CODING REIMBURSEMENT SPECIALIST

DESCRIPTION:  The Medical Records Coder reviews the contents of the inpatient and ambulatory medical records, identifying ICD-9-CM and CPT diagnoses and procedure(s) to be coded using appropriate coding guidelines, thus insuring that coded records meet South Peninsula Hospital, State, and Federal coding requirements. Reviews record to determine if all documents necessary for coding are available. Example, Pathology reports. Assigns diagnosis-related group (DRG) to each inpatient record. Abstracts and enters all encounters into the clinical database for interface with billing database. Both inpatient and ambulatory coding is performed in a timely and accurate manner to meet ethical standards, compliance audits, appropriate statistical and disease indices data collection requirements and for optimum reimbursement. Performs duties in support of the hospital mission to ensure the highest quality of patient care in an economically sound and efficient manner.

REQUIREMENTS:  Two-year Associate of Applied Science degree or completion of the AHIMA independent study programs; must possess RHIT, RHIA, or CCS Certification; if RHIT credential is absent, must be RHIT eligible or RHIT pending. Minimum of one-year, two-years preferred previous coding experience in an acute care hospital setting.  Possess in-depth knowledge of coding/classification systems appropriate for inpatient and outpatient services.  These include, but are not limited to, diagnostic medicine, emergency room, outpatient surgery, observation, general medicine/surgery, dental, orthopedics, obstetrics and newborn; excellent written and oral communication skills; must also be able to manage multiple concurrent tasks with exceptional organizational skills.  The position requires keyboarding skills, and knowledge of various computer applications including, but not limited to: word processing, spreadsheets, databases and graphic presentation software.  Must be able to operate general office machines including personal computer, FAX machine and photocopier.