Senior Coder-Anesthesia

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Coder-Anesthesia position is responsible for reviewing documentation in the outpatient/inpatient EHR. This position is responsible for assigning ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and CPT, ASA, HCPCS II and appropriate modifiers to patient records from BMC Anesthesia Departments.  The Senior Coder-Anesthesia position is a resource for the physicians and other health care providers in regard to coding and to review medical documentation to insure appropriate physician coding and billing.

Position: Senior Coder-Anesthesia        

Department: FPF Prof. Billing Office

Schedule: Full Time

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES:

• Perform coding and related duties of moderate and high complexity anesthesia work using established guidelines in an accurate and timely manner.
• Review medical documentation and system generated charges or paper encounter forms. Appropriately assign CPT, ASA, ICD-10, HCPCS II, and modifiers based on documentation and payor requirements
• Research billing rules and regulations for moderately complex new and existing procedures
• Demonstrate a commitment to integrating coding compliance standards into daily coding practices. Identify, correct and report coding problems.
• Maintains knowledge of coding and professional skills, including maintaining yearly coding credentials through attendance at in-service programs, conferences, workshops, review of current literature and other educational programs.
• Resolves complex coding edits and denials in a timely manner. Identify opportunities to reduce denials and enhance revenue.
• Provide cross coverage of multiple specialties
• Function as a resource to external customers. Research and resolve complex coding inquiries. Make recommendations for coding policy changes.
• Perform peer to peer quality assurance reviews of all Physician Practice Coders in equal or lower complexity areas of expertise
• Functions as subject matter expert for assigned specialties
• Develop and maintain division specific coding procedures and/or billing area instructions
• Complete special projects as assigned by manager.
• Participate in coding education for providers and co-workers upon request.
• Maintain coding certification.
• Sequences diagnoses, procedures and complications by following ICD-10-CM, Medicare, Medicaid, and other fiscal intermediary guidelines.
• Maintains productivity standards set forth in Departmental Policies and procedures. 
• Review and respond to coding questions. 
• Ensure billed service is being accurately coded.
• Perform random chart audits. 
• Performs other duties as needed.

Must adhere to all of BMC’s RESPECT behavioral standards.

(The above statements in this job description are intended to depict the general nature and level of work assigned to the employee(s) in this job. The above is not intended to represent an exhaustive list of accountable duties and responsibilities required).

JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION:

Associates Degree (or direct work experience equivalent to at least 2 years)

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS REQUIRED:

Coding Certification from American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is required. Certification may include CPC, COC, COC-A, CANPC, CGSC, CIC, CCA, CPC-A, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT, or RHIA

EXPERIENCE:

Minimum of 2 years experience conducting Anesthesia coding/auditing in a surgical/procedural environment to include compliance, and billing processes.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES (KSA):

• Advanced Proficiency in ICD-10, CPT, ASA, HCPCS, and modifiers for coding of professional fee services.
• Advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology and insurance reimbursement policies and regulations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to prioritize and organize work to meet strict deadlines are required.
• Able to code moderate/high complexity work.
• Understands, retains, and is able to research coding billing rules, regulations, and requirements.
• Able to critically think through processes in coding to recognize errors and/or problems. Understands reasons for actions on edits.
• Able to share/transfer knowledge or train co-workers, peers, billing managers on coding - Able to provide education with physicians in small group or one-on-one sessions as needed or requested.
• Able to provide feedback to billing managers, physicians, staff, and others independently with occasional guidance from manager.
• Able to provide cross-coverage of multiple specialties.
• Able to perform peer to peer quality assurance reviews in equal or lower complexity areas of expertise.
• Proficient with computer applications (MS Office etc), Excellent data entry skills
• Strong knowledge of health records, computerized billing and charging systems, Microsoft applications, data integrity, and processing techniques required. 
• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to multi-task, prioritize essential tasks, follow-through and meet timelines.
• Ability to work with accuracy and attention to detail
• Ability to solve problems appropriately using job knowledge and current policies/procedures.
• Ability to work cooperatively with members of the healthcare delivery team and staff, ability to handle frequent interruptions and adapt to changes in workload and work schedule and to respond quickly to urgent requests.
• Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality of all personal/health sensitive information and ensure compliance of HIPAA rules and regulations.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Disabled/Veterans