Coder (New Grad)

DCH Health System; Tuscaloosa (AL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

DCH Health System in Tuscaloosa, AL seeks a skilled Medical Coder to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS or CPT codes for reimbursement, research, and compliance. The role requires knowledge of DRGs, APCs, and E-APGs, and accurate abstracting of data.

Ideal candidates have AHIMA coding training and may hold RHIA, RHIT, or CCS, with attention to confidentiality and deadlines. You will work in a fast-paced environment supporting patient care and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AHIMA accredited medical coding program.
• Must pass DCH’s coding proficiency assessment for coders.
• RHIA, RHIT, CCS preferred.
• Medical terminology knowledge, anatomy & physiology coursework required.
• Some computer or computerized encoder experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality absolutely required.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

Responsibilities

• Reviews patient’s entire current medical record and assigns ICD-10-CM/PCS or CPT codes according to guidelines and hospital policies.
• Assigns accurate DRG, APC, or E-APG to patient’s record using hospital encoding system.
• Accurately abstracts statistical data from records using hospital abstracting system.
• Corrects any edits flagged by encoder and financial system.
• Understands and applies modifiers appropriately.
• Attends hospital coding education programs and department coding meetings.
• Participates in lean management principles and processes.

Skills

ICD-10-CM/PCS

CPT coding

DRG/APC knowledge

Confidentiality

English proficiency

Deadline driven

Education

AHIMA-accredited medical coding program

RHIA/RHIT/CCS preferred

Job description

Overview

Individual responsible for coding all hospital records for purposes of reimbursement, research, and compliance with federal regulations. Applies correct ICD-10-CM diagnosis, ICD-10-PCS or CPT procedure codes, applies modifiers and assigns appropriate DRG, APC, and E-APG’s. Coder must abstract statistical data from records into hospital abstracting system in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. Individual must have knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, APC’s, E-APG’s, and DRGs, federal and state coding guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Reviews patient’s entire current medical record and assigns appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnosis, ICD-10-PCS or CPT procedure codes according to accepted coding guidelines and hospital’s policies and procedures.
• Assigns accurate DRG, APC, or E-APG to patient’s record utilizing hospital encoding system.
• Accurately abstracts statistical data from records using hospital abstracting system in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Corrects any edits flagged by encoder and financial system.
• Understands and applies modifiers appropriately.
• Attends hospital sponsored educational programs and department coding meetings.
• Participates in and practices lean management principles and processes.

DCH Standards:

• Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
• Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook.
• Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
• Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
• Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
• Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
• Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
• All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AHIMA accredited medical coding program.
• Must pass DCH’s coding proficiency assessment for coders.
• RHIA, RHIT, CCS preferred.
• Medical terminology knowledge, anatomy & physiology coursework required.
• Some computer or computerized encoder experience.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality absolutely required.
• Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English.

WORK CONTEXT

• Requires the ability to work 8 hours quietly at a computer screen and keyboard/mouse.
• Must be able to meet deadlines as assigned.
• Requires the ability to withstand pressures of constant deadlines, audits, educational demands and changing healthcare environment.
• Must have ability to accept criticism and to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.
• Must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing on a daily basis.
• Must be able to participate in groups.
• Must be able to adapt to changes in work area as assigned.
• Displays a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

• Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range.
• Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation.
• This job is considered light work.
• Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• This job involves standing, walking, sitting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and crouching.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.
• Must have good dexterity
• Should be able to reach and extend arms in any direction.