Medical Coder

Coder I

Health information coding is the transformation of verbal descriptions of diseases, injuries, and procedures into numeric or alphanumeric designations. The coding process reviews and analyzes health records to identify relevant diagnoses and procedures for distinct patient encounters. Coders are responsible for translating diagnostic and procedural phrases utilized by healthcare providers into coded form procedure codes that can be utilized for submitting claims to payers for reimbursement. A joint effort between the healthcare provider and the coder is essential to achieve complete and accurate documentation, code assignment, and reporting of diagnoses and procedures.

Job duties include:

• Reviews the content of the medical record for hospital and professional inpatient or outpatient records to identify principal diagnosis, secondary diagnoses and procedures performed that explain the reason for service being provided or the admission and patient severity and comply with standard provider coding regulations.
• Carefully details review of documents such as laboratory findings, radiology reports, various scan reports, discharge summary, history and physical, consultations, orders, progress notes and other ancillary services treatment records needed to ensure all pertinent diagnoses and procedures are recorded.
• Translates all diagnostic and procedural phrases utilized by healthcare providers into coded form using procedure codes as required.
• Using the Encoder software program, determines the codes for all diagnoses and procedures.
• Determines their sequencing to legally maximize reimbursement.
• Assigns the appropriate DRG.
• Assigns codes based on hospital and professional coding guidelines, Coding Clinic directives, federal regulations, CCI coding initiatives, CPT Assistant or other standard coding guidelines Queries physicians as needed to clarify documentation within the patient's record to facilitate complete and accurate coding.
• Reviews coding guidelines on an annual basis and makes recommendations for change to improve coding and data management.
• Communicates to Coding Quality and Professional Manager any new diagnoses, procedures, technologies, etc. documented within patient records to ensure that appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes are selected and incorporated into hospital and professional coding guidelines.
• Updates and corrects historical file data by completing and submitting claim action reports per the PHC4 quarterly report.

Work is typically performed in an office environment. Accountable for satisfying all job specific obligations and complying with all organization policies and procedures. The specific statements in this profile are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements considered necessary to successfully perform the job.

This posting reflects an opening for Coder I and we are seeking candidates for that position. Geisinger reserves the right to consider applicants for higher levels of this role based on their skills, qualifications, and experience. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Requirement for level II and above: One relevant certification from AHIMA or AAPC is required upon hire. Acceptable certifications include:

• AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association): Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – Candidates with only a CCA are required to obtain a CCS, RHIT, or RHIA within 12 months of hire.
• All certifications are acceptable from AAPC (American Academy of Professional Coders) except: Scribe, Documentation, Instructor, and International Credentials, Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Revenue Cycle Management Specialist (RCMS), Certified Value-Based Administrator (CVBA), Certified Physician Practice Manager (CPPM), Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO)

Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent (GED)- (Required)

Experience: Minimum of 1 year-Related work experience (Required)

Relevant coding certification within 12 months - Default Issuing Body

Skills: Communication, Computer Literacy, Medical Records Management, Medical Records Systems, Teamwork, Working Independently

Our purpose and values are centered around kindness, excellence, learning, innovation, and safety. We offer healthcare benefits for full time and part time positions from day one, including vision, dental and domestic partners. We encourage an atmosphere of collaboration, cooperation and collegiality. We are proud to be an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.