HIM Coder I

Responsible for coding and abstracting diagnoses and procedures from patient charts using ICD-CM, ICD PCS and/or CPT-4/HCPCS codes for statistical and reimbursement purposes for all Billings Clinic inpatient and outpatient services. Alternatively, since Billings Clinic is an integrated delivery system, responsible for auditing or assigning CPT and E&M codes to clinic encounters by reading dictation, reviewing problem lists and intake forms, capturing primary and secondary ICD-CM diagnoses, adding HCPCS modifiers where necessary and verifying units of service for pharmacy items and supplies. Queries physicians to clarify clinical documentation. Educates physicians either concurrently or after-the-fact on coding and documentation and serves as an on-site resource for providers and staff. Ensures adherence to all Billings Clinic and regulatory compliance policies and procedures governing medical records coding, billing and reimbursement.

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains detailed knowledge of and ensures adherence to all applicable Billings Clinic and regulatory compliance policies/procedures governing medical record coding, insurance billing, and reimbursement methodologies in all aspects of the job. Actively seeks out clarification and/or updated information to ensure most current guidelines are followed.
• Review of medical records for documentation to identify the principal diagnosis and/or procedure and all applicable secondary diagnosis and procedures
• Assigning the appropriate ICD-CM and/or CPT-4/HCPCS codes for each encounter utilizing ICD-10 and CPT-4 reference tools.
• Utilizing the computerized encoding system and/or coding books to facilitate accurate coding and sequencing of diagnosis and procedures by following all regulatory compliance policies and procedures governing medical records coding, billing and reimbursement.
• Maintains or exceeds 95% coding accuracy based on audit findings.
• Maintains or exceeds department productivity standards for assigned areas of coding.
• Identifies and reports any regulatory or compliance concerns to Coding Resources Manager, Director and/or Billings Clinic Corporate Compliance Department.
• Ensures data accuracy prior to billing interface and claims submission. (i.e., discharge disposition, appropriate use of modifiers, CPT, ICD, performing provider, date of service, POA, NCCI and other coding and abstracting requirements).
• Collects data from the medical record to complete a discharge data abstract on each encounter for specialized studies.
• Communicate with physicians/Non-Physician Providers to provide coding and documentation education and feedback.
• Identifies needs and sets goals for own growth and development; meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements. Maintains knowledge of current information and technologies for coding and abstracting arena.
• Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency environmental, employee or patient safety standards relevant to job performance.
• Supports and models behaviors consistent with Billings Clinic's mission, vision, values, code of business conduct and service expectations. Meets all mandatory organizational and departmental requirements. Maintains competency in all organizational, departmental and outside agency standards as it relates to the environment, employee, patient safety or job performance.
• Performs all other duties as assigned or as needed to meet the needs of the department/organization.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• Minimum High School or GED High school graduate or equivalent
• Prior training in Anatomy and Medical Terminology

Experience

• One (1) year of health care or Billings Clinic experience preferred.

Certifications and Licenses

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) within 1 year of hire or other AHIMA and/or AAPC recognized certification pertinent to the position

Or an equivalent combination of education and experience relating to the above tasks, knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered. Employees that require a licensed or certification must be properly licensed/certified and the licensure/certification must be in good standing.