Coding Technician III - FT Days

Torrance Memorial Medical Center; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 60,889 - 98,581; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Torrance seeks a Medical Coding Specialist to manage and code inpatient and outpatient procedures. The role requires proficiency in ICD-10-CM and CPT coding, alongside certification from AHIMA or AAPC. Responsibilities include ensuring accurate code assignment, collaborating with physicians for documentation clarity, and maintaining coding standards. Experience in acute care settings is preferred, with compensation ranging from $44.20 to $71.56 per hour.

Qualifications

• Completion of Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology courses.
• AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification required.
• National certifications such as RHIT or RHIA are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Abstract and code diagnoses and procedures in inpatient medical records.
• Review code assignments and sequencing according to ICD-10-CM.
• Clarify documentation with physicians for accurate coding.

Skills

Coding competency in ICD-10-CM

Knowledge of CPT coding

Medicare OPPS coding

Communication with physician

Performance improvement participation

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

AHIMA or AAPC approved coding certification

Job description

Overview

INPATIENT & AMBULATORY SURGERY MEDICAL RECORDING CODING; Abstracts, codes, and electronically records all diagnoses, surgical procedures, and other significant invasive and non- invasive procedures documented by the physician in any inpatient medical records. May also code Emergency Department and assorted outpatient surgery medical records to assists with outpatient coding backlogs, as needed.

Core Competencies

• Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for the principal diagnosis, principal procedure, complications and comorbid (CC) conditions, and other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures that should be coded according to ICD-10-CM official guidelines for coding and reporting, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM.
• Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for the principal procedure, other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures according to the coding conventions and guidelines outlined in the CPT code set, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), the Outpatient Coding Editor (OCE), and the AMA CPT Assistant publication.
• Applies Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) coding assignment requirements regarding the following: Modifiers approved for Hospital Outpatient use, CPT consistent with HCPCS Level II, Medical Necessity Justification (i.e., linking diagnosis to procedure/service performed), Evaluation and Management code assignment, when necessary.
• Consults with physicians and other healthcare providers to obtain clarification documentation to assist with accurate and complete diagnosis and procedure code assignments.
• Demonstrates competency in performance of coding functions by maintaining current knowledge in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding.
• Assists with the accurate abstraction and the correction of ‘hospital discharge data set’ through the Medical Information Reporting for California (MIRCal) system, in accordance with the regulations administered by the Office of Statewide Health, Planning nd Development (OSHPD).
• Maintains a daily productivity level according to the benchmarks and standards outline in the HIM department policy and procedure.

Department Specific Competencies

• Participates in departmental and hospital performance improvement activities (BPI projects, task forces, etc) when appropriate.
• Performs indicated clerical and computer-related duties.
• Answers telephone in a timely manner and ascertains needs and routes accordingly.

Education

• Degree: N/A
• Program: N/A

High School Diploma, GED, or Higher Education. Completion of an ‘American Health Information Management Association’ (AHIMA) or an ‘American Academy of Professional Coders’ (AAPC) approved/sanctioned ICD-10-CM & CPT-4 coding certification program. Completion of: (1) Medical Terminology and (2) Anatomy & Physiology courses.

National Certification: AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) only; or CCS along with any one of the following national certification:

• 1. AHIMA Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
• 2. AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

Experience

• Number of Years Experience: 2
• Type of Experience: 3 years inpatient & outpatient ICD-10-CM & CPT-4 coding in acute care facility.

License / Certification Requirements

Compensation Range: $44.20 - 71.56/hr