Medical Records Coder I/II - Limited Term

County of San Mateo; California; Remote; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking skilled Medical Records Coders to join their team. In this role, you will be responsible for coding various medical services, including outpatient and inpatient records. The ideal candidates will possess a strong understanding of ICD-10 and CPT coding systems, along with the ability to work independently and communicate effectively. This position offers the flexibility of remote work after initial onsite training, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to healthcare while maintaining work-life balance. Join a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion, and make a difference in the community.

Benefits

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Defined contribution retirement plan

Qualifications

• Familiarity with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems is essential.
• Must have at least one year of experience in facility or physician coding.

Responsibilities

• Assign and verify correct ICD-10 and CPT codes for medical records.
• Review patient treatment records to determine coding information.

Skills

ICD-10 coding

CPT coding

HCPCS coding

Attention to detail

Effective communication

Problem-solving

Education

RHIT/RHIA program completion

6 months experience in coding

3 years experience in coding

Tools

Coding software

Windows-based software

Job description

San Mateo County Health is seeking three Medical Records Coders for the San Mateo Medical Center to provide coding of services. Services provided at San Mateo County Health which require coding include inpatient, outpatient facility, emergency room, long term care, psychiatric, ancillary services, and clinic visits.

Current open positions for coding will be focused on professional fee (profee) coding. Majority of work for these positions will be coding of clinic visits with possible profee coding of other chart types. Understanding of code combinations and coding guidelines is crucial for candidates to be successful in this position. Some initial training will be onsite in the Health Information Management Department after which the assignment will be fully remote.

The ideal candidate for the position will be familiar with most or all of the following:

• ICD-10 diagnosis and procedures, CPT procedures, HCPCS procedures, CCI edits, APC, HCC coding, and modifiers.
• Has at least one year experience in facility and/or physician coding.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision using sound independent judgement within established guidelines.
• Embraces change.
• Able to organize work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.
• Can communicate effectively (both verbal and written) and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Additionally, the ideal candidate is detail-oriented, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, proven problem solver and is a team player.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
Medical Records Coder I is the first level of this series. Under general supervision, incumbents abstract and code ICD-10-CM diagnosis, CPT surgical and medical procedures usually associated with outpatient care. This class is flexibly staffed with Medical Records Coder II and incumbents may promote to the II level after gaining experience and demonstrating necessary proficiency in coding ICD10 and CPT Procedural coding.

Medical Records Coder II is the journey level class of this series, fully competent to independently code ICD10 and CPT Procedural coding or perform coding audits, provide physician education on coding issues or EM levels, and analyze and resolve billing edits.

SALARY
Medical Records Coder I: $34.77 - $43.48 / hour
Medical Records Coder II: $42.90 - $53.66 / hour

NOTE: These are limited term, at-will positions. Limited Term Employees are assigned to assignments not to exceed three years. They receive medical and dental benefits, similar to regular employees, and a defined contribution retirement plan.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assign or verify correct International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification System and Current Procedural Terminology (ICD10/CPT) codes to outpatient or inpatient medical records.
• Utilize technical coding principles and APC reimbursement expertise to assign appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnoses and ICD-10-CM/CPT procedures.
• Review narrative records of patient treatments and surgical procedures to determine what information is appropriate for coding purposes and prepares case abstracts.
• Enter coded medical records data on computer terminal; select diagnosis and operations codes from computer designated abstracting system.
• Assist in implementing solutions to reduce back-end billing errors.
• Track weekly and follow up on all accounts that cannot be coded.
• Contact doctors, nurses, laboratory and other auxiliary personnel for information needed to complete, correct or clarify medical records and to resolve discrepancies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note: The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Licensure/Certification:

All Levels Possession of at least one of the following certifications:

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H) issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Knowledge of:

• ICD10 and CPT classification coding systems.
• Fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and the study of diseases.
• Extensive medical terminology, and hospital accreditation and regulatory standards.
• ICD10 coding guidelines and Ethical Coding standards.
• NCCI edits and hospital modifiers (for the journey level Coders).
• Standard clerical office procedures and equipment including Windows-based software use.

Skill/Ability to:

• Competently select ICD10 to code diagnoses, treatments and procedures for outpatient or inpatient services either by use of coding books or encoder product.
• Competently code procedure using CPT logic.
• Abide by the standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to official coding guidelines.
• Maintain Continuing Education for certifications.
• Abstract pertinent information from medical records.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate computer and appropriate coding software and abstract package.
• Effectively communicate technical information to medical and administrative personnel.
• Maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Medical Records Coder I: Completion of the RHIT/RHIA program or 6 months experience in coding hospital related services.
• Medical Records Coder II: Three years of experience in coding hospital related services.

If you are interested in being considered for this extra help position, the following materials must be electronically submitted in a Word or PDF format:

• Cover letter with responses to Supplemental Questions (maximum of 2 pages)
• Resume

Supplemental Questions:

1. Please tell us which of the following certificates you possess. Preference to include a copy of your certification to your email application. Certificates accepted include Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H), or Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

1. Please describe your work experience. Be sure to reference the experience you have with the following: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, E/M Coding, Professional Fee Coding, APCs, and NCCI edits.

1. Provide a specific example from your work experience to describe the methods you use to audit, review, and ensure accuracy of codes used in medical records. Include steps you took to correct any problems or inaccuracies you identified.

Please include the words"Medical Record Coder I/II – Limited Term" in the subject line of the email submission. Please submit the required materials electronically via email to:

Valissa Mathewson, Manager of Health Information Management

[e-mail]

Application materials will be reviewed as they are received, and well-qualified candidates will be contacted for an interview.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

NOTE: Application materials are only accepted via e-mail. Materials sent via regular mail and/or fax will not be accepted. Submittals that do not include all required elements (cover letter with responses to supplemental questions and a resume) will not be considered.

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.