At Virginia Garcia Memorial Health Center, we welcome diversity; we encourage, uplift, and are honored to serve people who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. Our mission is to provide high-quality, culturally appropriate healthcare to low-income residents of Washington and Yamhill Counties, with a special emphasis on seasonal and migrant farm workers and others with barriers to receiving healthcare. We strive to provide an inclusive environment that welcomes and values the diversity of the people we employ and serve.
Job Summary: The role of the Coding Compliance Specialist is to maintain organizational compliance with coding and medical record documentation. The person holding this position is responsible for reviewing the coding of professional services records for compliance with CMS, AMA and certified coding standards. This position will conduct internal chart audits, encounter form reviews, assists with teaching providers and staff coding and reporting results. This position will support any third party billing staff in areas related to coding or collections.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
· Ensure the medical claims are submitted accurately and in a timely manner by:
o Reviewing electronic health records to assign accurate ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS codes based upon coding principles and official guidelines.
o Reviewing patient records documentation to ensure that services provided are accurate and meet guidelines.
o Monitoring billing performances to ensure optimal reimbursement while adhering to regulations prohibiting unbundling and other questionable practices; prepares periodic reports for clinical staff identifying unbilled charges due to inadequate documentation.
o Utilizing advanced knowledge of medical codes and coding procedures to assign and sequence appropriate diagnostic /procedure bulling coeds, in compliance with third party payer requirements.
o Interacting with patient care providers regarding billing and documentation policies, procedures and regulations; obtains clarification of conflicting or non-specific documentation.
o Monitoring external data sources to ensure receipt and analysis of all charges (EOBs).
o Reviewing and resolving the claim edit and charge review work queues.
· Assures compliance with all regulatory agencies and payer sources:
o Regular compliance auditing and monitoring payers
o Creating reports of audit findings under the direction of the Billing Manager.
o Performing audits and analyses of payer denials; providing information on compliance issues arising from audits and formulates recommendations to providers regarding improving documentation practices.
· Assures that providers and support staff have an understanding of their responsibility for accuracy of patient registration and coding of encounters.
o Lead or assist in developing education programs for providers around coding.
o Researching inquiries from providers and patients about fees, reimbursements and denials.
· Acting as a liaison between the Lead Providers, members of senior leadership and the billing department.
o Work with OCHIN to remedy billing problems.
o Interacting with department heads and administrative staff regarding implementation of new codes and revision of charge documents.
· Ensuring the integrity of the HCPCS, CPT and ICD-10 codes are maintained in the electronic medical record (EMR).
· Maintains current coding credentials knowledge of State and Federal regulations applicable to coding by attending conferences, workshops and participating in OCHIN Billing Workgroups.
· Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, safe driving record and insurance coverage required.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
HIPAA Requirements:
The Coding Compliance Specialist has access to PHI to create and maintain an accurate and up-to-date health record. Applying the minimum necessary standard of HIPAA, the designated record sets to which this employee will have access include all sections of the dental and medical record, patient demographic information in the practice management system, incoming records, reports, results, consultations, etc. The [position title] should read the content of these records only to the extent needed to accomplish the assigned task (e.g. filing or disclosure).
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:
Education and Experience Required:
Behavioral Competencies:
Accountability: Role model VG's mission, vision, and shared values
Customer-Focus: Listen to the voice of the customer and strive to delight them by exceeding their expectations
Teamwork: If someone needs help, help them
Initiative: Be innovative, apply fresh ideas, and continuously improve how you do your work
Confidentiality: Maintain strict confidentiality and respect the privacy of others
Ethical: Demonstrate integrity, honesty, and stewardship in all encounters at work
Respect: Demonstrate consideration and appreciation for co-workers and patients
Communication: Demonstrate the ability to convey thoughts and ideas as well as understand perspective of others
Physical Requirements:
Working Environment/Physical Hazards:
· Work in a well-lighted, ventilated environment
· No exposure to blood borne pathogens or hazardous chemicals
· Must be able to handle fast paced work environment with multiple time-sensitive competing demands.
Equipment Used:
Job descriptions represent a general outline of the essential and major job duties, functions and qualifications required. They cannot be all-inclusive and comprehensive due to the dynamic nature of work performed to accomplish VGMHC's Mission.
VGMHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person is unlawfully excluded from consideration for employment because of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, veteran status, marital status, or physical challenges. The policy applies not only to recruitment and hiring practices, but also includes affirmative action in placement, promotion, transfer, rate of pay, and termination.