What are the responsibilities and job description for the Health Information Coding Specialist position at Thayer County Health Services?
Health Information Coding Specialist
Thayer County Health Services, Thayer County, NE
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position contributes to the fulfillment of Thayer County Health Services vision and mission by utilizing the knowledge and skills to thoroughly review the clinical content of Outpatient, Observation, Ancillary, Emergency Department, Therapy, Swing bed and/or Rural Health Clinic medical records to assign appropriate ICD-10-CM codes to diagnosis procedures and CPT and HCPCS codes to all procedures or physician services for optimal reimbursement.
SHIFT: Non-Exempt, Full-Time, Days (on site) SUPERVISION: Reports to the Health Information Director
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
- High School Diploma or Equivalency is required.
- Certified Coding Specialist Certification (CCS) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or equivalent coding certification is required. Will consider equivalent education with directly related work experience.
- One (1) year hospital and/or rural health clinic coding experience preferred.
- Experience working with electronic health records is preferred.
- Knowledge of medical terminology is required.
- Proficient computer and keyboarding skills required.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Ability to work independently and with a team.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Accurately assigns proper diagnosis codes and charges to encounters.
- Performs physician queries and records requests when diagnoses, orders, and/or dictation are not recorded or incomplete. Assists vendors and staff with compliant queries.
- Assists in coordination with medical and health care staff, medical records, coders and billers to ensure timely and accurate coding.
- Regularly utilizes and shares report information to ensure timely filing of claims.
- Works coding queue and denials provided by the billing team.
- Determines and records other required medical information.
- Performs coding audits and quality review activities for accuracy and compliance.
- Assists in optimization and quality improvement projects.
- Works with staff in coordinating medical information and patient charts.
- Assists with creating and maintaining birth certificates, state reports, and logs as needed
- Accurately completes the Cancer and Trauma registry.
- Participates in Revenue Cycle Steering Sub-Committee to review for denial trends.
- Participates in achieving organizational goals.
- Maintains effective working relationships with patients, visitors, physicians, office staff, hospital personnel, and the public.
- Assures confidentiality of patient and hospital information, maintaining compliance with policies and procedures.
- Assumes responsibility for personal and professional growth through participation in department meetings, in-service programs, continuing education programs, and fulfills yearly requirements as stated by policy.
- Other duties as assigned.
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:
- Maintains and promotes good health practices.
- Will conform to TCHS procedures and policies.
- Will perform all duties as described by the job description within the scope of licensure.
- Does not discuss patient matters such as medical treatment, diagnoses, or history outside of the clinical setting, keeping compliance of HIPAA.
- Understand and comply with the requirements of Thayer County Health Services’ Compliance Program, including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, the Compliance Manual, all supporting policies for compliance, and compliance plans.
- Participate in all education and training programs regarding compliance as required by organizational policy and as requested by supervisor.
- Demonstrates friendly, formal greetings with patients, visitors, and TCHS staff.
- Willingly accepts new responsibilities and cooperates with implementation of change.
- Dresses in a neat, clean uniform for patient care maintains high personal hygiene standards.
- Demonstrates respect, integrity, compassion, and excellence through a “We Care” philosophy with all patients, visitors, and TCHS staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
- Normal office environment. Routine periods of sitting, walking, and standing required.
- Works in an indoor, smoke-free, climate-controlled environment.
- Require vision correctable within a normal range.
