Coding Specialist II

Northwesternmedicine; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Northwestern Medicine is seeking a Coding Specialist II to perform CPT/ICD-10 coding through abstraction of the medical record, focusing on complex encounters and advanced coding skills.

The role collaborates with physicians and clinical teams to ensure accurate documentation and billing, trains staff on documentation and coding, and meets accuracy and productivity standards while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• RHIA/RHIT/CCS/CPC certification required.
• 0-2 years of experience in a relevant role.
• 94% accuracy on coding test required.

Responsibilities

• Code physician professional services and diagnosis codes with CPT/ICD-10 modifiers.
• Maintain 95% accuracy per Official Guidelines.
• Provide documentation feedback to physicians.
• Collaborate with Revenue Cycle and Patient Accounting.
• Train physicians and staff on documentation, billing, and coding.
• Resolve coding edits and support denials.
• Review and communicate new coding guidelines.
• Meet minimum coding productivity and quality standards.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Time management

Confidentiality

Problem solving

Education

RHIA/RHIT or CPC or CCS certification

Tools

CPT coding

ICD-10 coding

Job description

The Coding Specialist II reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The PB Coding Specialist II performs Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and International Classification of Diseases, volume 10 (ICD10) coding through abstraction of the medical record with a focus on more complex encounters and/or has expertise with HCPCs procedural codes. Has deep understanding of disease process, A&P and pharmacology. Acts as a key collaborator with Providers and Clinical areas to ensure the medical record accurately reflects the patient's service. This position trains physicians and other staff regarding documentation, billing and coding, and performs various administrative and clerical duties to support the role's core function. Also demonstrates expertise to resolve Optum coding edits.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Utilizes technical coding expertise to reviews the medical record thoroughly, utilizing all available documentation abstract and code physician professional services and diagnosis codes (including anesthesia encounters, operative room and surgical procedural services, invasive procedures and/or drug infusion encounters). Additionally, may include coding for Evaluation and Management services, bedside procedures and diagnostic tests as needed.
• Follows Official Guidelines and rules in order to assign appropriate CPT, ICD10 codes and modifiers with a minimum of 95% accuracy.
• Ensures charges are captured by performing various reconciliations (procedure schedules, OR logs and clinical system reports).
• Provides documentation feedback to physicians.
• Maintains coding reference information.
• Trains physicians and other staff regarding documentation, billing and coding.
• Reviews and communicates new or revised billing and coding guidelines and information.
• Attends meetings and educational roundtables, communicates pertinent information to physicians and staff.
• Resolves pre-accounts receivable edits. Identifies repetitive documentation problems as well as system issues.
• Makes appropriate changes to incorrectly billed services, adds missing unbilled services, provides missing data as appropriate, corrects CPT and ICD9 codes and modifiers. Adds MBO tracking codes as needed.
• Collaborate with Patient Accounting, PB Billing, and other operational areas to provide coding reimbursement expertise; helps identify and resolve incorrect claim issues and is responsible for drafting letters in order to coordinate appeals.
• Acts as key point person for Revenue Cycle staff and Account Inquiry Unit staff in obtaining documentation (notes, operative reports, drug treatment plans, etc.). Provides additional code and modifier information to assist with appealing denials. May contact providers for peer-to-peer reviews.
• Meets established minimum coding productivity and quality standards for each encounter type.
• May perform other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES / PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Please refer to NMHC Performance Standard Competencies.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge, understands, and implements coding rule updates.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, physicians, management, staff and other customers.
• Demonstrated customer service skills, including the ability to use appropriate judgment, independent thinking and creativity when resolving customer issues.
• Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to use personal computers and select software applications.
• Ability to analyze data for decision making purposes.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Outlook and database entry.
• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ability to adapt to changes in work environment, delays or unexpected events.
• Demonstrates attention to detail and monitors own work for accuracy.

Required:

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
• Zero (0) to two (2) years' experience in a relevant role.
• 94% accuracy on organization's coding test.

Preferred:

• Bachelor's degree or Associate's degree in a Health Information Management program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
• Previous experience with physician coding.

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientat