Coding Quality Educator

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 61,758 - 75,482; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Savings

Job summary

The Rector & Visitors of the University of Virginia seeks a Coding Quality Educator to enhance coding practices and compliance. You will conduct audits and training, serving as a key resource for clinical providers and coders.

With expertise in ICD-10-CM and CPT guidelines, you will foster collaboration across departments to improve documentation quality. A Bachelor's degree and at least 5 years relevant experience are required, alongside coding certifications preferred. A comprehensive benefits package is offered.

Qualifications

• 5 years of relevant coding experience preferred.
• Hands-on experience with auditing and coding.
• Ability to collaborate and enhance documentation quality.

Responsibilities

• Support coding teams and healthcare providers.
• Conduct coding reviews for compliance.
• Develop and deliver training materials.

Skills

Adult education and training

ICD-10-CM knowledge

CPT and HCPCS guidelines

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Instructional skills

Education

Bachelor's Degree or relevant experience

Tools

Epic or similar electronic medical record systems

MD Audit

Microsoft Office Suite

Smartsheet

Job description

Overview

The Coding Quality Educator plays a key role in supporting the Enterprise Professional Coding team by strengthening the connection between clinical documentation and compliant coding practices. This position serves as a strategic partner to providers and coders, offering education on documentation improvement, regulatory guidelines, and coding accuracy to ensure appropriate reimbursement and revenue integrity.

The educator conducts coding and documentation reviews, identifies trends, and provides targeted training for coders, physicians, residents, and allied health professionals. This role requires deep expertise in ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and CMS guidelines, along with strong analytical, communication, and instructional skills.

The ideal candidate will bring hands-on auditing and coding experience, proven effectiveness in adult education, and the ability to collaborate with clinical and administrative leaders to enhance documentation quality, compliance, and overall coding performance across the organization.

Collaboration and Support

• Act as a liaison between coding teams, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to resolve coding and documentation issues.
• Review and respond to inquiries from coders and providers regarding complex coding issues and documentation concerns.
• Establish collaborative relationships with physician leaders, clinical providers and administrative leadership in the support of coding and documentation adequacy.
• Review and interpret the Federal Register, CPT, AMA, WHO, CMS, and other payer guidelines, along with relevant publications, to stay updated on coding changes impacting UVA Health System.
• Collaborate with the team to compile coding and documentation updates and tips into a monthly Newsletter.
• Participate in special projects and perform other duties as assigned.

Coding Review

• Conduct comprehensive reviews of coded claims and medical records for professional services to ensure compliance with ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and documentation standards using MDAudit.
• Perform quality reviews on external (3rd party) vendors and team members to ensure accountability and uphold the department’s high standards.
• Track and report coding errors and trends, providing recommendations for process or documentation improvements.

Education and Training

• Develop comprehensive training materials and delivers professional presentations to educate and engage providers, allied health professionals, residents, and coding staff, ensuring adherence to federal, state and regulatory compliance standards.
• Utilizes various training formats, including classroom sessions, one-on-one provider on-site or web-based education, and provider shadowing when appropriate.
• Presents findings from internal and external (3rd party) audits to clinical departments and providers, ensuring accurate documentation practices that align with Federal Register, AMA, WHO, and CMS guidelines.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Proven experience in adult education and training
• Comprehensive knowledge of ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, NCCI, and CMS coding guidelines
• Familiarity with Epic or similar electronic medical record systems
• Experience with MD Audit
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Knowledge of Smartsheet
• Experience with Evaluation and Management Coding/Auditing

Preferred Skills

• Effective interpersonal communication skills
• Strong analytical and research abilities
• Ability to maintain good working relationships and rapport with project stakeholders
• Capability to improve team performance by mentoring, training, and motivation
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret CMS regulations and guidance

Core Competencies

• Education & Training Excellence: Expertise in developing and delivering high-quality educational programs and training sessions.
• Quality Assurance & Attention to Detail: Strong focus on maintaining high standards and meticulous attention to detail in all tasks.
• Strategic Planning & Implementation: Proven ability to create and execute a strategic plan effectively
• Regulatory Compliance Knowledge: In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional ability to communicate clearly and build strong interpersonal relationships.
• Project Management: Skilled in managing projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to objectives.
• Change Management: Proficient in guiding and managing organizational change processes.
• Customer Service Focus: Dedicated to providing excellent customer service and ensuring provider satisfaction
• Technical Expertise: Advanced technical skills and knowledge in relevant areas.

Minimum Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s Degree required or relevant experience may be considered in lieu of Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: 5 years relevant experience required. 5 years of coding experience in a tertiary setting preferred.

Licensure: Coding certification through the AHIMA or AAPC as a RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CCA, and CPC, preferred.

Physical Demands

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally require traveling some distance to attend meetings and programs.

The starting base rate for this role is $68,620.00 annually. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long-term and Short-term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world-class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as High Performing in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA's commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity employment.