Description
At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!
This job is responsible for reviewing and accurately coding either most professional services, including evaluation and management, and Procedures or hospital outpatient surgeries/procedures and observation patients. Remains in conformance with applicable Medicare, Medicaid and third-party payer guidelines to ensure receipt of accurate reimbursement.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.
This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at Ochsner’s discretion.
Job Duties
- Accurately assigns ICD-10, CPT and/or HCPCS codes within established coding guidelines, rules and regulations. Types of coding may include but not limited to; Professional surgical coding, including coding and reviewing of CPT procedure codes; Hospital coding in the outpatient departments and Observation units, including diagnosis and CPT procedure coding of procedures.
- Ensures the data integrity of coded patient records by reviewing the medical documentation and validating that documentation is sufficient to support the assigned codes.
- Acts as a resource by researching patient accounts in response to questions and/or errors.
- Consistently complies with established department productivity and accuracy standards.
- Communicates with providers for clarification or requests additional documentation as needed.
- Works in collaboration with team members and other departments to meet departmental monthly goals which may include one or more of the following: DNFB, Pre-AR, Denials, and Claim Edits.
- Verifies correct discharge disposition when appropriate based on medical documentation.
- Other related duties as required.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
- Must have computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
- Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to role and keyboard.
- Knowledge of ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS and coding principles.
- Excellent decision making, problem solving, analytical and quality management skills.
Education
- Required – High School diploma or equivalent.
- Preferred – Completion of an accredited American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)/American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding program with certification
Work Experience
- Required – 1 year of coding experience.
Certifications
- Preferred – Recognized Certification by the AHIMA or AAPC.