Medical Coder

DEPARTMENT: Health Information Management
REPORTS TO: Health Information Management Supervisor
SALARY: D.O.E.
JOB STATUS: Regular/Full Time/Non-Exempt
OPEN DATE: 04-25-2024
CLOSE DATE: Until Filled

JOB SUMMARY:

The coder position is located in the Health Information Management Department. The purpose of this position is to perform technical work involving data abstraction from health records. The coder assures that complete and accurate diagnostic and procedural coded data is present for research, epidemiology, outcomes and statistical analysis, financial and strategic planning, reimbursement, evaluation of quality care, and communication to support the patient’s treatment. The coding function provides the primary source for data and information used in health care and promotes the continuity of medical care and optimization of reimbursement.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assures that complete and accurate diagnostic and procedural coded data is present for research, epidemiology, outcomes and statistical analysis, financial and strategic planning, reimbursement, evaluation of quality care, and communication to support the patient’s treatment.
Thorough knowledge of medical terminology and abbreviations; anatomy and physiology; major disease processes; and pharmacology to identify specific clinical findings, to support existing diagnoses, or substantiate listing additional diagnoses in the health record.
Skill in correlating pharmacy, laboratory, radiology treatments and results with diagnoses.
Extensive knowledge of coding conventions and rules established by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) for assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes.
Extensive knowledge of classification systems and references such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs), Ambulatory Patient Classifications (APCs), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT).
Knowledge of Health Information Management theory, principal, practices, techniques, concepts, and policies to analyze the health record and participate in performance improvement activities.
Thorough knowledge of medico-legal aspects of health information management.
Thorough knowledge of the Privacy Act of 1974 regulations and requirements.
Thorough knowledge of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) Privacy Rule regarding responsibilities for patient confidentiality.
Thorough knowledge of JCAHO, HCFA, Medicare/Medicaid, Office of Inspector General, and Wind River Family and Community Health Care policies to ensure the health record complies with regulatory requirements.
Ability to initiate and follow through with assignments using established policies, instructions, and accepted practices in Health Information Management.
Basic knowledge of quantitative and qualitative processes to analyze health information.
Skill in data collection to compile and organize information from reporting and presentation.
Basic knowledge of Performance Improvement methodology to track, trend, recommend resolutions, and report status of adverse or quality service.
Oral communication skills to conduct briefings and consultation with ancillary, clinical and medical providers.
Computer skills to sufficiently abstract data and review/complete the health record.
Required to maintain national coding certification either through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Maintains a good working relationship within the Health Information Management department and with other departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Must have high school diploma or GED.
Minimum Qualifications: minimum of (1) year of experience in medical coding in a healthcare setting, which demonstrates expert knowledge of established professional medical coding processes, procedures, and protocols, along with any supporting certifications such as BLS and other necessary competencies.
Medical terminology, abbreviations, anatomy and physiology, major disease processes, and pharmacology.
Skill in correlating laboratory, radiology treatments and results with diagnoses.
Knowledge of coding conventions and rules established by the American Medical Association (AMA) and the Health Care Finance Administration (HCFA) for assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes.
Extensive knowledge of classification systems and references such as the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Diagnostic Related Groups (DRGs), Ambulatory Patient Classifications (APCs), and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT).
Knowledge of Health Information Management theory, principal, practices, techniques, concepts and policies to analyze the health record and participate in performance improvement activities.
Thorough knowledge of medico-legal aspects of health information management.
Thorough knowledge of JCAHO, HCFA, Medicare/Medicaid, Office of Inspector General, and Wind River Family and Community Health Care policies to ensure the health record complies with regulatory requirements.
Computer skills to sufficiently abstract data and review/complete the health record.
Required to maintain national coding certification either through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Thorough knowledge of the Privacy Act of 1974, HIPAA, and other applicable requirements.
Must be able to pass a criminal background check under the Indian Child Protection Act and Family Act (P.L.101-630).

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS:

Competitive wages (no state or local tax)
17 different medical insurance packages
Dental and vision insurance
Life insurance
Retirement plan with 4% match
Leave Benefits

IMPORTANT APPLICATION CRITERIA:

Submit a complete application with supporting documents either online or to WRFCHC Human Resource Department located at 120 North 6th East St (Old DFS Bldg.), Riverton WY. Applicants must submit all supporting documents to be eligible for the position they are applying for.
- Supporting documents: Driver’s License, Tribal ID, High School Diploma/GED, Degree or professional credentials, and other supporting documents that verify required qualifications.
Applicants not living in the local area may submit a cover letter, resume, and supporting documents in lieu of an application as an initial statement of interest for a particular job announcement. However, the applicant must follow-up with an official Wind River Family and Community Health Care job application.
Applicants who have a current application on file are required to submit a letter of interest for each position in which they want to be considered for. The letter should address how they meet each qualification. Supporting documents must be attached to the letter of interest.
Telephone calls are not accepted in place of an employment application or letter of interest.
When the position qualifications require a driver’s license, education, or professional credentials, the applicant must submit copies of certificates, licenses, degrees, and other supporting documentation. Applicants who do not provide supporting documents will be disqualified.
WRFCHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Preference will be given to a qualified tribal member, then a qualified tribal member of a federally recognized tribe and then other qualified candidates.
- Qualified Indian Preference applicants must provide a copy of their tribal enrollment identification card or a Certificate of Indian Blood.
Background investigation, drug and alcohol screening are required as a condition of employment. Refusal will render the applicant ineligible for employment.

For information or questions, please contact Human Resources at 307-856-9281 ext. 180.