Coding Specialist - Hospice of Cincinnati - Optional

Understands and applies the basic fundamentals and conventional guidelines for ICD-CM coding. Due to the significant impact of regulation on hospice coding and the financial impact of filing the Hospice Notice of Election (NOE) timely; it is imperative that the Hospice Coding Specialist, in collaboration with the Documentation Specialists and Support Nurse; reviews, interprets, and analyzes clinical documentation precisely and efficiently in order to assign accurate and complete ICD-CM codes.

Job Overview:

Understands and applies the basic fundamentals and conventional guidelines for ICD-CM coding. Due to the significant impact of regulation on hospice coding and the financial impact of filing the Hospice Notice of Election (NOE) timely; it is imperative that the Hospice Coding Specialist, in collaboration with the Documentation Specialists and Support Nurse; reviews, interprets, and analyzes clinical documentation precisely and efficiently in order to assign accurate and complete ICD-CM codes. Confers with RN Case Managers, Admission Nurse, and or attending physician as needed to seek clarity of information provided in the medical record. Complies with all CMS, federal, state laws and regulations and private insurance guidelines and requirements. Demonstrates strong organizational, analytical, and critical thinking skills. Communicates effectively, as the Hospice Coding Specialist works closely with all departments within the organization such as: the Compliance Department, Referral Center, Admissions, Nursing, the Business Office and Hospice Physicians.

Job Requirements:

High School Diploma or GED (Required)
Proficient in ICD-CM coding 
Medical terminology 
Anatomy/physiology 
Disease processes 
Pathophysiology 
Pharmacology and legal/ethical issues related to coding
Other RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician Upon Hire Required 
Other CCS-Certified Coding Specialist Upon Hire Required 
Other CCA - Certified Coding Associate Upon Hire Required

Job Responsibilities:

Establishes good interpersonal relationship with all members of the hospice team. Communicates effectively. Communicates any identified problems/issues to the Department Manager in a timely manner so that appropriate corrective actions can be taken. 
Reviews and analyzes the clinical record, H&P, diagnostic testing reports and other available documentation paying close attention to detail in order to assign appropriate ICD-CM codes in the EMR for billing purposes. Confers with clinical nursing staff, the patient attending physician and hospice medical director to seek clarification of information in the medical record ,as applicable, in order to verify diagnosis codes. 
Serves as a resource for other departments within HOC on coding related issues. Answers questions promptly and offers guidance in identifying appropriate ICD codes to support hospice eligibility. Provides coding support and training to staff to ensure the accuracy and precision of the coding process. 
Supports coding supervisor in assisting coding staff in resolving coding issues that arise within the patient accounting departments and provides coding support and training to providers, clinical support, and administrative staff to ensure the accuracy and precision of the coding process 
Works collaboratively with the hospice Business Office and other staff as applicable to resolves coding issues that arise on billing claims. Informs the Compliance Manager in a timely manner when billing issues due to inaccurate coding arise.

Working Conditions:

Bending - 
Climbing - Rarely 
Concentrating - Consistently 
Continuous Learning - Consistently 
Hearing: Conversation - Frequently 
Hearing: Other Sounds - 
Interpersonal Communication - Consistently 
Kneeling - Occasionally 
Lifting <10 Lbs. - Occasionally 
Lifting 50+ Lbs. - Rarely 
Lifting <50 Lbs. - Occasionally 
Pulling - Occasionally 
Pushing - Occasionally 
Reaching - Occasionally 
Reading - Consistently 
Sitting - Frequently 
Standing - Frequently 
Stooping - Rarely 
Talking - 
Thinking/Reasoning - Consistently 
Use of Hands - Consistently 
Color Vision - Consistently 
Visual Acuity: Far - 
Visual Acuity: Near - 
Walking - Frequently

TriHealth SERVE Standards and ALWAYS Behaviors

At TriHealth, we believe there is no responsibility more important than to SERVE our patients, our communities, and our fellow team members. To achieve our vision and mission, ALL TriHealth team members are expected to demonstrate and live the following:

Serve: ALWAYS... 
• Welcome everyone by making eye contact, greeting with a smile, and saying "hello" 
• Acknowledge when patients/guests are lost and escort them to their destination or find someone who can assist 
• Refrain from using cell phones for personal reasons in public spaces or patient care areas

Excel: ALWAYS... 
• Recognize and take personal responsibility to address and recover from service breakdowns when a customer's expectations have not been met 
• Offer patients and guests priority when waiting (lines, elevators) 
• Work on improving quality, safety, and service

Respect: ALWAYS... 
• Respect cultural and spiritual differences and honor individual preferences. 
• Respect everyone's opinion and contribution, regardless of title/role. 
• Speak positively about my team members and other departments in front of patients and guests.

Value: ALWAYS... 
• Value the time of others by striving to be on time, prepared and actively participating. 
• Pick up trash, ensuring the physical environment is clean and safe. 
• Be a good steward of our resources, using supplies and equipment efficiently and effectively, and will look for ways to avoid waste.

Engage: ALWAYS... 
• Acknowledge wins and frequently thank team members and others for contributions. 
• Show courtesy and compassion with customers, team members and the community