LifePoint Health has an opportunity for a Coding Specialist I - Remote. The Coding Specialist I assign diagnosis and procedure codes using the appropriate coding classification system to reflect the care and services rendered to the patients in the emergency room, clinical ancillary and outpatient surgery department settings. Ensure the accurate selection of the principal diagnosis and procedure and all other significant diagnoses and procedures. Abstract hospital-defined data from records for data collection purposes. Ensure compliance with official guidelines (ICD-10-CM, AHA Coding Clinic, AMA CPT Assistant and Guidelines), AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding and LifePoint Health Support Center (HSC) policies and procedures.

LifePoint Health is a leader in community-based care and driven by a mission of Making Communities Healthier. Our diversified healthcare delivery network spans 29 states and includes 63 community hospital campuses, 32 rehabilitation and behavioral health hospitals, and more than 170 additional sites of care across the healthcare continuum, such as acute rehabilitation units, outpatient centers and post-acute care facilities. We believe that success is achieved through talented people. We want to create places where employees want to work, with opportunities to pursue meaningful and satisfying careers that truly make a difference in communities across the country.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assign ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS codes correctly with a coding error rate of less than 5% in accordance with established guidelines for reimbursement and statistical data.
• Maintain quarterly minimum 95% coding accuracy.
• Must be familiar with Ambulatory Payment Categories (APC’s), the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS), National Correct Coding Initiative guidelines, Local and National Coverage Decisions and other medical necessity/compliance guidelines for billing and coding.
• Follows department workflow for service type to include addressing compliance reviews. Contacts physicians and/or ancillary departments when additional information is needed to accurately code the record.
• Prioritizes coding functions to assure records are coded within facility defined number of days from discharge. Collaborates with the team to maintain and exceed DNFC goals while maintaining good employee relations.
• Meets coding productivity standards on a consistent basis as indicated by HSC standards.
• Submits physician queries when clarification of documentation is needed.
• Refers coding questions to coding auditors, coding managers and/or coding leads. For those cases where the diagnosis is obscure, determines the most appropriate diagnosis after a thorough review of the medical record and queries the physician.
• Decreases pending accounts with timely follow up. Daily review and response to Business Office holds.
• Accurately enters code hold reasons into abstracting system.
• Identifies any patient type admission order discrepancy or discharge status discrepancy and works with case managers and admitting to code the account with the correct status.
• May provide codes to Admitting, Business Office, Outpatient Clinics and various hospital departments upon request.
• Assist others with responsibilities and adjusts work schedule to meet department needs.
• Uses independent discretion/decision making while effectively working alone.
• Attends required educational webinars, conference calls, other coding seminars, and participates in all formal and informal coding discussions. Complete all assigned compliance courses within assigned period of time.
• Maintain at least fifteen (15) continuing education hours annually and maintain required credentials.
• Conforms to AHIMA’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Coding, LifePoint Attendance Policy and ensures patient/employee privacy and dignity by maintaining confidentiality with no infractions.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information:

Position serves both internal co-workers and external customers, clients, contractors, and vendors.

Access to and/or works with sensitive and/or confidential information.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Not responsible for supervising employees.

BENEFITS:

At LifePoint, our Mission of Making Communities Healthier extends to our employees. We offer an excellent total compensation package, including a competitive salary and benefits. Some of our benefits include 401k, PTO, generous Employee illness benefit (EIB), medical, dental, vision, tuition reimbursement, and an Employee Assistance Program. We believe that happy, healthy people have a passionate engagement with life and work and have designed our package to enhance your wellbeing.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required.

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Experience: 2+ years of experience

Certifications: Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) preferred

Minimum overnight travel (up to 10%) by land and/or air