HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT CODER ($23.00-$29.08)

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT CODER ($23.00-$29.08)

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS : This position exists in the County hospital and supports its associated clinics, Residential Health Care Facility, Hospice and Home Health Care and involves the responsibility to review clinical documentation and diagnostic results as appropriate in order to extract data and apply appropriate current International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Health Care Financing Administration Common Procedures Coding System (HCPCS) codes for billing, internal and external reporting, research, and regulatory compliance. The incumbent has the responsibility to code conditions and procedures as documented using the appropriate classification system Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, resolve error reports associated with the billing process, communicate any identified error patterns, and assist in the design and implementation of workflow changes to reduce coding and billing errors. Work is performed under the general direction of the Health Information Management Director. The incumbent does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES :

• Assigns codes for diagnoses, treatments, and procedures according to the appropriate classification system utilizing technical coding principles and reimbursement expertise by encounter type;

• Sequences all diagnoses and procedures as appropriate;

• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to the Official Coding Guidelines;

• Extracts required information from source documentation and enters into the encoder and/or abstracting system;

• Identifies non-payment conditions and when required, reports through established procedures;

• Reviews appropriate provider documentation to determine principal diagnosis, co-morbidities and complications, secondary conditions and surgical procedures and clarifies ambiguous documentations with providers;

• Reviews documentation to verify it is filed and or scanned on the appropriate account;

• Prioritizes older and higher dollar accounts;

• Reviews documentation to verify, and when necessary, correct the patient disposition on discharge;

• Appeals insurance denials as appropriate;

• Reports to state registries as appropriate;

• Answers telephone in coding area;

• Runs reports for daily work list;

• Sorts and delivers electronic mail as needed;

• Assists other coders in completing coding functions as needed;

• Adheres to policies and procedures to contribute to the efficiency of coding;

• Participates in performance improvement activities as directed;

• Maintains a neat and orderly work station.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS :

• Good knowledge of medical terminology;

• Good knowledge of official coding guidelines;

• Good knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and laboratory values;

• Working knowledge of the current HCPCS, CPS, and ICD codes;

• Working knowledge of account type(s);

• Ability to understand and code medical records;

• Ability to operate and effectively use a computer, multiple software applications, and other office equipment;

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing;

• Ability to understand and apply relevant legal concepts regarding confidentiality and compliance;

• Ability to work under pressure with time constraints;

• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS : Either:

(A) Graduation from a regionally accredited or New York State registered two year college with an associate's degree or higher in Health Information Technology or structured Medical Records Coding program with at least 30 college credits in medical terminology and ICD medical records coding; or

(B) Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and two years of full-time paid experience in the preparation and maintenance of medical records and statistics in a healthcare setting which involved coding and indexing of medical disease and surgical procedures; filing and maintenance of health facility medical records; analysis and evaluation of medical records; and electronic health facility medical records use; or

(C) Graduation from high school or possession of an equivalency diploma and certified through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Lewis County Health System offers a highly competitive compensation and generous benefits package including NYS Retirement. Applicants may forward resume to: Human Resources, Lewis County General Hospital, 7785 N. State St., Lowville, NY 13367 or Email: hr@lcgh.net . LCHS is an equal opportunity provider and employer.