Coding Compliance Auditor HIM Inpatient - HIM Financial - Full Time 8 Hour Days Non-Exempt Non-Union

In accordance with current federal & state coding compliance regulations and guidelines the IP Coding Compliance Auditor performs 2nd level reviews of previously coded inpatient accounts for MSDRG validation purposesincluding the accuracy and completeness of all ICD10CM and ICD10PCS code assigned by inpatient coders. Ensure appropriate MSDRG & APRDRG including SOI & ROM scores. Performs 2nd level reviews of variables affecting MSDRG and/or APRDRGsuch asHACs PSIs Elixhauser Comorbidities etc. Performs targeted/focused 2nd level reviews on Cloudmed & CCI external audit findings. Work with other stakeholders to performs targeted/focused 2nd level reviews per internal project requests by Revenue Cycle Depts.(i.e. PFS Patient Access Case management) CDI Quality Risks physician providers/Medical Staff committees CSuite etc. All assigned codes and DRG classifications must be supported by clinical documentation contained in the medical record and must be in compliance with federal coding laws rules regulations Official Coding Guidelines and the AHA Coding Clinic etc. Provide audit reports Excel spreadsheets coding audit summary analysis and data analytics Re: coding accuracy rates compliance rates HCAI/OSHPD data integrity etc. Create provide and conduct education & training sessions/topics based on audit findings and assist the IP Coding Manager with the continued education of all inpatient Coders. Initiates appropriate CDI query engagements with Coders & CDI Specialists in order to acquire or clarify the necessary clinical documentation needed to facilitate accurate and complete coding abstracting and DRG assignments. Participate in responses to inquiries regarding coding and clinical documentation from Coders CDI Specialists and all other internal 7 external customers. Performs other HIM Coding Department duties as assigned by the HIM leadership team. Excellent written and oral communication skills are required as well as effective human relations and leadership skills for building and maintaining a working relationship with all levels of staff physicians and other contacts. Must possess the ability to: interact professionally and ethically with third parties including stakeholders coworkers and management; handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Provide clear concise oral and written directives/communications; quickly assess situations and respond appropriately; handle special requests in a sensitive professional manner. Demonstrates the ability to perform indepth clinical & regulatory research Re: NCD LCD NCCI Official Coding Guidelines AHA Coding Clinic CPT Assistant etc. Ability to problem solve prioritize and organize follow directives with accuracy and precision.

Essential Duties:

