-routine responsibilities required.
• Reviews coding and assists coders in improving coding accuracy; provides coding guidance to various levels of staff to promote consistency in practice and compliance with coding rules and regulations.
• All other duties as assigned.

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.
• BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
• CERTIFICATION: Applicants at this level must have a mastery level certification. Current mastery level certifications include: Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based (CCS-P), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC).
• 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.
• OR 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.
• OR Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding.
• OR EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE COMBINATION: Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements.

Requirements

• Must have at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level (GS-9).
• Specialized experience includes:
• Responsible for the supervision, administrative management, and direction of coding staff.
• Responsible for program management of a coding section/unit to ensure performance monitors are established and met.
• Perform a full range of supervisory responsibilities, including evaluating the performance of subordinate staff, approving sick and annual leave requests, and resolving employee complaints.
• Serve as an expert coding resource to ensure accuracy and integrity of all coding.
• Collaborate with revenue, compliance, and other departments to support coding accuracy.
• Provide education to clinical and coding staff.
• Assess current audit findings and evaluate impact to coding and documentation practices.

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 per year).
• Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave.
• Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs.
• Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA.
• Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance.
• Telework: Available.
• Virtual/remote opportunities may be available for highly qualified applicants.