Summary
This position is located in the Health Information Management Section (HIMS) of the Business Office Service Line at the VAMC Manchester NH. Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditors classify medical data from patient health records in hospital and physician-based settings. The remote option for this position will be assessed continuously, and selected employees may be required to return to a VA office in the future depending on agency policy.
Duties
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures, and health services organization to ensure proper code selection.
- Review assigned codes using current ICD, CPT, and/or HCPCS coding systems.
- Adhere to accepted coding practices, guidelines, and conventions when selecting diagnosis, procedure, ancillary, or E/M codes.
- Apply VERA-specific guidelines for patient classification and resource allocation.
- Monitor regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information across the full spectrum of services.
- Assist staff with documentation requirements to accurately reflect patient care.
- Provide technical support regarding regulations, policy, coding requirements, resident supervision, reimbursement, workload, nomenclature, and sequencing.
- Consult with professional staff to clarify conflicting or ambiguous clinical data.
- Search patient records to validate code assignment and support documentation.
- Review, analyze, and report performance monitors for PTF, PCE, VERA, and Non-VA Medical Care coding.
- Audit ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, MS-DRG, POA status, and discharge disposition values for inpatient records.
- Improve coding accuracy by reviewing coding work and providing guidance to coders.
- Initiate reports, analyze data, and facilitate quality improvement for coded data.
- Perform audits, develop criteria, collect and analyze data, graph results, create reports, and communicate findings to leadership.
- Work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Remote/virtual status is currently designated as remote, but this does not guarantee permanent remote work status.
Requirements & Qualifications
Qualifications
- United States citizenship.
- One year of creditable experience demonstrating knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and health record structure and format; or an appropriate associate degree; or completion of an AHIMA-approved coding program or equivalent intensive coding training.
- Equivalent combinations of education and experience may qualify.
- Additional creditable experience equivalent to MRT (Coder) work is required.
- Certification must be one of the following:
- Apprentice/Associate level certification through AHIMA or AAPC
- Mastery level certification through AHIMA or AAPC
- Clinical Documentation Improvement certification through AHIMA or ACDIS
- For GS-09, one year of experience equivalent to the GS-08 journey grade level is required.
- Mastery level certification is required for this level.
- Candidates must demonstrate advanced knowledge of ICD, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
- Ability to research and resolve complex coding questions accurately and timely.
- Ability to review coded data and supporting documentation for adherence to standards and guidelines.
- Ability to present audit results, identify trends, and provide recommendations.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
Preferred Experience
- Prior auditing experience in outpatient, inpatient, and surgical settings.
- Experience training coding and clinical staff on coding guidelines.
Location
Indiana, US
Employment Type
Full-time
Experience Level
Senior
Salary Range
$69,905 - $90,882
Remote work allowed
Yes
Posted
1 week ago