• CODING AUDITING
• Performs monthly internal coding audits to evaluate accuracy of coding staff to ensure a 95 coding accuracy rate.
• Develops monitoring/education plans for coding staff who do not meet the 95 accuracy rate.
• Recognizes education needs of staff based on monthly reviews and conducts related inservices as needed.
• Ability to act as a resource to coding and hospital staff on coding issues and questions.
• Ability to achieve a 95 accuracy rate as determined by an annual external review of coding.
• ABSTRACTING AUDITING
• Performs monthly internal abstracting audits to evaluate accuracy of coding staff to ensure a 95 abstracting accuracy rate.
• Develops monitoring/education plans for coding staff who do not meet the 95 accuracy rate.
• Recognizes education needs of staff based on monthly reviews and conducts related inservices as needed.
• Ability to act as a resource to coding staff on difficult coding issues.
• UNDER GENERAL SUPERVISION RESPONSIBLE FOR:
• Inpatient coding of all diagnostic and procedural information from the medical records using ICD10CM ICD10PCS and CPT/HCPCS and Modifier classification systems and abstracting patient information as established and required by official coding laws regulations rules guidelines and conventions.
• Reviews the entire medical record; accurately classify and sequence diagnoses and procedures; ensure the capture of all documented conditions that coexist at the time of the encounter/visit all medical necessity diagnoses complications comorbidities historical condition or family history that has an impact on current care or influences treatment and all external causes of morbidity.
• Enter patient information into inpatient and outpatient medical record databases (ClinTrac/HDM). Ensures accuracy and integrity of medical record abstracted UB04 & OSHPD data elements prior to billing interface and claims submission.
• Works cooperatively with HIM Coding Support and/or Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist in obtaining documentation to complete medical records and ensure optimal and accurate assignment of diagnosis & procedure codes.
• Assists in the correction of regulatory reports such as OSHPD as requested.
• Attendance punctuality and professionalism in all HIM Coding and work related activities.
• Consistently assumes responsibility and displays reliability for completion of tasks duties communications and actions. Completes tasks accurately legibly and in a timely fashion.
• Performs other duties as requested/assigned by Director Manager Supervisor or designee.
• CODING & ABSTRACTING ACCURACY
• Ability to achieve a minimum of 95 coding accuracy rate as determined by any internal or external review of coding and/or department quality review(s).
• Ability to achieve a minimum of 95 abstracting accuracy rate of UB04 and OSHPD data elements as determined by any internal or external review of coding and/or department quality review(s).
• Assist in ensuring that all medical records contain information necessary for optimal and accurate coding and abstracting.
• Recognizes education needs of based on monthly reviews and conducts selfimprovement activities.
• Ability to act as a resource to coding and hospital staff on coding issues and questions.
• CODING OPTIMIZATION
• Ability to improve MSDRG assignments related to the documentation & coding of PDx SecDx CC/MCC PPx and SecPx in accordance with official coding laws regulations rules guidelines and conventions.
• Ability to improve APRDRG SOI and ROM assignments related to the documentation & coding of PDx SecDx CC/MCC PPx and SecPx in accordance with official coding laws regulations rules guidelines and conventions.
• Ability to improve APC/HCC assignments based on medical necessity documentation & coding of PDx SecDx and CPT/HCPCS in accordance with official coding laws regulations rules guidelines and conventions.
• TIMELINESS OF AUDITING/CODING & PRODUCTIVITY
• Maintains at minimum expected productivity standards (See HIM Practice Guidelines) and strives to maintain a steady level of productivity and provides consistent effort.
• Works coding queues/task lists to ensure 95 of patient bills are dropped within 5 days after patient discharge/date of service.
• Works coding queues/task lists to ensures the remaining 5 of patient bills are dropped within 2 weeks of discharge/date of service.
• Assist other coders in performance of duties including answering questions and providing guidance as necessary.
• Assists Patient Financial Services (PFS) Patient Access and other departments in addressing coding issues/questions and/or providing information so that an interim bill can be generated. Assists with physicians physician office staff and hospital ancillary department staff with diagnostic or procedural coding issues/questions as needed.
• Assists in the monitoring unbilled accounts to ensure that the oldest records are coded and/or given priority.
• CONTINUING EDUCATION
• Maintains AHIMA and or AAPC coding credential(s) specified in the job description.
• Attend coding & CDI seminars webinars and inservices to maintain the required annual continued education units (CEU).
• Keep uptodate and reviews ICD10 Official Guidelines for Coding & Reporting AHA Coding Clinic and CPT Assistant to maintain knowledge of the principles of coding.
• Keep uptodate and reviews other professional journals and newsletters in a timely fashion to maintain knowledge of the principles of coding.
• Consistently attend and actively participate in the daily huddles.
• POLICY & PROCEDURES; PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
• Consistently adhere to HIM policies and procedures as directed by HIM management.
• Demonstrates an understanding of policies and procedures and priorities seeking clarification as needed.
• Participates in continuously assessing and improving departmental performance.
• Ability to communicate changes to improve processes to the director as needed.
• Assists in department and section quality improvement activities and processes (i.e. Performance Improvement).
• COMMUNICATION
• Works and communicates in a positive manner with management and supervisory staff medical staff coworkers and other healthcare personnel.
• Ability to communicate effectively intradepartmentally and interdepartmentally.
• Ability to communicate effectively with external customers.
• Provides timely followup with both written and verbal requests for information including voice mail and email.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• SYSTEMS
• Working knowledge and efficient navigation of the Electronic Health Record (EHR): Cerner/Powerchart & Coding mPage.
• Working knowledge efficient navigation & full use of 3MCRS Encoder system; utilize to expedite coding process; utilize all references.
• Knowledge & understanding of PFS system (PBAR) functionality and any interface with the coding abstracting system: ClinTrac.
• Working knowledge efficient navigation & full use of HDM/HRM/ARMS Core coding & abstracting software.
• Working knowledge efficient navigation & full use of 3M 360 Encompass/CAC.

Required Qualifications:

• Req High school or equivalent
• Req Specialized/technical training Successful completion of college courses in Medical Terminology Anatomy & Physiology and a certified coding course. Must possess a thorough knowledge of ICD/DRG coding and/or CPT/HCPCS coding principles and the recommended American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) coding competencies.

• Req 10 years Experience in ICD coding and DRG validation audits of inpatient medical records in an acute care facility.
• Req Experience in using a computerized coding & abstracting database software and encoding/codefinder systems e.g. 3M 360 Encompass/CAC & 3M Coding & Reimbursement System (CRS).

• Req Working knowledge of CPT HCPCs and ICD9 coding principles
• Req Organization/time management skills.
• Req Demonstrate excellent customer service behavior.
• Req Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Req Able to function independently and as a member of a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

Required Licenses/Certifications:

• Req AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) only; or AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) only; or either the CCS or CIC in conjunction with any one of the following national HIM credentials: 1. AHIMA Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) 2. AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) Successful completion of the hospital specific coding test with a passing score of 90. The coding test may be waived for former USC or agency/contract HIM Coding Dept. coders who historically/previously met the 90 internal/external audit standards of the previously held USC Job Code.
• Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status disability or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

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