Outpatient Medical Coder

Description of Work and Qualifications

OUTPATIENT MEDICAL CODER

LACKLAND AFB, TEXAS

San Antonio, Texas

ABOUT US:

Laredo Technical Services, Inc. provides staffing services to federal Government agencies all over the world.   LTSI connects the right people to the right opportunity.  With our experience in placing our Team Members throughout the United States and overseas, we excel at providing experienced, professional personnel for a wide range of Professional and Office Administration as well as Medical services. Our goal is to provide the highest quality of professionals in the industry.

LTSI’s culture delivers a strong work ethic while going above and beyond with a sense of urgency. We are the employee-driven company.  We strive for excellence every day, which is what sets us apart from all the other government contractors. Our strong work ethic, sense of urgency and commitment to going above and beyond for our clients is what we value most!  

As a Certified Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) that provides a broad range of administrative, project management, and medical staffing support services, we are also honored to be a Member of the Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP), and we encourage military spouses to apply for any of our positions for which they feel they are qualified.

JOB TITLE:  Outpatient Medical Coder

GOVERNMENT AGENCY & LOCATION:     

Wilford Hall Medical Center

59th Medical Wing

2200 Bergquist Drive, Ste. 1

Lackland AFB, Texas 78236-9908

San Antonio, Texas 

POSITION INFORMATION:  This will be a full-time hybrid position with normal hours of operation from 7:30 A.M. – 4:30 P.M. Monday through Friday, excluding Federal Holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Accurately assigns diagnosis, procedure, and supply codes for the professional and institutional (facility) components of Outpatient encounters IAW DHA and AFMS MCPO completeness, productivity, and timeliness standards. Also, provides or contributes to periodic reports IAW DHA and AFMS MCPO instructions and timelines
• Adheres to accepted coding practices, guidelines, and conventions when choosing the most appropriate diagnosis, operation, procedure, ancillary, or Evaluation and Management code to ensure ethical, accurate, and complete coding
• Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information for the full spectrum of services provided
• Maintains technical currency through continuing education and training opportunities
• Reviews encounter and/or record documentation to identify inconsistencies, ambiguities, or discrepancies that may cause inaccurate coding, medico-legal repercussions or impacts quality patient care. Identifies any problems with legibility, abbreviations, etc., and brings to the provider’s attention.  May perform assessments and examine records for proper sequence of documents, presence of authorized signatures, and sufficient data is documented that supports diagnosis, treatment administered, and results obtained. Develops and submits a written (electronic or hard copy) query IAW DHA or AFMS MCPO guidelines to the provider to request clarification of provider documentation that is conflicting, ambiguous, or incomplete in regards to any significant reportable condition or procedure. Monitors query submission, response times, and completion. Educates and provides feedback to providers and clinical staff to resolve documentation issues to support coding compliance. Assigns accurate codes to encounters based upon provider responses to queries and reports queries and responses IAW DHA or AFMS MCPO guidance
• Acts as a source of reference to medical staff having questions, issues, or concerns related to coding. Responds to provider questions and provides examples of appropriate coding and documentation reference(s) to provide clarity and understanding. Based on contacts from the medical staff identifies training opportunities and works with coding training personnel to focus on consistency and clarity of coding advice provided. Collaborates with Medical Coding Trainers in developing, delivering, and monitoring initial and annual coding training to providers and clinical staff by providing guidance to professional and technical staff in documentation requirements for coding
• Supports DHA and AFMS coding compliance by performing due diligence in ethically and appropriately researching and/or interpreting existing guidance, including seeking clarification from the Lead Medical Coder, supervisor, or Service coding representatives. May perform focused audits of specific MTFs, medical specialties, clinics, coders, or providers as directed and IAW DHA and/or AFMS audit procedures. Performs administrative related tasks associated with medical records final reviews/audits and contacting various departments, services, or medical staff to obtain data needed to complete the records. Complies with DHA and/or AFMS coding compliance requirements regarding training and reporting of potential violations. May assist with MTF initial and annual coding compliance training and tracking MTF coding compliance training
• The entry and transmittal of patient and coding data through different Government computer systems will sometimes be flagged for errors (known as “write-back errors”). Write-back errors are corrected by the MTF staff or coders and tracked through corrective action. Write-back errors generated by a patient administration error (for example, incorrect or missing demographic information) is corrected by the MTF Patient Administration section. The medical coder may be used to correct all write-back errors caused by coding errors
• Upon DHA or AFMS MCPO direction, utilizes MHS computer systems to remotely access patient records and assign codes for patient encounters in support of other MTFs
• Perform, limited focused audits of MTFs, specialties, clinics, or providers conducted, or Quality Assurance (QA) or peer reviews, IAW DHA requirements. If DHA requirements are not available at the time of award of this contract, all focused audits, QA, or peer reviews will be conducted IAW AFMS MCPO instructions
• Coding validation notifications (a.k.a. “CAPER” validations) are reports of certain diagnosis codes which may need further investigation and provider clarification. These areas may include smallpox, anthrax, abortions, flu, hepatitis, TB and others as designated as a Congressional, DHA, or AFMS MCPO reporting requirement. The coder will review coding validation notifications from the AFMS MCPO and ensure that identified codes are correct, making corrections when necessary. Encounters should be corrected within three business days and providers receive training on the consequences of the use of the codes assigned
• Provides or contributes to periodic reports IAW DHA and AFMS MCPO instructions and timelines
• May provide limited assistance as necessary to the MTF Data Quality, Group Practice Managers, or other MTF business functions in compiling, analyzing, and reporting MTF coding data for performance purposes

