Coding Data Quality and Patient Accounts Specialist

Under general supervision, collects data by abstracting, assessing and analyzing demographic and clinical information. Spends greater than 50% of each day coding (CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10) each new chemotherapy and infusion therapy regimen to ensure compliance with FDA and NCCN guidelines. Provides correct diagnosis and procedure codes to authorization staff to ensure insurance approval of services. Audits daily infusion therapy charges and educates nursing staff as appropriate. Routinely audits and educates physicians regarding evaluation and management, ICD-10 coding and documentation requirements. Works assigned work queues in EPIC to correct coding, claims and insurance discrepancies. Corrects ICD-10 coding errors for labs/procedures using local and national coverage determinations and educates providers if necessary. Manages denials and appeals to the insurance company as appropriate. Meets with patients and families to discuss financial requirements and insurance benefits regarding chemotherapy and infusion therapy. Assists authorization department with denials and arranges peer to peer review. Under limited supervision, is responsible for the day-to-day collection of past due accounts. Responsible for ensuring that front office personnel understand and follow the billing requirements of various insurance carriers. Monitors deposits daily. Fields all calls regarding billing and coding from patients, providers and insurance companies. Has an understanding of global billing and educates providers and patients.

This position supports the department of medical oncology, the role is 100% in person in Towson, MD. Future remote work options may be available on a limited basis.

Education

Specialized training and/or knowledge of coding/abstracting procedures, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology.  AAPC or AHIMA coding certification preferred

Experience

At least 2 years of progressive medical billing experience to include customer service; 1 year of CPT and ICD-10 coding experience preferred

Skills

• Knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and ICD-10 and CPT coding

• Skill in written and oral communication

• Skill in using computers and personal productivity applications

• Knowledge and understanding of third party insurers

• Skill in using effective customer service techniques

• Skill in data research, analysis and interpretation

Licensures, Certifications

• Accreditation by AAPC or AHIMA preferred

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Resolves patient and insurance carrier complaints.  Provides a timely response to all patient billing inquiries.  Responds to all inquiries in a courteous, professional manner with a willingness to listen and understand the problem. 

• Collects, reviews and approves deposits daily.  Deposits are taken to the cashier daily.  Copies of deposit slips and daily logs are maintained for future reference.

• Resolves emails from GBMA & GBMC regarding various patient account issues.  Researches and resolves documentation requests regarding referrals and authorizations.  Contacts insurance companies, patients and primary care providers to obtain appropriate information regarding referrals and benefits.

• Educates the front office staff in understanding the process of obtaining precertification and/or referrals, and collecting copays and deductibles from patients at the time of services.  Keeps staff informed regarding CPT/ICD-10 coding changes and guidelines.

• Spends more than 80% of each day coding and abstracting documentation for chemotherapy services, office visits, and surgical procedures.  Works with staff and physicians in various areas of Oncology to ensure an understanding of coding and documentation guidelines.

• Clarifies documentation issues with medical staff.  Trains clinical staff on appropriate documentation requirements and billing for services (hydration services, chemotherapy, injections, etc).

• Codes diagnoses and operations of a complex nature in accordance with CPT/ICD-10. Contacts physicians to obtain clarification of diagnoses and/or operative procedures when necessary.

• Relays information to other hospital personnel in the Medical Center that may affect procedures relating to billing, reimbursement or statistics.  Works closely with Quest, LabCorp and the GBMC lab regarding ICD-10 codes as related to revenue collection.

• Educates physicians on the need for medical necessity diagnosis codes for all drugs.

• Develops a mechanism to add new ICD-1