Inpatient Coding Specialist

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.

Codes and abstracts all pertinent patient medical information according to AHA ICD-10-CM/PCS and AMA CPT-4 Coding conventions, UHDDS guidelines and CMS directives. Completes data entry of abstracted inpatient/outpatient diagnosis and/or procedure codes to Network’s health information system. Collaborates with the Health Information/Medical Records, Admissions and Finance departments to ensure appropriate flow of information.

JOB DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Codes and abstracts diagnosis and procedure information from patient medical records according to AHA ICD-10-CM/PCS and AMA CPT-4 coding conventions, UHDDS and CMS guidelines and regulations.   Utilizes the 3M Encoder to verify and assign AHA ICD-10-CM/PCS and AMA CPT-4 codes, and MS-DRG/APR-DRG assignment.
• Maintains 95% data quality coding accuracy rate as measured through quarterly department quality reviews.
• Maintains daily productivity and turnaround times as outlined in Department’s Performance Improvement plan (attachment A)
• Responsible for remaining up-to-date with knowledge of AHA ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM/PCS and AMA CPT-4 coding conventions, MS-DRG and APR-DRG principles and guidelines.  Maintains a working knowledge of prospective payment systems as it relates directly to coding process.
• Participation in department and sectional meetings, education sessional sessions and workshops as scheduled.
• Maintains working knowledge of clinical documentation improvement program and functions as liaison for RN clinical documentation specialists (inpatient coding professionals only).
• Demonstrates/models the Network’s core values and customer service behaviors in             interactions with all customers (internal and external).
• Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.
• Demonstrates/models the Network’s Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external). 
• Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.
• Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices.
• Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.
• Assists in training of new personnel
• Other related duties as assigned.

​PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

Sitting for up to 7 hours per day, 3 hours at a time. Repetitive arm/finger use retrieving/viewing computerized patient medical record and abstracting of patient information.  Extended periods of vision use for reviewing computerized patient records, abstracting of patient information, approximately 7 hours per day, 3 hours at a time.  Hearing as it relates to normal conversation. 

EDUCATION:

RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC, or CPC-A credentials from an accredited Health Information Management (HIM) or Health Information Technology (HIT) program are required. Credentials must be issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

CPC-A credential holders must remove the apprentice designation within one (1) year of hire to continue employment with St. Luke’s University Health Network.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of one (1) year of demonstrated ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS inpatient coding experience in an acute care teaching hospital setting required. Experience with ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS outpatient coding in an acute care teaching hospital setting is preferred.

Working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology is required.

Previous experience using Epic electronic health records (EHR) and the 3M Coding and Reimbursement System/encoder is preferred.

WORK SCHEDULE:

Day shift but may require other hours as necessary. Weekend rotations

Please complete your application using your full legal name and current home address.  Be sure to include employment history for the past seven (7) years, including your present employer.  Additionally, you are encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and licenses, if applicable.  It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application.  Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!

St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.