Hospital Coding Educator - Health Information

Major Responsibilities

• Responsible for delivering education sessions within the coder education program, including the remote onboarding program and ongoing coder education. Coordinates training and orientation of new staff, leads training sessions and presents high-level education on coding guidelines/information to coders and trainees, which includes presenting PowerPoint presentations and webinar-type meetings.
• Per the direction of the Coding Training and Education Manager, work with the Coding Production leadership to identify promotional and cross-training opportunities for coders depending on their skill level and performance.
• Assesses coders’ comprehension of training, tracks and reports coding education results to coding leadership. Identifies need for one-on-one coding sessions and develops follow-up educational plans as needed. Collaborates with coding leadership to ensure coders receive sufficient and focused education.
• Independently develops and maintains coding educational tools/resources, including training curriculum and training handbook, presentations, web-based coding education programs, learning and training materials.
• Researches coding guidelines and updated coding information as published in ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT and HCPCS coding systems, and communicates any changes and new findings to coding staff. Maintains knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT and MS-DRG classifications and coding of diagnoses and procedures. Clarifies changes in coding guidance or coding educational materials.
• Assists in maintaining the Advocate Aurora Sharepoint website ensuring updated coding guidance is published. Responsible for identifying and publicizing external continuing education opportunities for hospital coding team.
• Participates in the clinical documentation improvement (CDI) and coding team DRG alignment process by identifying areas of opportunity. Recommends educational topics for coders and clinical documentation nurses based on chart review findings.
• Stays abreast of Agency Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) core measures, as well as severity and risk of mortality and other indicators affecting benchmarking and reimbursement for the organization.
• Attends and participates in Advocate Aurora Hospital Coding Quality team meetings as required.
• Performs other duties as requested by the Coding Quality management team.

• Coding Specialist (CCS) certification issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA),
• Health Information Administrator (RHIA) registration issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA),
• Health Information Technician (RHIT) registration issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

• Associate's Degree in Health Information Management or related field.

• Typically requires 5 years of experience in hospital coding for a large complex health care system, which includes hospital coding, denial review and/or coding education functions.

• Demonstrated leadership skills and abilities.
• Demonstrates knowledge of National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. (NCCI) edits, and local and national coverage decisions.
• Expert knowledge and experience in ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding systems, G-codes, HCPCS codes, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), modifiers, and Ambulatory Patient Categories (APC), MS-DRGs (Diagnosis related groups).
• Advanced knowledge in Microsoft Applications, including but not limited to Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Teams.
• Advanced knowledge and understanding of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pathophysiology (disease process, surgical terminology and pharmacology).
• Advanced knowledge of pharmacology indications for drug usage and related adverse reactions.
• Expert knowledge of coding workflow and optimization of technology including how to navigate the electronic health information record and in health information management and billing systems.
• Excellent communication and reading comprehension skills.
• Demonstrated analytical aptitude, with a high attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to take initiative and work collaboratively with others.
• Experience with remote workforce operations required.
• Strong sense of ethics.

• Exposed to a normal office environment.
• Must be able to sit for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to continuously concentrate.
• Position may be required to travel to other sites; therefore, will be exposed to road and weather hazards.
• Operates all equipment necessary to perform the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

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