HIM Coder III

Role Overview

• Responsible for timely and accurate coding and abstracting of Inpatient visits
• Codes and abstract patients following established coding guidelines and utilizing ICD-10 code sets
• This position ensures that revenue cycle, customer service, quality, individual, and team goals are met
• Thorough review of inpatient encounter documentation for diagnoses, treatments, services
• Performs daily coding and abstracting utilizing ICD-10 Code sets and DRG Grouping systems
• Validates MS-DRG and APR-DRG assignment for appropriateness to encounter
• Performs weekly coding of Inpatient Interim Bill Requests
• Review of Clinical Documentation Specialists notes and queries to ensure capture of queried conditions
• Validates admission diagnosis assignment and coordinates correction with Case Management personnel when appropriate
• Identifies documentation issues that may lead to incorrect coding, billing, and quality metrics
• Communicates issues to Clinical Documentation Specialists for clarification and/or resolution when appropriate
• Facilitates accurate Hospital Acquired Conditions reporting with Infection Control and/or coordinates retrospective query with CDI team as appropriate
• Performs research and/or seeks assistance from Nosology, CHA and American Hospital Association on complex coding cases
• Documents findings and educates team on coding guidance
• Makes recommendations on Epic coding and SVC edits to prevent coding, billing, IHA and claim edits
• Maintains quality standards of AHA, AMA, CMS, OIG and TJC pertaining to coding and reimbursement
• Stay current in Coding changes by reading, maintaining CEUs, and attending education sessions related to Coding and Health Information Management
• Trains and orients new employees
• Assists with testing and implementation of systems/product changes and upgrades
• Performs other duties as assigned by the coding manager or the director

Requirements

• Must possess a minimum of CCS, RHIA, or RHIT credential
• Must maintain credential status through obtaining continuing education requirements
• Must have completed and continue to demonstrate proficiency in coding program curriculum to include full courses Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Sciences, Pharmacology, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and Healthcare Data Content Structures
• Completion of an AHIMA approved RHIT, RHIA, or CCS program
• Must pass Lurie Children’s Coding Exam with a minimum of 90% score
• Minimum of one year prior hospital coding experience required
• Inpatient APR DRG experience preferred
• Must have a working proficiency of Microsoft Office applications and computer skills to effectively navigate an EMR
• Must be able to type a minimum of 30 Wpm
• Must be able to communicate effectively with all Lurie staff; clinical, clerical, management
• Excellent communication skills necessary for interaction at all levels of staff
• Must be able to communicate effectively with external contacts: outside vendors as required in the execution of problem solving activities and assisting patients/visitors with their needs
• Ability to handle multiple projects
• Ability to appropriately prioritize tasks
• Ability to cope with the inherent pressures of a results deadline oriented position

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Employer paid group term life and disability
• Employer contribution toward Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Paid Time Off (PTO), Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• 403(b) with a 5% employer match
• Various voluntary benefits: Supplemental Life, AD&D and Disability
• Critical Illness, Accident and Hospital Indemnity coverage
• Tuition assistance
• Student loan servicing and support
• Adoption benefits
• Backup Childcare and Eldercare
• Employee Assistance Program, and other specialized behavioral health services and resources for employees and family members
• Discount on services at Lurie Children’s facilities
• Discount purchasing program