Certified Procedural Coding Specialist - job 2 of 2

As a Certified Procedural Coding Specialist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, you will be responsible for interpreting health record documentation to accurately assign codes for outpatient encounters. This involves assessing the adequacy of documentation, applying your knowledge of anatomy and clinical terminology, and maintaining familiarity with coding classification systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Additionally, data entry and prioritizing your work queues will be essential parts of your daily duties.

To qualify for the Certified Procedural Coding Specialist position at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, applicants need a high school diploma or GED and must understand CPT and ICD-10 coding systems. Certification is required, with options including CCA, CCS, CPC, RHIT, or RHIA. While not mandatory, an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management and two years of coding experience are preferred.

At the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Certified Procedural Coding Specialists enjoy a comprehensive benefits package. This includes health, dental, and vision insurance, vacation and sick leave, tuition discounts for staff and dependents, and a retirement plan with a matched contribution from UAMS. Additionally, options for career training and educational opportunities are available, ensuring a supportive work environment.

Yes, the Certified Procedural Coding Specialist position at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences is a remote work opportunity. This flexibility allows you to manage your responsibilities effectively while contributing to our team's success from any location. Make sure you have the right resources and a conducive workspace to thrive in a remote environment.

To excel as a Certified Procedural Coding Specialist at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, essential skills include a strong understanding of coding standards like CPT and ICD-10, excellent attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication abilities. Familiarity with healthcare documentation and the ability to prioritize workloads will also contribute to your success in this role.

When answering this question, emphasize your experience with both ICD-10 and CPT coding systems. You might say, 'I have extensive experience using ICD-10 for diagnoses coding and CPT for procedural coding. I stay updated with the latest coding guidelines to ensure compliance and accuracy in my assignments.'

Prepare to share a specific example, ideally structured in the STAR format (Situation, Task, Action, Result). For instance, 'In my previous role, I noticed inconsistent documentation for a specific procedure. I reviewed the records, communicated with the clinical staff, and was able to clarify the coding requirements, resulting in corrected records and increased reimbursement accuracy.'

Discuss your methods for double-checking your work and staying current with coding updates. You could say, 'I ensure accuracy by cross-referencing codes with the latest guidelines, attending training sessions, and regularly discussing complex cases with my team. This not only improves my accuracy but also fosters a collaborative work environment.'

Explain your process for handling incomplete records while showing your problem-solving skills. A good answer could be, 'When I encounter incomplete records, I prioritize communication with healthcare providers to fill any gaps. I document my requests clearly and keep a follow-up schedule until I can finalize the coding.'

Share how you manage your time and prioritize tasks. You could respond, 'I use project management tools to keep track of deadlines and daily tasks. I prioritize based on urgency and complexity, ensuring that I work efficiently while maintaining high-quality outputs for every project.'

Make your answer personal, reflecting your passion for coding and healthcare. You might say, 'I'm motivated by the challenge of solving complex coding scenarios and the knowledge that my work directly impacts patient care and reimbursement processes. I take pride in ensuring that every transaction is handled with accuracy.'

Emphasize your commitment to continual learning. You could state, 'I stay updated through professional coding organizations, attending webinars, and subscribing to industry newsletters. This helps me remain knowledgeable about changes that can affect my work and compliance.'

Discuss your conflict resolution skills while maintaining professionalism. For instance, 'I once had a divergence of opinion with a physician on the coding of a complex case. I set up a brief meeting to review supporting documents, and together, we reached a consensus based on best practices, fostering better communication for future instances.'

Share strategies that showcase your efficiency. A good response: 'For high-volume tasks, I develop a systematic approach that includes batching similar cases and using templates for routine procedures. This way, I maintain speed without sacrificing quality, ensuring all codes are accurate and compliant.'

Express your admiration for UAMS and its mission. You might say, 'I admire UAMS's commitment to improving patient care in Arkansas, and I’m excited about contributing to a team that values collaboration and healthcare innovation. This aligns with my personal and professional goals.'