Outpatient Medical Coder-Twentynine Palms, CA

Medical Coder – Outpatient

Summary

Responsible for the accurate assignment of Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes, ICD diagnoses, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), modifiers, and quantities derived from medical record documentation (paper or electronic) for outpatient encounters.

Also responsible for training and educating MTF staff on coding issues and supporting coding compliance activities.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Assign accurate E&M, ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes and modifiers based on medical record documentation
• Identify and abstract information from paper or electronic medical records for special studies and internal/external audits
• Collaborate with MTF staff to ensure documentation supports accurate coding assignments
• Educate MTF staff through individual and group training sessions and in-services
• Maintain delinquency reports for missing records to ensure work is completed within required thresholds
• Utilize strong computer and communication skills to interact effectively with providers and staff
• Demonstrate knowledge of:
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • Disease processes
  • Medical terminology
  • Outpatient coding guidelines
  • Documentation requirements
  • Medications and reimbursement guidelines
  • Encoder systems
• Manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively to meet deadlines

Requirements

• One of the following certifications:
  • Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT)
  • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-based (CCS-P)
• Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by:
  • American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), and/or
  • American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC)

Continued Education Requirements

Contract medical coders must obtain and maintain all required continuing education hours at no expense to the government in order to keep current and proper national certification(s) required for the position.

Experience

• Minimum of three (3) years of outpatient coding experience within the last five (5) years
• Experience must include assignment of E&M, CPT, and HCPCS codes
• Experience in a physician’s office or ambulatory surgery center setting required