Outpatient Coder

Houston Methodist

Georgia

On-site

USD 55,000 - 75,000

Full time

3 days ago

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Job summary

Houston Methodist is seeking an Outpatient Coder responsible for assigning accurate ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS and CPT codes for outpatient, ER, therapy, and clinic encounters based on documentation in the electronic medical record, while ensuring compliance with coding guidelines.

The role requires strong knowledge of coding systems, ability to query physicians when needed, and adherence to AHIMA/industry standards to maintain coding quality and revenue integrity.

Qualifications

Minimum one year of outpatient coding experience or completion of the Houston Methodist Coding Apprentice Program
Associate degree or higher in an AHIMA-accredited program or additional two years of experience in lieu of degree
Must have one of the following AHIMA/AAPC certifications (e.g., RHIT, RHIA, CCS, CPC, etc.)

Responsibilities

Assign accurate ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS and CPT codes for outpatient, ER, therapy, and clinic encounters
Review documentation in the EMR to determine principal diagnosis, comorbid conditions and procedures
Query physicians to obtain or clarify diagnoses and procedures when necessary
Maintain coding quality and compliance with AHIMA guidelines and regulatory standards

Skills

Coding systems knowledge

EHR knowledge

Medical terminology

Encoder proficiency

Office software proficiency

Communication skills

Education

AHIMA accredited program diploma or higher

Tools

Electronic encoder application

Coding software and abstracting systems

Job description

At Houston Methodist, the Outpatient Coder position is responsible for ensuring diagnostic and procedure codes are assigned accurately to outpatient, emergency room, therapy, and/or clinic encounters based upon documentation within the electronic medical record while maintaining compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines.

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Associate’s degree or higher in a Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management accredited program or additional two years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) in lieu of degree

EXPERIENCE

One year of relevant outpatient coding experience or completion of the Houston Methodist Coding Apprentice Program

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required

Must have one of the following:

RHIT - Certified Health Information Technician (AHIMA)
RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator (AHIMA)
CCS - Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)
CCA – Certified Coding Associate (AHIMA)
CCS-P – Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (AHIMA)
CPC – Certified Professional Coder (AAPC)
CPC-H – Certified Professional Coder – Hospital (AAPC)
CPC-I – Certified Professional Coder Instructor (AAPC)
CPC-A – Certified Professional Coder Associate (AAPC)
CCC – Certified Cardiology Coder (AAPC)
COC - Certified Outpatient Coder (AAPC)

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Knowledge of coding classification systems, DRG and APC systems, official coding guidelines and coding compliance
Knowledge of an electronic medical record and imaging systems
Working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
Proficiency with electronic encoder application
Extensive PC knowledge - must be able to work effectively in common office software, coding software and abstracting systems

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Interacts and communicates effectively with members of the coding team and the appropriate stakeholders.
Participates and provides good feedback during coding section meetings and coding education in-services as well as takes initiative to assist others and shares knowledge with the appropriate stakeholders.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Responds promptly to internal and external customer requests. Responds promptly and appropriately to requests to code or review coded accounts for accuracy.
Initiates queries with physicians to obtain or clarify diagnoses and/or procedures as appropriate, utilizing the established physician query process.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintains and achieves departmental standards of coding quality by assigning accurate ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS and CPT codes and APC assignment utilizing an electronic encoder application in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory body guidelines.
Maintains and achieves departmental standards of abstracting quality by reviewing the discharge disposition entered by nursing and corrects if necessary in order to achieve the highest quality of entered data. Assigns and enters physician identification number and procedure date correctly in the medical record abstracting system.
Reviews medical record documentation and abstracts data into the encoder and Electronic Health Record (EHR) to determine principal or final diagnosis, co-morbid conditions and complications, secondary conditions and procedures. Utilizes all tools/resources for accuracy.
Complies with the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to official guidelines.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Utilizes time effectively. Consistently codes and abstracts at departmental standards of productivity while ensuring accuracy of coding.
Supports meeting organizational goal for Accounts Receivables (AR) associated with uncoded accounts.
Maintains coding timeframes within established departmental standards by ensuring all work items assigned to the coding queues are processed in a timely manner.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Critically evaluates own performance, accepts constructive criticism, and looks for ways to improve.
Displays initiative to improve relative to job function. Contributes ideas to help improve quality of coding data and abstracting data.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE