Inpatient Coder

Location: Syracuse, New York, United StatesCompany: US Department of Veterans AffairsPosted: Job TitleMedical Coding SpecialistDutiesMajor duties and responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to:Applies comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures as well as the principles and practices of health services and the organizational structure to ensure proper code selection.Reviews assigned codes from the current version of several coding systems to include current versions of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and/or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).Adheres to accepted coding practices, guidelines and conventions when choosing the most appropriate diagnosis, operation, procedure, ancillary, or evaluation and management (E/M) code to ensure ethical, accurate, and complete coding.Applies guidelines specific to certain diagnoses, procedures, and other criteria used to classify patients under the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) program that categorizes all VA patients into specific classes representing their clinical conditions and resource needs.Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information for the full spectrum of services provided by the VAMC.Assists facility staff with documentation requirements to completely and accurately reflect the patient care provided; provides technical support in the areas of regulations and policy, coding requirements, resident supervision, reimbursement, workload, accepted nomenclature, and proper sequencing.Expertly searches the patient record to find documentation justifying code assignment based on an expanded knowledge of the organization and structure of the patient health record.Uses a variety of computer applications in day to day activities and duties, such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and Access; competent in use of the health record applications (VistA and CPRS) as well as the encoder product suite.Reviews, analyzes and reports performance monitors for PTF, PCE, VERA and Non-VA Medical Care (purchased care) coding.Audit accurate and complete assignment of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes, MS-DRG, POA status, and discharge disposition values for inpatient health records. Audit accurate and complete assignment of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes, including appropriate E/M assignment and modifier usage for outpatient health records.Reviews coding and assist coders in improving coding accuracy; provides coding guidance to various levels of staff to promote consistency in practice and compliance with coding rules and regulations; initiates various reports and analyze data.Facilitates improved overall quality, completeness and accuracy of coded data. Ensures the accuracy and completeness of clinical information used for measuring and reporting physician and medical center outcomes with continuing education to all members of the patient care team on an ongoing basis.As a technical expert in health information coding matters, provides advice and guidance on documentation and coding requirements. Maintains current knowledge to ensure that coding and documentation meets regulatory guidelines and audit standards, and results in appropriate data capture and reimbursement.Work Schedule: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 3:30 pm or 7:30 am to 4:00 pm.Telework: ADHOCVirtual: This is not a virtual position.Functional Statement #: 21N49-0Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Authorized for highly qualified applicantsPermanent Change of Station (PCS): Not authorized. Department of Veterans Affairs