Quality Assurance Specialist (Inpatient Coding)

Davita Inc.; Omaha (NE); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company seeks a Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist to ensure the accuracy and compliance of inpatient coding. The role requires extensive knowledge of coding guidelines, responsibilities such as conducting QA reviews, and maintaining documentation standards. Candidates with a minimum of 5 years of experience and related credentials will thrive in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hospital inpatient coding experience required.
• Health information management and coding credential from AHIMA or AAPC required (RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC).
• Expert knowledge in Official Coding Guidelines and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding.

Responsibilities

• Performs IP coding quality assurance (QA) reviews.
• Maintains turnaround time expectations to minimize impact to client.
• Writes query asks with clinical indicators for documentation discrepancies.

Skills

Detail oriented

Problem solving

Strong communication

Coding expertise

Knowledge of quality metrics

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate's degree in health information management

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist is responsible for performance of internal coding QA reviews. These reviews provide an additional layer of internal coding quality and compliance of inpatient (IP) records to assure appropriateness and accuracy of code assignments in accordance with official coding guidelines and client facility specific coding guidelines.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs IP coding quality assurance (QA) reviews
• Maintains turnaround time expectations to minimize impact to client DNFB
• Maintains an up-to-date working knowledge of MS-DRG, APR-DRG, ICD-10 CM/PCS coding
• Identifies, applies, and validates the use of current industry standard clinical indicators, risk factors and treatment protocols/order sets used in clinical validation of payment impacting code assignment
• Abstracts and performs a comprehensive review of the medical record to assess the documentation present/absent as it compares to the base code set impacting payment, or a requested change in coding
• Review scope includes validation of the MS-DRGs and APR-DRGs assigned for Medicare, Medicaid, commercial, and third-party claims
• Recognizes when a documentation clarification or confirmation query is necessary
• Writes a query ask with clinical indicators and/or documentation excerpts if a discrepancy or gap exists in the medical record documentation and the (base, desired) code assignment per application of Official Coding Guidelines, or if a medical condition does not appear to be clinically supported or meeting clinical criteria requirements
• Query request writing ability requires knowledge of different types of queries and compliant query practices including knowledge and application of clinical validation criteria
• Develops and maintains a strong understanding of Accuity and of client specific technology, policy, procedures, guidelines, and workflows
• Ensures strict confidentiality of patient information
• Accountable for meeting or exceeding both production and quality expectations
• Meets or exceeds short-term and long-term goals as established for the department
• May require schedule flexibility and change to accommodate workflow and client business needs
• Participates in staff meetings and attends other meetings and seminars as required
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

Requirements

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate's degree in health information management or similar preferred

Licensure and/or Credentials/Certifications:

• Health information management and/or coding credential from AHIMA and/or AAPC required (RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC, and/or CIC)
• CCDS or CDIP certification preferred
• AHIMA ICD-10/PCS trainer certification preferred

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of hospital inpatient coding experience required
• Minimum 2 years inpatient/DRG auditing experience required
• Minimum 2 years inpatient clinical documentation improvement experience preferred
• Experience with electronic health records and health information systems as well as different encoders
• Experience and knowledge in DRG reimbursement (i.e., MS-DRG, APR-DRG)
• Demonstrated knowledge of all applicable coding clinics as they relate to current IP coding practices

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Expert knowledge of Official Coding Guidelines, advanced knowledge of APR and MS DRG reimbursement models, state, and federal regulations
• ICD-10-CM/PCS coding expertise including POA assignment and discharge disposition codes
• Knowledge of AHRQ Quality Metrics including patient safety indicators (PSIs), Hospital Acquired Conditions (HACs), Vizient Mortality Models, CMS Core Measures, other national patient safety quality indicators, and different payor categories
• Knowledge of quality assurance/healthcare internal auditing concepts and principles
• Solid command of anatomy, physiology, pathology, laboratory, imaging, pharmacology, disease assessment, patient management, and treatment
• Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and policy compliance issues related to medical coding and documentation
• Knowledge of current and developing issues and trends in medical coding diagnosis and procedure code assignment
• Advanced knowledge of medical coding, electronic medical record systems, and coding systems
• Ability to use independent judgment and to manage confidential information
• Ability to analyze and problem solve
• Detail oriented with ability to multi-task
• Strong communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills
• Ability to clearly communicate information to coders, physicians, and CDI staff
• Ability to provide guidance and training to Accuity coding, physician, and CDI staff
• Independent, focused individual who takes initiative and can work remotely
• Able to execute under the pressure of time constraints and maintain focus over period of work hours
• Demonstrates ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with various teams
• Serves as a professional role model for internal and external customers
• Certifications and/or professional license must be maintained as a condition of employment
• Maintains subject matter expertise in clinical validation criteria and practices, ICD-10-CM/PCS code sets, coding guidelines, clinical documentation integrity, and inpatient payment methodologies as a condition of employment
• Ability to use a PC in a Windows environment, including MS Office applications
• Independent, focused individual able to work remotely or on-site