Department of Veterans Affairs
This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the VA Illiana Health Care System (VAIHCS) Medical Center. MRTs (Coder) are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers. They analyze and abstract patients' health records and assign alpha-numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure.
- Total Rewards of a Allied Health Professional Applies comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures as well as the principles and practices of health services and the organizational structure to ensure proper code selection. Selects and assigns codes from the current version of several coding systems to include ICD, CPT, and/or HCPCS. Applies codes based on guidelines specific to certain diagnoses, procedures, and other criteria (in inpatient and outpatient settings) used to classify patients under the Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation (VERA) program that categorizes all VA patients into specific classes representing their clinical conditions and resource needs. Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information for the full spectrum of services provided by the VAMC. Timely compliance with coding changes is crucial to the accuracy of the facility database as well as all cost recovery programs. Assists facility staff with documentation requirements to completely and accurately reflect the patient care provided, provides technical support in the areas of regulations and policy, coding requirements, resident supervision, reimbursement, workload, accepted nomenclature, and proper sequencing. Ensures provider documentation is complete and supports the diagnoses and procedures coded. Directly consults with the professional staff for clarification of conflicting or ambiguous clinical data. Reports incorrect documentation or codes in the electronic patient health record. Works within a team environment; supports staff in meeting goals and deadlines; flexible and handles multiple tasks; works under pressure; and copes with frequently changing projects and deadlines. Provides daily operational oversight of all coding functions to ensure needs are met by adjusting staffing, investigating workflow issues, answering coder questions, ensuring turnaround times are maintained, developing action plans, and following appropriate escalations. Develops performance standards and conducts performance evaluations for subordinate staff. Identifies, communicates, and ensures coding staff meet productivity and accuracy standards. Interviews new employees, recommends selection, and carries out training and development activities, awards, or disciplinary action. Approves leave schedules. Implements provisions of EEO programs to ensure fair and equal treatment for all employees. Schedules the sequence of work and operations on a weekly, monthly, and quarterly basis to assure even workflow and distribution, expeditious handling of priorities and the meeting of deadlines. Revises schedules/assignments to meet changes in workload considering peak loads, availability of manpower and time limits. Monitors the status and progress of work and day-to-day adjustments in accordance with established priorities. Instructs employees in specific tasks and job techniques and makes available written instructions, reference materials and supplies. Gives on the job training to new coders and students to provide the individual with the basic knowledge, skill and ability to perform the full range of routine and non-routine responsibilities required. Reviews coding and assist coders in improving coding accuracy; provides coding guidance to various levels of staff to promote consistency in practice and compliance with coding rules and regulations. All other duties as assigned. Work Schedule: 7:30 am-4:00 pm, Monday to Friday Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases. When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: Available. Virtual: Virtual/remote opportunities may be available for highly qualified applicants and will be discussed during the selection. Functional Statement #:01245F
Read the full announcement on USAJOBS
Listed under Healthcare & Nursing jobs.