Sr. Coder - Dickory - Full Time - Remote

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate.  We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways. 

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters.  Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today! 

This job reviews and accurately codes and abstracts hospital services, in-patient procedures, overnight / multi-night stay services or complex Professional medical services. Utilizes appropriate coding guidelines to assign ICD and CPT codes; conforms to applicable Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payer guidelines to ensure receipt of accurate reimbursement. In the inpatient setting, works in collaboration with the Clinical Documentation Improvement team to ensure accurate DRG assignment and works closely with management to resolve problems and meet deadlines. In the professional setting, works closely with Providers and Educators to assign the most accurate ICD/CPT codes. Researches patient accounts based on questions and/or errors, monitors coding rules, regulations and best practices.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required – High School diploma or equivalent

Preferred – Completion of American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)/American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding program with certification

Work Experience

Required – 3 years of coding experience

Certifications

Hospital Coder: 

Required – Certification as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), OR a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Professional Coder: 

Required – Certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Preferred – American Association of Professional Coders Specialty Certification

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of information.
• Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
• Knowledge of ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS and coding principals.
• Excellent decision making, problem solving, analytical and quality management skills

Job Duties

• Accurately assigns ICD-10, CPT and/or HCPCS codes as applicable and within the established coding guidelines, rules and regulations. Types of Coding may include but not limited to, Professional medical coding, Surgical coding and/or reviewing evaluation and management codes and CPT procedure codes for complex clinical visits and/or inpatient professional visits of a complex nature; Inpatient coding of Diagnoses and PCS procedures for concurrent accounts and discharged accounts of a non-complex nature; Single Path Coding.
• Ensures the data integrity of coded patient records by reviewing the medical documentation and validating that documentation is sufficient to support the assigned codes.
• Acts as a resource by researching patient accounts in response to questions and/or errors.
• Consistently complies with established department productivity and accuracy standards.
• Collaborate with assigned areas to identify query opportunities for documentation improvement.
• Communicate with providers if applicable for clarification or request additional documentation as needed.