QUALIFICATIONS:

• MSS personnel in this position are required to possess a current coding certification in good standing from EACH of the following categories:
  • Professional Services Coding Certifications: The following are recognized professional certifications: Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician (CCS-P)
  • Evaluation and Management (E&M) Auditor Certification: National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS)
  • Certified Evaluation and Management Auditor (CEMA)
  • Coding Test - employees must achieve a minimum 70% passing score and the candidate’s score must be reported in the qualification documents by the Contractor. An incumbent employee who has previously passed a test approved by the AFMS MCPO may be exempted from this requirement
  • Minimum of three (3) years of medical coding and/or auditing experience in two (2) or more medical, surgical, and ancillary specialties within the past 10 years
  • Minimum of one (1) year of performance in the specialty is required
  • Practical knowledge of the International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM); Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS); and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT)
  • Practical knowledge of reimbursement systems, including, but not limited to, Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APCs); and Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS)
  • Practical knowledge and understanding of industry nomenclature; medical and procedural terminology; anatomy and physiology; pharmacology; and disease processes
  • Practical knowledge of medical specialties; medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures; ancillary services (includes, but is not limited to, Laboratory, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Radiology); and revenue cycle management

Education      

• An Associate’s degree or higher in Health Information Management OR
• A university certificate in medical coding OR
• At least 30 semester hours’ university/college credit that includes relevant coursework such as anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, health information management, and/or pharmacology OR
• Successful completion of an American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) coding certification preparation course for professional services or facility coding that includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, health information management concepts, and pharmacology. Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) count for either a professional services coding certification or institutional coding certification.

Experience

• Possess a minimum of three (3) years of medical coding and/or auditing experience in two (2) or more medical, surgical and ancillary specialties within the past 10 years. A minimum of one (1) year of performance in the specialty is required to be qualifying

Certification

• Professional Services Coding Certifications: The following are recognized professional certifications: Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist – Physician (CCS-P).  Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) =  coding certification. 
• Evaluation and Management (E&M) Auditor Certification: National Alliance of Medical Auditing Specialists (NAMAS) Certified Evaluation and Management Auditor (CEMA).
• Test - Must achieve a minimum 70% passing score and the candidate’s score must be reported in the qualification documents by the Contractor.  An incumbent employee who has previously passed a test approved by the AFMS MCPO may be exempted from this requirement.

POSITION TIMING:  Immediate start upon clearance of background and security checks

BENEFITS:  Health, Dental and Vision, 401(k), Vacation, Sick Leave, and 11 Paid Federal Holidays including:

• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Presidents Birthday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Day

This is an overview of the position.  For a complete Job Description, please send a request to dana@laredotechnical.com.

Laredo Technical Services, Inc. (LTSi) provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable federal laws.  LTSi also complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location its employees are working.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.  LTSi is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Position Information:

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
The candidate must have...

• Excellent computer/communication skills for provider and staff interactions.
• Knowledge of anatomy/physiology and disease process, medical terminology, coding guidelines (outpatient), documentation requirements, familiarity with medications and reimbursement guidelines; and encoder experience.
• Handle multiple projects and appropriately prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.
• Pass a security background check in order to receive base access and access to US Government computer systems.

DESCRIPTION OF EXPERIENCE DESIRED

• Any work with Armed Forces Health Longitudinal Technology Application (AHLTA)
• Any work with Composite Health Care systems (CHCS) and/or MHS GENESIS
• Any Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS)
• Any work with Military Filing Systems - by sponsor social security number, terminal digit order, color-coded and blocked filing system
• Any work with EssentrisTM, the client-server version of the Clinical Information System (CIS)
• Any work with Coding Compliance Editor (CCE) Systems
• Any work with Biometric Data Quality Assurance Service (BDQAS) 
• Any work with MHS Coding

Salary : $21 - $24