Develops audit detail summary spreadsheets and reports to address any coding, documentation, financial impact and profitability. Conducts education/training or works with external resources to present final audit findings to department staff, physicians and appropriate individuals. (20%)
Validates the ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCPCS Level II code and modifier systems, missed secondary diagnoses and procedures and ensures compliance with DRG/APC structure and regulatory requirements. Performs periodic claim form reviews to check code transfer accuracy from the abstracting system and the chargemaster. (10%)
Is responsible for or works with external resources to create and monitor inpatient case mix reports and the top 25 assigned DRGs/APCs in the facilities to identify patterns, trends and variations in the facilities frequently assigned DRG/APC groups. Once identified, evaluate the cases of the change or problems and takes appropriate steps to effect resolution. (10%)
Reviews and interprets medical information, classifies that information into the appropriate payor specific groups consisting of ICD-CM ICD-PCS and CPT codes for diagnoses and procedures and calculates the DRG and APC. (10%)
Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association and Corporate Compliance Coding Guidelines. Assures compliance with the coding guidelines and regulatory requirements. (10%)
Performs other duties as assigned or required including training/mentoring of new staff, performing audits and research related to special projects and providing coverage for coding manager(s). (10%)
Depending on location provides or arranges for education/training of facility healthcare professionals in use of coding guidelines and practices, proper documentation techniques, medical terminology and disease processes as it relates to the DRG/APC and other clinical data quality management factors. With technical direction and assistance from management, designs and implements coder education program, continuing education programs and Medical Staff education programs. Establishes and monitors performance and maintains appropriate documentation thereof. (10%)
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum
High school diploma / GED
Certification from American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
AHIMA Credentials (Inpatient or Outpatient): Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
AAPC Credentials (Outpatient): Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)
5 years with hospital or physician coding and/or auditing, as well as, education techniques and methods. (Internal transfer and promotion candidates may have a minimum of 3 years experience)
In-depth knowledge of ICD CM, ICD PCS and CPT/HCPCS coding systems. Must be proficient in DRG/APC structure, National Correct Coding Initiatives, ICD CM/PCS Official Guidelines, Outpatient Prospective payment system and Coding Clinic references. Current working knowledge of encoder, grouper, abstracting and other related software.
Strong analytical and communication skills
Preferred
Associate's Degree
3 years with claims processing and data management
Past auditing and strong education/training background in coding and reimbursement
Disclaimer: The job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this job title. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.
Compliance Requirement: This job adheres to the ethical and legal standards and behavioral expectations as set forth in the code of business conduct and company policies.
As a component of job responsibilities, employees may have access to covered information, cardholder data, or other confidential customer information that must be protected at all times. In connection with this, all employees must comply with both the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) as described in the Notice of Privacy Practices and Privacy Policies and Procedures as well as all data security guidelines established within the Company’s Handbook of Privacy Policies and Practices and Information Security Policy.
Furthermore, it is every employee’s responsibility to comply with the company’s Code of Business Conduct. This includes but is not limited to adherence to applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations as well as company policies and training requirements.
Pay Range Minimum
$28.19
Pay Range Maximum
$44.13
Base pay is determined by a variety of factors including a candidate’s qualifications, experience, and expected contributions, as well as internal peer equity, market, and business considerations. The displayed salary range does not reflect any geographic differential Highmark may apply for certain locations based upon comparative markets.
Highmark Health and its affiliates prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on any category protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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