Lead Coder at Walter Reed Medical Center, Bethesda, MD (On-Site)

Lead Coder at Walter Reed Medical Center, Bethesda, MD (On-Site)

QUALIFICATIONS:

IMS is seeking a Lead Coder who will report to the Site Manager and all performance of required duties are monitored by the Program Manager (PgM). The Lead Coder will hold a current coding credential from either the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) (i.e., Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist – Physician Based (CCS-P), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), etc.) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) (i.e., Certified Professional Coder CPC).

The Medical Coder codes, recodes, abstracts, analyzes, and assembles medical record data. The Medical Coder is responsible for reviewing health record documentation and providers’ scope of practice to assign diagnostic and procedural codes at a minimum 97% accuracy rate and within required performance timelines.

The Medical Coder Team Lead is a key associate whose primary responsibilities include: This position will be responsible for providing education and communication of process improvements on inpatient and outpatient coding. Monitor the accuracy and efficiency of the documentation and coding with providing tools and resources for improving accuracy or implementing changes. Implement an effective education and communication process for all coding and monitor the accuracy and efficiency of the documentation and coding staying current with new regulations and changes.  This position is also responsible for the accuracy of CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 codes, modifiers and editing of charges before billing and/or after a rejection from the payer.

Creates presentations, develops educational material, handbooks and other training materials. Audits current coding practices and works directly with coders, billers, and clinical staff to provide feedback and education as needed. This position may also assist with daily inpatient/outpatient coding as needed.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of job functions.  This job description is in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The employee is required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties as assigned.

1. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential requirement of this position.
2. Ensuring all applicable diagnostic codes are used and follow ICD-10 coding guidelines
3. Provide on-site assistance to staff from all locations with coding issues.
4. Provide assistance as needed in the review of overpayments.
5. Utilize systems and procedures to organize the billing office for maximum efficiencies.
6. Assure that computer system procedures including, but not limited to, end of day reconciliations and report printing are completed.
7. Responsible for day-to-day application of clinical coding guidelines and recommends operational improvements to get to coding quality accuracy.
8. Monitors performance of all coding staff using key metrics including, but not limited to daily coding volume, assignments worked, client project deadlines and coding accuracy performance to achieve and maintain a 95% coding quality accuracy rate.
9. Escalate Production and QA concerns or roadblocks to the Director of Revenue Management for involvement as needed. Work closely with the Training teams members to communicate progress across the Team to the Manager.
10. Develop and reviews both production and quality accuracy reporting and/or system reports on progress for all assigned projects in the Clinical Coding Services Department to assist with project coordination and completion. These reports are reviewed daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly and yearly as needed.
11. Motivates team members through effective training and coaching to improve quality and professionalism on work assignments. Conducts monthly team meetings and annual performance evaluations with team members.
12. Completes any special projects, such as full coding audit, and other duties as assigned in a timely manner.
13. Mentors staff to maximize performance and potential.
14. Assist in maintaining and monitoring team member job satisfaction and morale.
15. Completes all special projects and other duties as assigned.
16. Maintains a working knowledge of and follows all CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 rules and guidelines.
17. Compile statistical information to be included in reports for Revenue Management Director.
18. Attend meetings with Business Directors on statistical findings.
19. Completes all other designated projects relevant to position description. 
20. Travel to other Hope Network sites when needed and requested.

Educational / Talent Requirements:
1. An Associate degree in a related field; Business, Finance or Health Administration or the equivalent of applicable work experience.
2. Current Coding Certification for professional services from a nationally recognized organization (CPC or CCS, CCS-P) required by either AAPC or AHIMA.
3. Must have a complete understanding of CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10 guidelines.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate in both written and verbal format to meet position responsibilities.
5. Demonstrated ability to use word processing, spreadsheet and computerized billing programs including Word/Excel.
6. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work on a daily basis.
7. Demonstrated organizational skills, attention to detail.

Work Experience Requirements:
1. 2 – 4 years prior work experience in coding and/or auditing medical charts.
2. Experience in data processing and total business office procedures.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of CPC, HCPCS and ICD-10 rules and guidelines.
4. Ability to interact effectively with individuals, employees, referral sources, vendors and other designated individuals.
5. Ability to travel to other Hope Network sites when needed and requested; valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record.
6. Ability to articulate and actively support the mission of the corporation to various audiences.

IMS is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation for the employment process, please email your request to hr@im-strat.com.

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