Anesthesia Coding Specialist II, PB Coding, Full-time, Days (Remote - Must reside in IL, IN, IA, or WI - Sign-on bonus eligible)

The Anesthesia Coding Specialist II at Northwestern Medicine is responsible for performing CPT and ICD10 coding for medical records, focusing on complex encounters and anesthesia coding. This includes reviewing documentation, providing feedback to physicians, reconciling charges, training staff on billing and coding, and resolving pre-accounts receivable edits. This role is significant in maintaining coding accuracy and compliance with guidelines.

To be considered for the Anesthesia Coding Specialist II position at Northwestern Medicine, candidates must hold a certification such as RHIA, RHIT, CPC, or CCS, along with up to two years of experience in a relevant coding role. A strong understanding of anesthesia coding, compliance, and the ability to achieve a minimum coding accuracy of 94% on the organization’s coding test are essential qualifications.

Northwestern Medicine is committed to the professional growth of its employees, including the Anesthesia Coding Specialist II. The organization provides access to training resources, educational roundtables, and documentation feedback that keep coding staff up-to-date on the latest billing, coding guidelines, and industry knowledge, helping to enhance both individual careers and overall patient care.

While all candidates must possess appropriate coding certification, preference for the Anesthesia Coding Specialist II role at Northwestern Medicine is given to those with a Bachelor’s or Associate’s degree in a Health Information Management program accredited by CAHIIM. Additionally, previous experience in physician coding will enhance a candidate's fit for this role.

The Anesthesia Coding Specialist II can work remotely from the comfort of their home, provided they are residents of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, or Wisconsin. This position allows for flexibility while still being an integral part of Northwestern Medicine, which values collaboration and a supportive work environment.

When answering this question, focus on specific experiences you've had with anesthesia coding. Mention relevant certifications, any coding software you've used, and how you've collaborated with physicians to improve documentation accuracy. Providing examples of complex encounters you've successfully coded will further demonstrate your expertise.

Discuss your methodology for ensuring coding accuracy. This could include double-checking codes against medical records, staying updated with coding guidelines, or utilizing coding software effectively. Emphasizing your dedication to maintaining a minimum of 94% accuracy will demonstrate your commitment to quality.

An effective way to respond to this question is to outline a step-by-step process. Explain how you would seek clarification from the physician, refer to relevant coding manuals, and document any follow-up actions taken to resolve ambiguities. This shows your proactive approach to potential challenges in coding.

Provide a list of coding software or EHR systems you've worked with, explaining your level of proficiency with each. Mention how these tools contribute to accurate coding and streamline workflows, and be sure to connect this experience to how it would benefit your role at Northwestern Medicine.

Discuss any organizations, newsletters, or online forums you engage with to stay informed about coding changes. Mention any continuing education you've pursued, such as workshops or seminars, and emphasize the importance of staying current to ensure compliance.

Use this question as an opportunity to showcase your problem-solving skills. Outline the situation, your analysis of the denial, the corrective actions you took, and the ultimately positive outcome. This illustrates your ability to handle challenges effectively.

Emphasize that collaboration with clinical staff, physicians, and other departments is critical for accurate coding. Discuss how communicating effectively can help resolve issues, improve documentation quality, and ensure that coding reflects the patient's true service.

Address this question by describing your time management strategies, such as prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and utilizing coding tools to boost efficiency. Illustrating your ability to meet productivity standards without compromising quality will set you apart.

Prepare to discuss specific coding errors such as incorrect modifiers, mismatched diagnoses, or overlooked procedures. Highlight your experience in identifying and rectifying these errors and how you assist others in preventing them.

In your response, reflect on the core values of Northwestern Medicine and how they align with your career aspirations. Talk about your passion for healthcare, your commitment to excellence in coding, and your desire to work in an organization that prioritizes patient care and employee growth.