Outpatient Acute Care Coder

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Good health care is key to a good life. At Banner Health, we understand that, and that's why we work hard every day to make a difference in people's lives. We've united under a common goal: Make health care easier, so life can be better. It's a lofty goal, but it's one we're committed to seeing through. Do you like the idea of making a positive change in people's lives - and your own? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. Apply now.

Are you a superstar facility coder looking for the opportunity to code a wide variety of accounts? Consider joining our Acute Care Coding team at Banner Health. You will have the remarkable opportunity to work remotely and still be part of an engaged team who works hard every day to make healthcare easier, so life can be better for the patients we care for at more than 25 facilities across multiple states. In addition, our leadership and education teams are committed to providing the collaborative and supportive environment you need to accomplish your career aspirations. If it sounds like you might be the right fit for our amazing team of professionals, why wait? Apply today!

Candidate must have the ability to code IP records for the classification of all diseases, injuries, procedures and operations using the ICD-10-CM/PCS coding system. Must have a working knowledge of MS DRGs and APR DRGs including impact of MCC, CC, SOI and ROM. Requires strong, professional communication skills. Must be able to collaborate with CDI team for optimization of reported diagnoses and procedures. Working knowledge of PSI, HAC and other regulatory indicators. Ability to create a succinct, compliant provider query. Prefer remote experience and basic technology understanding. Demonstrate initiative and good judgment in the performance of job responsibilities.

Within Banner Health Corporate, you will have the opportunity to apply your unique experience and expertise in support of a nationally-recognized healthcare leader. We offer stimulating and rewarding careers in a wide array of disciplines. Whether your background is in Human Resources, Finance, Information Technology, Legal, Managed Care Programs or Public Relations, you'll find many options for contributing to our award-winning patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY
Provides coding and abstracting services for the full range of hospital services and/or complex specialty practice areas. Reviews diagnosis and diagnostic information and codes and abstracts diagnoses and/or surgical procedures on all inpatient, outpatient and emergency room records using ICD CM and CPT 4 coding classification systems. Completes DRG and APC assignments on inpatient or outpatient record as appropriate. Ensures ethical and accurate coding in accordance with all regulatory requirements and AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Analyzes medical information from medical records. Accurately codes diagnostic and procedural information in accordance with national coding guidelines and appropriate reimbursement requirements. Consults with medical providers to clarify missing or inadequate record information and to determine appropriate diagnostic and procedure codes. Provides thorough, timely and accurate assignments of ICD and/or CPT4 codes, MS-DRGs, APCs, POAs and reconciliation of charges.

2. Abstracts clinical diagnoses, procedure codes and documents other pertinent information obtained from the medical record into the electronic medical records. Seeks out missing information and creates complete records, including items such as disease and procedure codes, point of origin code, discharge disposition, date of surgery, attending physician, consulting physicians, surgeons and anesthesiologists, and appropriate signatures/authorizations. Refers inconsistent patient treatment information or documentation to coding quality analysis, supervisor or individual department for clarification/additional information for accurate code assignment.

3. Provides quality assurance for medical records. For all assigned records and/or areas assures compliance with coding rules and regulations according to regulatory agencies for state Medicaid plans, Center for Medicare Services (CMS), Office of the Inspector General (OIG) and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA), as well as company and applicable professional standards.

4. As assigned, compiles daily and monthly reports; tabulates data from medical records for research or analysis purposes.

5. Acts as a knowledge resource to clinical staff in billing code matters. May provide leadership and training for less experienced staff members.

6. Works under general supervision using specialized expertise in the subject matter. Works within a set of defined rules. Refers complex matters to supervisor, lead, or Coding Quality Analyst for interpretation of coding guidelines and LCDs (Local Coverage Determinations) for accurate assignment of codes according to guidelines.



MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge and specialized formal training in medical record keeping principles and practices, anatomy, physiology, pathology, medical terminology, standard nomenclature, and classification of diagnoses and operations, or an Associate's degree in a health care field.

Requires Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician (CCS-P) or Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) in an active status with the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Must demonstrate a level of knowledge and understanding of ICD and/or CPT coding principles as recommended by the American Health Information Management Association coding competencies, and as normally demonstrated by certification by the American Academy of Professional Coders. Requires three or more years of experience providing coding services for a broad range of hospital and acute care facilities. . Must be able to achieve an acceptable accuracy rate on the coding test administered by the hiring facility according to pre-established company standards.

Must be able to work effectively with common office software and coding software and abstracting systems.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.