Certified Coder

JOB TITLE: Certified Coder

FLSA: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Billing Office Manager

COMPENSATION:

• Hourly Range: $21.00 - $30.00 (based on experience)
• Medical benefits including vision and dental (dependent upon job status)
• 401k profit sharing plan eligible after one year and 1,000 hours
• Paid holiday, vacation, and personal leave

ENVIRONMENT: Outpatient, clinical care setting.

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES: Evaluates medical records and charge tickets to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with the International Classification of Diseases Manual - Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), and the American Medical Association's Current Procedural Terminology manual (CPT)

DUTIES PERFORMED: The duties and responsibilities of a Medical Coder vary from one healthcare facility to another. The main duty of a Medical Coder is assigning codes to medical procedures and diagnoses. Other duties and responsibilities of a Medical Coder include:

• Constantly makes sure that codes are assigned correctly and sequenced appropriately as per government and insurance regulations
• Constantly reviews and complies with medical coding guidelines and policies
• Constantly receiving and reviewing patients’ charts and documents for verification and accuracy
• Frequently following up and clarifying any information that is not clear to other staff members
• Frequently implements strategic procedures and choosing strategies and evaluation methods that provide correct results
• Frequently analyzing and identifying the medical procedures, diagnoses or events that lead to the negligence
• Occasionally conduct medical record audits when necessary
• Performs other duties as assigned.

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Knowledge of billing practices and clinic policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of coding and clinic operating policies as well as knowledge of working with insurance vendors.
• Ability to prepare records in accordance with detailed instructions
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Skill in greeting patients and answering telephone in a pleasant and helpful manner
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Excellent organization skills and attention to detail
• Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment
• Ability to understand and effectively work in Microsoft Office, practice management systems, and electronic medical record system.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with providers, management, staff and contacts outside the organization.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate degree preferred.
• Possession of a current Accredited Certified Coding Certificate
• Two years of experience in medical record coding; or equivalent combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities.
• Knowledge of: ICD-10-CM, and CPT coding guidelines; medical terminology; anatomy and physiology; and Medicare reimbursement guidelines

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Work may require sitting for long periods of time; must be able to remain in a stationary position 75% of the time; also stooping, bending and stretching for files and supplies. Occasionally lifting files or paper weighing up to 30 pounds. Requires manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, type at 40 wpm, operate a telephone, copier, fax machine, and such other office equipment, as necessary. It is necessary to view and type on computer screens for long periods and to work in environment which can be stressful. Ability to understand and effectively work in Microsoft Outlook, practice management systems, and electronic medical record system.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS: Work is performed in an office environment. Involves frequent contact with patients in the office and via phone. Work may be stressful at times. Interaction with others is constant and interruptive. Contact involves dealing with sick people.

DISCLAIMER: The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.