MEDICAL CODING SPECIALIST-CERTIFIED; Pathology Billing, Full-Time Remote, M-F 8a-430p (flexible)

Location: Columbia, Missouri  

Shift: Pathology Billing, remote position
M-F 8a-430p (hours flexible)

Department: Lab Administration

Salary Range: $22.00 - $34.74  

ABOUT THE JOB 

 MU Health Care is seeking a Certified Medical Coding Specialist to review clinical documentation and diagnostic results as appropriate to extract data and apply appropriate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT codes for billing, internal and external reporting, research and regulatory compliance; complete audits of coding and billing for validation; test coding applications. 

ABOUT MU HEALTH CARE 

MU Health Care is a growing academic health system in mid-Missouri comprised of multiple hospitals — including the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center and region’s only Children’s Hospital — and over 50 specialty clinics located throughout the region. 

As an MU Health Care employee, you’ll be part of an exceptional team committed to our mission of saving and improving lives. Our core values of inclusion, respect, service, discovery, responsibility and excellence foster a collaborative work environment where you can grow your career.

Learn more about MU Health Care.                Learn more about living in Columbia, MO.   

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 

· Health, vision and dental insurance coverage starting day one 

· Generous paid leave and paid time off, including nine holidays 

· Multiple retirement options, including 100% matching up to 8% and full vesting in three years 

· Tuition assistance for employees (75%) and immediate family members (50%) 

· Discounts on cell phone plans, rental cars, gyms, hotels and more

See a comprehensive list of benefits here .  

DETAILED JOB DESCRIPTION 

• Review appropriate provider documentation to determine appropriate principal diagnosis, co-morbidities and complications, secondary conditions, and surgical procedures; utilizes technical coding principles and MS-DRG or APC reimbursement expertise to assign appropriate ICD-10 codes and/or CPT-4 codes. Reviews and when necessary, corrects the patient admission source, status, and disposition upon discharge. Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to Official Coding Guidelines. Advances coding knowledge and practice through continuing education. 
• Extract required information from clinical documentation and enters into the encoder and abstracting system, in accordance with the prescribed coding productivity standards. 
• Perform additional coding support activities including but not limited to audits for correct coding and billing, participates in testing and troubleshooting problems when implementing new applications or updates to existing systems, assists with training for new software applications.
• Inpatient Coding Staff (in addition to the above): --
• Assign Present on Admission (POA) value for all inpatient diagnoses, and an External Cause code as appropriate. –
• Consult with the Clinical Documentation Specialist to resolve any unspecified or questionable diagnoses prior to final code assignment; determines whether a query must be sent to clarify ambiguous or unclear documentation. 
• Outpatient Coding Staff (in addition to the above): --
  • Identify chargeable items for visits (i.e. IV infusions/hydration, GI procedures) and enter corresponding charges into the billing system appropriately. –
• Hold Bill & Denials Staff (in addition to the above): --
  • Work inpatient and/or outpatient coding related bill alerts/edits/denials (i.e. NCCI, MUE, Medical Necessity, etc.), in accordance with established procedures. –
  • Enter detailed notes to update the financial system if the alert/edit cannot be resolved or must be rerouted to another responsible party for research/resolution. Escalates alert/edit resolution issues as appropriate to minimize final billing delays. 
• May complete unit/department specific duties and expectations as outlined in department documents.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• ICD-10-CM, and CPT-4 coding conventions. 
• CMS National Correct Coding Initiative Edits
• Anatomy and Physiology.
• Medical Terminology.
• DRG/APC reimbursement.
• Coding software familiarity.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Data entry 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 

One of the following certifications: -- 

• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) –
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) –
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) –
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA); or –
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC/CPC-A) –
• Certified Outpatient Coder (COC/COC-A) –
• Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC/CIC-A) by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC); or
• Specialty certification per the department needs such as: --
• Radiation Oncology Certified Coder (ROCC) by the American Medical Accounting and Consulting Inc (AMAC) 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

Two (2) years of experience in coding for hospital or physician practice. Additional license/certification requirements as determined by the hiring department 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met with or without reasonable accommodation. The performance of these physical demands is an essential function of the job. The employee may be required ambulate, remain in a stationary position and position self to reach and/or move objects above the shoulders and below the knees. The employee may be required to move objects up to 10 lbs. 

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.