Clinical Coder III

Arkansas Children's Hospital Northwest•Little Rock, AR

22d•Remote

About The Position

The Clinical Coder is responsible for reviewing patient medical records and accurately assigning standardized codes using ICD and CPT/HCPCS classification systems. The primary goal is to ensure timely and accurate coding for billing, reimbursement, research, and statistical reporting purposes, while maintaining compliance with established coding guidelines and regulations.

Requirements

3 years of relevant experience; HS Diploma or GED may substitute for 2 years of work experience
1 certification from AAPC or AHIMA - American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

Responsibilities

Review patient medical records (e.g., physician notes, lab results, radiology reports, operative reports) to identify diagnoses and procedures.
Assign accurate ICD (International Classification of Diseases), CPT (Current Procedural Terminology), and HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes.
Ensure coding accuracy and consistency across medical records.
Adhere to established coding guidelines, coding conventions, official coding rules, and regulatory requirements (e.g., CMS, HIPAA).
Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
Stay current with coding updates, changes in regulations, and industry best practices.
Abstract data and information from medical records for various reporting requirements.
Communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to clarify documentation and resolve coding discrepancies.
Research and resolve accounts that have failed in the billing/collection process due to issues surrounding diagnostic and procedure coding.
Codes highly complex patient encounters, including specialized areas of medicine (e.g., oncology, cardiology, surgery).
Possesses in-depth knowledge of coding guidelines, regulations, and compliance requirements.
Works independently and serves as a resource for other coders.
May participate in coding audits and quality assurance reviews.
Identifies opportunities to improve coding accuracy and efficiency.