What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Information Coder position at Hospice of Northwest Ohio?
Qualification Requirements
- Possesses coding education or a minimum of 1 year of experience with ICD-10 and CPT coding in a medical records office; health information technology (HIT) degree with credential (RHIT, RHIA) or coding certificate preferred.
- Possesses excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Demonstrates strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills.
- Possesses strong analytical skills.
- Possesses experience working with computers, printers, fax machines, and copiers.
- Has the ability to work independently and within an interdisciplinary team.
- Understands and is committed to the hospice philosophy.
- Analyzes clinical documentation to accurately assign codes for primary and secondary diagnoses and co-morbidities, suggesting modifications as necessary.
- Processes physician authorized diagnosis changes per approved procedure.
- Verifies the CPT codes for physician visit billing in the medical record system.
- Provides insight and guidance to clinical staff in determining accurate diagnosis and evaluation/management visit codes.
- Processes requests for disclosures of patient information including FMLA forms, letters, life and long term care insurance claims, chart copies, etc., facilitating completion of forms by Hospice physicians and ensuring HIPAA-compliant written authorization from the patient/representative.
- Performs weekly audit of closed records for chart completion.
- Generates, distributes and tracks recertification documents for physician completion within the required timeframe.
- Performs monthly financial review to all required information has been entered prior to billing.
- Covers staff absences and assists with other HIM duties as needed, including but not limited to:
- scanning and filing
- chart assembly
- admission reviews
- completion of death certificates
- Maintains the privacy and security of all protected patient health information (PHI), in compliance with federal HIPAA regulations.
- Responsible for learning and utilizing technology made available by the agency to increase efficiency, communication and performance of duties.
- Participates in the agency's Quality Improvement program.
- Attends staff meetings and completes all mandatory training.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
