Inpatient Coding Apprentice

Primary Purpose The Primary Purpose of the Coding Apprentice role is to take the coding concepts learned in a Medical Coding or Health Information Management (HIM) program and apply them to coding Parkland medical records per policy and procedures. The Apprentice will receive hands on coding experience under the direct supervision of a coding manager, educator, and auditor. These experiences will include the utilization the ICD 10 CM and ICD 10 PCS classification system and the CPT and HCPCS billing system to submit compliant claims following CMS guidance. The Apprentice will also learn to develop research skills as it relates to governmental and state laws regulating coding and billing requirements. The Apprentice will function as a member of the HIM Coding team with the goal to develop their individual skillset. Minimum Specifications Education High school diploma or equivalent required, and Medical Coding coursework (ICD and CPT courses) must be completed. Transcript must be submitted for verification. Experience None. Equivalent Education and/or Experience Certification/Registration/Licensure None. Required Tests for Placement Letter of recommendation from the school/university Medical Coding or HIM Program Director. Must score 70% or better on the medical terminology assessment. Must score 70% or better on the basic computer literacy assessment Skills or Special Abilities Moderate MS Office suite, computer skills and exposure of electronic health records, Computer Assisted Coder (CAC) and encoder software. Knowledge of general medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology as normally covered in a medical coding or HIM program. Desire to gain hands on experience in pro-fee, outpatient facility and inpatient facility coding, in addition to experience working with an electronic health record, encoder and Computer Assisted Coding application. Effective verbal and written communication skills. Ability to work in a team setting as well as independently.

Responsibilities

Apply coding concepts learned in a Medical Coding or HIM program to Parkland medical records in an organized training environment under the mentorship of experienced leaders, educators and coders. Review information available in electronic and other available departmental clinical information systems to code the episode of care accurately and completely. Official and internal coding guidelines established by Parkland will be applied where appropriate. Use on-line and encoder resources appropriately. Utilizing available grouper software to determine the correct MS-DRG, APR-DRG and APC where necessary. Practice the resolution of coding and charging issues captured by edits in the various Epic work queues. When appropriate, abstract and verify required medical and administrative data. Make changes to provider selected procedures and diagnosis codes when additional documentation supports the changes. Engage in quality assurance and self-audit activities. Participate in periodic assessments. This position is 100% Virtual. Virtual employees must also comply with all Parkland policies and procedures governing the use of Parkland information resources. Virtual employees must maintain all equipment lent by Parkland for performing the agreed upon job duties in good working condition. All employment responsibilities and conditions in applicable Parkland policies and procedures apply to employees while working virtually. Job Accountabilities Identifies ways to improve work processes and improve customer satisfaction. Makes recommendations to supervisor, implements, and monitors results as appropriate in support of the overall goals of the department and Parkland. Stays abreast of the latest developments, advancements, and trends in the field by attending seminars/workshops, reading professional journals, actively participating in professional organizations, and/or maintaining certification or licensure. Integrates knowledge gained into current work practices. Maintains knowledge of applicable rules, regulations, policies, laws and guidelines that impact the area. Develops effective internal controls designed to promote adherence with applicable laws, accreditation agency requirements, and federal, state, and private health plans. Seeks advice and guidance as needed to ensure proper understanding.