Outpatient Coder I

Individual responsible for coding all hospital ED, RCR, CLI, and REF records for reimbursement, research, and compliance with federal regulations. Applies ICD-10 diagnosis and CPT procedure codes and appropriate APC or E-APG. Abstracts statistical data from records into the hospital abstracting system in accordance with hospital policies and procedures. Must have knowledge of CPT, APCs, E-APGs, and federal and state coding guidelines.

Duties

• Reviews the patient’s entire current medical record and assigns appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis and CPT procedure codes according to accepted coding guidelines and the hospital’s policies and procedures.
• Assigns accurate APC and E-APG codes to the patient’s record using the hospital encoding system.
• Corrects edits flagged by the encoder and financial system.
• Understands and applies modifiers appropriately.
• Performs charge entry.
• Accurately abstracts statistical data from records using the hospital abstracting system.
• Attends hospital-sponsored coding educational programs and department coding meetings.
• Participates in and practices lean management principles and processes.

Working Conditions

• Works 8 hours quietly at a computer screen using a keyboard and mouse.
• Must meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure in a changing healthcare environment.
• Must communicate verbally and in writing on a daily basis.
• Must be able to participate in groups, adapt to changes in the work area, and maintain confidentiality.
• Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, stooping, pushing, pulling, crouching, and lifting up to 20 pounds.