HIM Lead Coder

1. In collaboration with the Coding Manager, train and educate coding staff, perform productivity and quality audits, create departmental/educational policies, and communicate any staffing justifications to achieve timely and accurate coding of all encounters for Vail Health.
2. Competently performs all duties of a Coding Specialist III, and code inpatient and 2 or more outpatient record types which may include ProFee coding. Routinely achieves or exceed quality and quantity expectations for coding and abstracting.
3. Conduct quarterly reviews of coding quality and maintains productivity records for each coder assigned to Vail Health. Review findings with the individual coding specialists and, when appropriate, establish an action plan to address deficiencies. Track and reports findings to the Coding Manager.
4. Collaborate with others in the organization including Medical Staff, other clinicians, and physician office staffs; and with Patient Financial Services to ensure the codes submitted for claims are supported by the documentation in the record. When querying clinical staff, uses appropriate querying techniques to avoid leading the clinician and follows up to ensure queried accounts are dropped within 10 days of the query. As needed, involves the HIM Director or Coding Supervisor.
5. Promptly address ticklers (edits) and questions from Patient Financial Services within one business day. May participate in various hospital/physician committees as appropriate and prepare and provide provider in-services.
6. Attend all required in-services and coder meetings. Identify and attend training and educational programs conducive to professional growth. Share coding policies, procedures, and coding guidance routinely with staff. As necessary, test staff on their level of understanding the shared materials. Arrange for routine in-service options for coding staff.
7. Support the philosophy, objectives, and goals of Vail Health and the HIM department by volunteering in various capacities without compromising performance expectations.
8. Contribute to the efficiency of the HIM department. Routinely volunteer to assist others when his/her work is completed.
9. Abide by standards of professional and ethical conduct as defined by CMS, AHIMA, and the professional organization from which the incumbent is certified and/or credentialed.
10. Understand and comply with policies and procedures related to medicolegal matters including confidentiality, amendment of medical records, release of information, patient rights, medical records as legal evidence, informed consent, etc.
11. Role model the principals of a Just Culture and Organizational Values. Perform other duties as assigned. Is knowledgeable of and compliant with VVMC HIPAA, Safety and Compliance Program Policies and Procedures.

• 2 years coding experience required.
• 2 years of hospital inpatient production coding experience preferred.
• Quality and productivity performance is demonstrated and documented for no less than 12 consecutive months.

• N/A

• One of the following required:
  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Professional Coder (CPC/CPC-H), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS/CCS-P), or Certified Interventional Radiology/Cardiology Coder (CIRCC) required.

• Use of a computer, keyboard, and mouse and experience with basic Microsoft Office applications, required. Must possess the computer skills necessary to complete work assignments, online learning requirements for job specific competencies, access online forms and policies, complete online benefits enrollment, etc.
• Ability to search resources and/or Internet to locate CMS and third party payer websites for coding requirements and medical necessity guidelines is required.
• Competent in accessing and using an encoder (3M or Trucode), required.

Education: 

• Graduate of a coding certificate program, associate or bachelor’s degree in health information technology, or other allied health field required.