Health Information Management/Coding Specialist - Hospice

Health Information Management/Coding Specialist - Hospice

The Coding Specialist I is responsible for the coding of hospice accounts using ICD-10-CM diagnosis and procedure codes and CPT-4 code sets. The coder will verify and ensure the accuracy, completeness, specificity, and appropriateness of diagnosis codes based on services rendered and assign appropriate modifiers.

Minimum 2 year college coding course including anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, CPT-4 and ICD-10-CM and PCS. Minimum 1 year ED/Ancillary coding or charging in an acute care setting. Must have or be eligible for RHIT, CCS, CCSP, CPC or equivalent certifications. Knowledge of Hospice Local Coverage Determinations and National Coverage Determinations. Professionalism in interpersonal communication skills with physicians, colleagues, and ancillary departments required. The ability to organize, prioritize, analyze, and implement daily tasks, must be a self starter and be able to work with minimal supervision. The ability to handle multiple responsibilities and tasks in stressful situations. Problem solving, analytical and critical thinking skills. The ability to maintain confidentiality, knowledge of HIPAA laws - ICD-10-CM and ICD-10 PCS trained.

Experience with Encoders, CAC, EHRs and general computer skills.

Work within the Halifax Health Hospice Health Information Management Department with records, scanning, inquiries, death certificates, billing information.

Provide appropriate copies of consents, billing information, compliance forms, admission, death lists, and census to the appropriate team members on a daily basis. Excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, superior data entry skills and team-oriented work ethics. Review medical record information and documentation for appropriate code assignment including principal diagnosis, co-morbidities and complications, secondary conditions and procedures. Query attending physicians for documentation and diagnostic clarification. Support and participate in process and quality improvement initiatives. Abide by the AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding and adhere to official coding guidelines.

Works under supervision of HIM Coordinator/Manager.

Daily contact with interdisciplinary care team members, physician's offices, health care facilities and community agencies. Occasional contact with patients and families.

WORK CONDITIONS: General office environment, exposed to electrical/mechanical power equipment. Traveling required from main office sites to other office site for coverage/meetings. Light physical efforts (lift/carry up to 20 lbs.), continuously sedentary work, standing/walking, lifting supplies/equipment, manual dexterity and mobility, reaching, stopping, bending, kneeling, crouching.