Company: KFMC Health Improvement Partners
Position: Coding Specialist
Job Classification: Exempt, Full-time
Work Schedule: Mutually Determined
Reports to: Director of Clinical Care Review and Quality Improvement
Location: Topeka, KS (on-site)

KFMC Health Improvement Partners (KFMC) is a not-for-profit organization focused on improving healthcare quality. We inspire meaningful change and sustained high performance within the organizations and communities where we work. We’re a diverse team of multi-disciplinary professionals all focused on the same vision…best health outcomes for everyone. We believe our team members do their best work when they love what they do, and we have created an environment that fosters creativity, excellence and fun! We prioritize and value the things that are important to us, both as people and as professionals, including flexibility and a family-friendly culture. KFMC is currently seeking a Clinical Coding Specialist. As a member of the Clinical Care Review Team, this position will support our Clinical Care Review services across multiple states, complete coding reviews and process selected cases and/or special requests in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance with the requirements for Independent Review Services. Graduate of an accredited college or university with completion of an RHIA, RHIT, CCA, CCS, CCS-P certification is required. A minimum of two (2) years of experience clinical coding, or in a clinical position in the health care field is required; experience in DRG coding is preferred.

Primary Accountability:
This position is responsible for completing reviews and processing of selected cases and/or special requests in a timely and accurate manner and in accordance to KFMC contract requirements. Abstracts clinical information from a variety of medical records, charts and documents and assigns appropriate ICD-10 and/or CPT-4 codes to patient records according to established procedures. Works with coding databases and confirms DRG assignments. Inputs and maintains data on procedures required for state or other reporting. This position works in collaboration with internal staff members and/or departments as well as external sources; the position is expected to function independently, as well as collaboratively.

Major Duties:

• Completion of review functions based on established procedures and contract requirements.
• Communicates with Medical Director, Physician and Peer Reviewer, as necessary.
• Provide education to clients and providers related to review activities as needed.
• Participation in Internal Quality Control activities.
• Serve as a resource person for external inquiries received from hospital personnel, patients, physicians, federal and state government officials, and private clients related to job assignments.
• Report information, questions or complaints from outside customers that cannot be resolved to the Case Review Manager.
• Assist in the development, revision and implementation of KFMC programs, policies and procedures.
• Keep team members informed of all activities within area of responsibility.
• Participate in case review improvement where customer satisfaction and efficiency can be improved.
• Keep current on contract requirements, latest version of ICD coding requirements, and review procedures. Must be able to adapt to change easily and apply the information learned to his/her job.
• Assist Case Review Manager with developing and updating procedures as necessary.
• Assists with resolution of project delays.
• Responsible for project scheduling, attending all project meetings, and project completion documentation.
• Assisting in fiscal responsibility of the project.
• Assist in project execution to ensure deadlines, scope, and budget costs are met.
• Keep informed of industry changes, trends, and best practices and assess the potential impact of those changes on company practices.
• Assist in ensuring the company’s compliance with regulatory requirements, policies are in place, and that procedures are documented, implemented, and communicated to all individuals impacted.

Qualifications:

• Graduate of an accredited college or university with completion of an RHIA, RHIT, CCA, CCS, CCS-P certification is required. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) is preferred.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience clinical coding, or clinical position in the health care field is required.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Ability to read handwritten medical records.
• Intermediate to advanced computer skills is required.
• Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external customers.
• Strong attention to accuracy and detail required.
• Ability to identify and initiate process improvements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and express comments and opinions clearly and concisely in a diplomatic manner.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple projects.
• Professional attitude and the ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a team member.
• Familiarity with the health care delivery system and experience in working with health care providers and/or the public.
• Must have the ability to appraise any situation and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to work independently and make decisions based on contract policies and procedures.
• Ability to demonstrate proficiency in planning, organizing, and problem-solving techniques.
• Must be able to interact with KFMC staff, physicians, hospital personnel, a variety of professionals, and the public in a tactful, diplomatic manner to establish rapport and win confidence.
• Familiarity with various computer software applications (i.e., Microsoft Office).
• Represent KFMC professionally in appearance and conduct.
• Case Review staff with specific credentials required by their position description will provide a copy of their current credential status, and subsequent renewals to the Case Review Manager and Human Resources. Case Review staff are required to report an adverse change in the status of a required credential within three business days of receiving notice from the credentialing authority. Staff may submit a notice of adverse change in a credential by any format, and will submit a plan to bring the credential into compliance with the requirement of their PD.

Physical Demands:

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
• Ability to read computer screens and mail.
• Ability to unpack and move supplies up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to drive an automobile.
• Ability to travel as directed by position requirements.

Work Environment:

• Professional and deadline-oriented environment in an office setting.
• Interaction with internal and external customers.

Additional Duties:
Additional duties and responsibilities may be added to this job description at any time. The job description does not state or imply that these are the only activities to be performed by the employee(s) holding this position. Employees are required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related responsibilities as requested by their supervisor.