Coding Specialist IV, OP Interventional Radiology

Why UT Southwestern?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the #1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth for the sixth consecutive year, we invite you to continue your healthcare career with us at William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital. You’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and consistent opportunities for learning and advancement into leadership roles

UT Southwestern is honored to be a Veteran Friendly work environment that is home to approximately 800 veterans.  We value your integrity, dedication, and the commitment you’ve made to our country.  We’re proud to support your next mission. 

To learn more about the benefits UT Southwestern offers visit https://www.utsouthwestern.edu/employees/hr-resources/.

Summary

The Coding Specialist IV is responsible to review and code outpatient University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) medical records.  The UTSW medical records are maintained in electronic format and will be coded according to current coding guidelines, and in compliance with organizational, departmental, and regulatory requirements.  The Coding Specialist IV is identified as the highest level subject matter expert for interventional coding due to education, training, and experience and as such will receive coding assignments in accordance with that level of expertise. 

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Experience

• Required – AAPC Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)

• Required three to five (3-5) years’ acute hospital based coding experience. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Experience working in a remote environment preferred; required for PRN Coders.

• Preferred Bachelor’s Degree or Associate Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT),  AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential, AAPC Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or,  AAPC Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H)

Essential Functions

• Responsible for coding retrospective Outpatient accounts using ICD-10 CM, & CPT code sets in compliance with the Official Coding Guidelines and conventions.

•  Accurately identifies most appropriate Reason for Visit, First Listed Diagnosis, and Procedure(s), and all secondary diagnoses to accurately support medical necessity, LCD/NCD edits and CCI edits.     

• Accurately abstracts required data elements including, discharge disposition, discharge destination, procedure dates and physician(s), and other designated data.   

•  a) Identifies when a physician query is appropriate for further clarification. b) Recognizes when the  documentation is missing or incomplete and routes appropriately. c) Completes review and final coding when query and/or documentation is available.

• May be assigned to review accounts in the denials work queue, resolve, and/or make recommendations to the Coding Manager

• Maintain the Quality Standards set by UTSW/HIM Coding.

• Maintain the Productivity Standards set by UTSW/HIM Coding.

• Mentor/train on designated coding service lines as requested to ensure quality.

• Maintains an expert level of knowledge of coding related guidelines and practices.

• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Work requires strong analytical and critical thinking skills.

• Work requires excellent customer service, interpersonal, and communication skills (verbal and written).

• Work requires organizational skills along with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Work requires ability to report and problem solve using discretion, judgment, and professionalism.

• Work requires ability to handle multiple tasks, show initiative, and adjust to changes as appropriate under a stressful environment.

• Work requires ability to perform in a conservative, fast-paced, and quality driven environment.

• Work requires ability to comprehend, understand, and follow established policies, procedures, and other guidelines of some complexity.

• Work requires self-motivation, maturity, and being a team player.

Working Conditions

This job is remote only and individuals who reside in the job will permanently work 100% from an alternate approved worksite.

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.