Coding Specialist

SCOPE Under direct supervision, performs all medical record coding activities. Assigns appropriate diagnostic codes to patient charts and reports as assigned. Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and Business Standards.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Abstracts relevant clinical and demographic information from the medical record to assign ICD-9 and CPT-4 codes in accordance with coding and reimbursement guidelines.
• Identifies principal and secondary diagnosis with minimal error based on the national based standards.
• Codes with an accuracy of 97% based on QA internal reviews.
• Records all diagnostic procedures and assigns appropriate procedure codes.
• Requests diagnosis from physicians when information is not recorded.
• Determines and records the required medical information.
• Updates coding procedures and guidelines. Works with medical assistants and other staff in coordinating medical information and patient charts.
• Maintains the confidentiality of the medical information contained in each record.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or equivalent required. Completion of a course in medical record technology. Minimum one year of coding medical experience required, three years experience medical coding preferred. Applicable certification preferred. Knowledge of medical records coding procedures and knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT-4 Coding Systems highly desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Requires vision and hearing corrected to normal ranges.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed in an office environment.