Trainee Clinical Coder (Annex 21)

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust invites applications for a Trainee Clinical Coder programme. You will learn to extract clinical data from patient records and assign codes using ICD-10 and OPCS-4.

Successful trainees progress to Band 5 Clinical Coder with full duties. The role includes a structured three-year training plan, exam preparation, and support from experienced trainers and mentors.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Evidence of CPD.

Responsibilities

• Extract complex clinical details from patient records to assign diagnostic and procedural codes.
• Interpret histology and radiology reports to ensure coding accuracy.
• Code extracted information in the NHS PAS/Medicode system.
• Identify data gaps and raise queries for resolution with the coding team.
• Support colleagues and maintain a learning environment at work.
• Manage daily workload to meet coding targets and maintain accuracy.

Skills

Attention to detail

Decision-making

Analytical thinking

Learning mindset

Education

GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent)

Job description

Are you looking for a rewarding career change within the NHS? Do you have an interest in healthcare, along with a basic understanding of human anatomy, physiology and medical terminology?

• Excellent attention to detail
• Sound judgement and decision-making
• Logical and analytical thinking
• A commitment to learning and personal development

Are you prepared to dedicate the next three years to becoming an Accredited Clinical Coder?

If so, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

About Us

The Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust Clinical Coding Service has received significant investment to support continued growth and development. As a result, we have created a service that provides strong leadership, excellent career progression opportunities and a comprehensive training programme.

Trainees are paid at 75% of the Band 5 Clinical Coder salary.

Once competency has been demonstrated and the full requirements of the Clinical Coder role have been met, trainees will progress to Band 5 Clinical Coder and will be expected to fulfil all duties outlined within the Band 5 job description.

Please Note:

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the right to work in the UK independently, with a visa or immigration status that allows them to fulfil the full duration and type of contract offered. The Trust is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position.

Main duties of the job

Clinical Coders play a vital role in the NHS.

You will be responsible for reviewing patient records and extracting relevant clinical information to accurately assign diagnostic and procedural codes using national classification systems (ICD-10 and OPCS-4). You will work closely with clinicians, colleagues and the National Classifications Service to ensure coding accuracy and compliance with national standards.

The information produced by Clinical Coders is used to:

• Support patient care and service improvement
• Measure patient outcomes
• Inform NHS planning and reporting
• Ensure the Trust receives accurate reimbursement for care provided

Our Training Programme

We are seeking exceptional candidates to join our next Trainee Clinical Coder Programme and become part of our journey towards excellence.

Successful candidates will:

• Undertake a structured minimum three-year training programme.
• Work towards achieving Accredited Clinical Coder status.
• Complete the 21-day Clinical Coding Standards Course during Year 1.
• Take responsibility for their own development within a supportive learning environment.
• Receive dedicated support from experienced Trainers, Auditors and workplace mentors.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude, enthusiasm for learning and strong teamwork skills.
• Be willing to sit formal examinations at key stages throughout the programme.

About us

We are committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer. We strive to employ people who reflect the communities we serve, and aim to create an inclusive culture where everyone can reach their full potential. Whatever your race, ethnicity, belief, generation, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, disability or experience, you'll appreciate the opportunities we give you to work in an inclusive atmosphere. We welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences to build on the progress we've achieved to make our Trust diverse and the best place to work. We celebrate the diversity of thought, viewpoints and ideas that help us overcome challenges and embrace new possibilities. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant Pledge and have a commitment to the Armed Forces Community.

We are dedicated to using our Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) approach as our shared organisation model of change to enhance our services and ensure excellence in patient care.

If you are considering applying for a role, please be aware that as an NHS Employee you may have contact with vulnerable service users. We strongly encourage that all our staff are vaccinated against COVID-19 and are vaccinated annually against Flu, in order to protect the health and safety of our staff and patients. Your commitment will help us to put the safety and care of our patients first, as well as helping us to protect you and your colleagues.

Job responsibilities

• To ensure accurate extraction of complex clinical details relating to diagnoses and operative procedures for each consultant episode from patient medical records
• To interpret histology and radiology reports to ensure accuracy of the coding process
• To undertake the coding of extracted information ensuring adherence to National Standards and local policies
• To accurately enter the clinical codes onto the Trust information system PAS/Medicode
• To identify insufficient/incorrect clinical data in source documentationand using own initiative to raise the query for resolution with other members of the coding team
• To share and assist other colleagues with personal coding experience and promote a learning environment at workplace
• To organise daily workload efficiently so that personal coding targets are met, including allocated Consultant backlog list, supporting the coding team in achieving high standards of coding completeness and accuracy at agreed timescales
• To take responsibility for self-development on a continuous basis by studying for the Auditor and/or Trainer qualification, if required by the Trust.
• To participate in ongoing coding training and testing to meet National Standards and Trust requirements. This may require travelling to other organisations outside core working hours
• To liaise with Clinicians and their support staff concerning interpretation of case note documentation affecting coding

Person Specification

Education and Training

• GCSE English and Mathematics (or equivalent).
• Evidence of CPD

Knowledge and Skills

• Proven and in-depth knowledge, experience and understanding of ICD10 & OPCS4 coding classifications and standards in the NHS UK environment.
• Understanding of Data Quality and Caldicott Guardian
• IT Literate
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomical and physiological terms: acquired through work-based training.
• Knowledge and use of information / informatics systems used within the NHS.
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Relevant legislation, health sector processes, policies, and current strategies

Experience

• Experience of working within the NHS
• Previous experience using encoders

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.