Medical Coder II, Inpatient Hospital Remote

Medical Coder II, Inpatient Hospital Full Time Remote

Hartford, CT, United States (Hybrid)

Connecticut Children’s is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children’s offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home.

Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children’s, treating children isn’t just our job – it’s our passion. As a leading children’s health system experiencing steady growth, we’re excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children’s health and well‑being as one team.

Applicants must reside in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New York, or willing to relocate.

The purpose of this position is to apply the appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes to individual health information for data retrieval, analysis, and claims processing. The DRG coder creates consistency and efficiency in inpatient claims processing and data collection to optimize DRG reimbursement and facilitate data quality in hospital inpatient services.

• The coder abstracts pertinent information from patient records and assigns ICD-9-CM/ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS or CPT/HCPCS codes, creating APC or DRG group assignments.
• Queries physicians when code assignments are not straightforward or documentation in the record is inadequate, ambiguous, or unclear for coding purposes.
• The coder keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reimbursement reporting requirements. Brings identified concerns to supervisor or department manager for resolution.
• Abides by the standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association and adheres to official coding guidelines.
• Documentation assessment and review for accurate abstracting of clinical data to meet regulatory and compliance requirements. The coder assists in coordination of the compilation of data relative to regulatory agencies and the accreditation process.
• Review all charges, ensure accurate charge capture and review medical necessity for all ordered tests/procedures.
• Perform coding and charge capture for facility services including but not limited to emergency department and IV services. Charge capture may include providers' services.
• Monitor coding work queues for simple visit coding including rehabilitation services.
• Proactively communicate with physicians and physician's offices to insure adequate documentation to support ordered services.
• Verify accuracy of patient account/type and demographic data and coordinates with patient financial services to assure accurate billing/reimbursement and reporting.
• The coder displays initiative and supports continuous quality improvement efforts. He/she performs special projects, training, education, and/or other duties as assigned.
• Continuously evaluate the quality of clinical documentation to spot incomplete or inconsistent documentation for inpatient encounters that impact code selection and resulting DRG groups.
• Monitor unbilled account reports for outstanding or uncoded discharges.
• Reviews bills and payments to insure correct billing and reimbursement.
• Audits, corrects, and submits any denials as appropriate. Possess knowledge and understanding of discharge, not final billed (DNFB) parameters.
• Abstracts data for special projects and quality initiatives.
• Effectively uses software to follow through on accuracy of claim submission.
• Effectively communicates with patient financial services to resolve coding and billing questions or concerns.

• Experience Preferred:
  Successful completion of a coding certificate program with AHIMA approval status preferred.
• Education Required:
  
  Associate degree or…