Inpatient Senior Coder

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for assigning diagnostic and procedural codes to inpatient charts using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS or any other designated coding classification system in accordance with coding rules and regulations. Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by AHIMA. Abstracting required clinical information from the medical record. Performs inpatient coding quality/second level reviews, inpatient denial reviews, provides consultation on projects, and may be primary point of contact for team members and other departments when supervisor/manager is not available. Acts as a resource and subject matter expert for the inpatient coding team.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Include the following. Others may be assigned.

- Coding: Reviews medical records for the determination of accurate code assignment of all documented diagnoses and procedures in accordance with Official Coding Guidelines. Adheres to Standards of Ethical Coding (AHIMA).
- Abstracting: Reviews medical records to determine accurate required abstracting elements (facility/client specific elements) including appropriate discharge disposition.
- Coding Quality: Demonstrates consistency in achieving or exceeding 95.5% coding accuracy in the selection of principal and secondary diagnoses (including DRG, MCC & CC, SOI/ROM) and procedures. Demonstrates accuracy and consistency in abstracting elements defined by per facility.
- Coder Productivity: Meets and/or exceeds Conifer’s inpatient coding productivity guidelines
- Physician Queries: Demonstrates strong skills in creating appropriate and compliant physician retrospective coding queries.
- Professional Development: Stays current with AHA Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines, CMS and other agency directives for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding. Completes mandatory coding education as assigned. Quarterly review of AHA Coding Clinic. Attends all required coding operations conference calls.
- DNFB: Reviews held accounts daily for resolution in support of coding DNFB performance. Communicates barriers to leaders (physician queries, missing documentation, second level review, DRG reconciliation, etc.) for appropriate follow-up and resolution. Provides operational performance reports to leadership as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES

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 individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Strong knowledge of MS-DRG and APR DRG classification and reimbursement structures
- Proficient at writing AHIMA compliant physician queries
- Adept at comparing documentation, code assignment and charge in the financial system for accuracy and completeness and elevating concerns to the appropriate manager
- Proficient in researching and responding to Business Office questions related to coding and/or payer-specific coding guidelines.
- Ability to use office equipment and automated systems/applications/software at an acceptable level of proficiency
- Works collaboratively with CDI, Quality and other facility leadership
- Functional knowledge of facility EMR, encoder, CDI tool and other support software

Conifer requires its candidates, as applicable and as permitted by law, to obtain and provide confirmation of all required vaccinations and screenings prior to the start of employment. This may include, but is not limited to, the COVID-19 vaccination, influenza vaccination, and/or any future required vaccines and screenings.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

Include minimum education, technical training, and/or experience preferred to perform the job.

- One to three years experience performing inpatient coding in acute care setting required
- High school graduate or equivalent is required
- Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information, Nursing, or other related field preferred. Years of coding experience would be considered in lieu of educational requirements.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

- Required: AHIMA RHIT or RHIA or AAPC CCS approved credential

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Ability to lift 15-20lbs
- Ability to sit and work at a computer for a prolonged period of time. Includes ability to walk through hospital-based departments across broad campus settings, including Emergency Department environments if appropriate

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Office and Hospital Work Environment
- Works in a private office space in the coder’s home per Conifer Telecommuter Policy as defined in the Telecommuting Program Guide

OTHER

- Must be able to travel nationally as needed, not to exceed 10%

As a part of the Tenet and Catholic Health Initiatives family, Conifer Health brings 30 years of healthcare industry expertise to clients in more than 135 local regions nationwide. We help our clients strengthen their financial and clinical performance, serve their communities and succeed at the business of healthcare. Conifer Health helps organizations transition from volume to value-based care, enhance the consumer and patient healthcare experience and improve quality, cost and access to healthcare. Are you ready to be part of our solutions? Welcome to the company that gives you the resources and incentives to redefine healthcare services, with a competitive benefits package and leadership to take your career to the next step

Compensation and Benefit Information

Compensation

- Pay: $24.82-$37.23 per hour. Compensation depends on location, qualifications, and experience.
- Position may be eligible for a signing bonus for qualified new hires, subject to employment status.
- Conifer observed holidays receive time and a half.

Benefits

Conifer offers the following benefits, subject to employment status:

- Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
- Paid time off (vacation & sick leave) – min of 12 days per year, accrue at a rate of approximately 1.84 hours per 40 hours worked.
- 401k with up to 6% employer match
- 10 paid holidays per year
- Health savings accounts, healthcare & dependent flexible spending accounts
- Employee Assistance program, Employee discount program
- Voluntary benefits include pet insurance, legal insurance, accident and critical illness insurance, long term care, elder & childcare, AD&D, auto & home insurance.
- For Colorado employees, Conifer offers paid leave in accordance with Colorado’s Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

Education:

Required: Associate degree

Preferred: Bachelor's degree

Experience:

Required: 2 to 5 years of coding experience

Certifications:

Required: RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC, or CIC

Physical Demands:

Is responsible for coding Med/Surg and DRG payer inpatient accounts.