Coder I - job 3 of 5

As a Coder I at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, your primary responsibilities will include performing accurate ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding for reimbursements, reviewing documentation, and ensuring compliance with established coding guidelines. You'll need to collaborate with coder coordinators to assign and sequence codes accurately, meet production and quality standards, and stay updated with changes in the regulatory environment to ensure clean claims submission.

To be considered for the Coder I role at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, candidates are expected to have completed high school or its equivalent. Certification as a Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or Certified Coding Associate (CCA) is required. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of medical coding principles and ongoing education efforts to maintain certification.

Key skills for a Coder I at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health include a strong grasp of medical terminology and coding systems, particularly ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. You should also possess analytical skills to review documentation thoroughly, ensuring all components are present for coding accuracy. Knowledge of electronic health records, particularly Epic, is beneficial, along with the ability to work independently while following detailed instructions.

The work environment for a Coder I at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is collaborative and focused on providing top-quality patient-centered care. You’ll be supported by a team of dedicated professionals and have access to continuing education, allowing you to grow your coding expertise and keep pace with industry changes. With the commitment to innovation, this role is dynamic and integral to the organization’s success.

Advancing your career as a Coder I at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health can come from continuing education to maintain your coding certifications and stay updated on industry changes. Gaining experience and seeking mentorship from senior coders can also position you well for future promotions or specialized roles within the coding field. Showing initiative and a passion for ongoing improvement will be key to your growth.

In my experience as a Coder I, I have become proficient in ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. I continually educate myself on updates to these coding guidelines to ensure compliance and accuracy in assigning codes.

I ensure compliance with coding guidelines by regularly reviewing updates from authoritative sources such as the American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. I follow established coding policies and seek clarification from my supervisor or coder coordinator whenever necessary.

Certainly! I once noticed a discrepancy in a patient's documentation that could have led to incorrect coding. I approached the physician to discuss the issue and clarified the required details, ensuring we submitted an accurate claim. This proactive measure helped prevent potential denials.

One challenge I face is keeping up with rapid changes in coding guidelines and reimbursement policies. To overcome this, I actively engage in continuing education and attend coding workshops to stay informed about the latest updates and best practices.

During high workload periods, I prioritize my tasks and utilize time management strategies to stay organized. I break tasks into manageable chunks, allowing me to maintain focus and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, I believe in asking for help or delegating when necessary.

I am motivated by the knowledge that my work directly contributes to patient care and ensuring our health system is financially healthy. The satisfaction of accurately coding diagnoses and procedures, which enables healthcare providers to deliver great services, drives my performance in this role.

To stay current with coding updates, I subscribe to industry newsletters, participate in webinars, and attend relevant workshops. Additionally, I am committed to enrolling in continuing education courses to ensure I remain compliant with the latest coding standards.

I have significant experience working with electronic health records, particularly with Epic. My familiarity allows me to navigate the system efficiently, analyze encounters, and communicate necessary corrections to providers effectively.

To ensure accurate coding, I meticulously review each piece of documentation for completeness and accuracy. I cross-reference each diagnosis with the appropriate codes and double-check my work against established guidelines. Collaboration with other team members for validation is also important.

I approach learning new coding guidelines by setting aside regular study time to read through updates and familiarize myself with the changes. I sometimes form study groups with colleagues to discuss complex updates and share insights, which enhances our collective knowledge.