With our Agency's mission to support the recovery of people with mental illnesses, we provide a complete array of medical and support services for children, adults, and families throughout South Carolina. 
 
This position is located at the Department of Mental Health, HIS Department, 610 Faison Drive, Columbia, SC 29203.
As the Certified Medical Coder, working under limited supervision, you will code and verify all diagnoses and procedures utilizing the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), and/or the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). Ensures proper coding to obtain optimal Reimbursement for billable claims and statistical reporting. Works primarily at Morris Village and floats, when necessary, to all other Inpatient and Outpatient facilities performing both inpatient and outpatient coding.
Responsibilities for this Certified Medical Coder include but are not limited to:

• Reads and interprets medical record documentation to identify all diagnoses and significant procedures that affect the current inpatient stay; selects appropriateDSM-5 and ICD-10-CM codes and as applicable: 
  • Applies ICD-10-CM Coding Guidelines in coding the admission diagnosis.
  • Applies Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set definitions to select the principal diagnosis, principal procedures, complications and comorbid conditions, other
    diagnoses, and significant procedures that require coding.
  • Applies Long Term Care Coding Guidance in selection of principal admission diagnosis, primary diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, and principal discharge
    diagnosis.
  • Clarifies conflicting, ambiguous, or nonspecific diagnostic information appearing in the medical record by consulting the appropriate physician.
  • Enters diagnostic codes in Avatar system.
• Validates supporting documentation and assigns appropriate codes on the Physician Data Collection form following inpatient/outpatient, ICD-10-CM and EM coding guidelines established by AHIMA, CMS, and the National Center for Health Statistics for both inpatient and outpatient physician services.
• Codes diagnoses for Medicare Part A stays as guided by both Long-Term Care and ICD-10-CM coding guidelines.
• Assists with coding physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology ancillary service billing sheets using ICD-10-CM.
• Trains and orientates newly hired coders and assists with the training and orientation of Licensed Prescribing Providers (LPPs).
• Performs research and presents at the monthly Coding Roundtable meetings in order to keep coders abreast of ever-changing coding rules and regulations.
• Works closely with the HIS Director to identify problem areas and helps develop and implement solutions to ensure compliance with applicable state and federal regulations.
• Assists with developing, implementing, and maintaining coding policies and procedures. Keeps current with ICD and CPT coding changes and federal, state and private billing regulations and acceptable practices i.e. Medicare, Medicaid, Managed Care, etc.

State Minimum Requirements: A high school diploma and relevant program experience.
Agency (Facility) Minimum Requirements: Graduate of a Health Information Management program with one (1) year coding experience and possessing one (1) or more of the following credentials: RHIA, RHIT, CCA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, or CPC-H.
Note: If any Agency Requirements are listed above, applicants must also meet those requirements to be considered for the positionThe selected candidate must have and maintain AHIMA's certification requirements. Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies and procedures relevant to coding. Working knowledge of compliance guidelines, reimbursement and Medicare/Medicaid methodologies (DRG and RUGs), skilled in time management and diplomacy and possessing excellent computer skills to include database management and software proficiency. The selected candidate must have the physical ability to access patient care areas on all Inpatient Services campuses and work-related locations. Ability to walk, stand, reach, pull, push, bend, stoop, and lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds. Position involves a great deal of deal of sitting throughout the day along with the ability to periodically travel to units through-out the campus and to other facilities to code records.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity Agency. We provide affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex – including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
 
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Supplemental questions are considered part of your official application. Any misrepresentation will result in your disqualification from employment. Please complete the state application to include all current and previous work history and education. Please account for any and all gaps of employment in your application. A resume will not be accepted in lieu of application completion nor reviewed to determine if an applicant has met the qualifications for the position.
 
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health offers an exceptional benefits package for FTE positions that includes:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance for Employee, Spouse, and Children
• 15 days annual (vacation) leave accrual per year
• 15 days sick leave per year
• 13 paid holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• State Retirement Plan and Deferred Compensation Programs