Coding Specialist - Oncology - Full-time with Benefits

Job Summary

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

Uses established coding guidelines and approved policies to capture charges for all radiation oncology and Infusion Center patients in the Frederick Health Regional Cancer Therapy Center. Ensures proper documentation for all radiation oncology and Infusion Center coding. Reviews clinical documentation, assigns codes, and enters codes as applicable for technical coding. Conducts coding and documentation audits and provides education to technical and administrative staff and physicians for the purpose of enhancing reimbursement, and decreasing audit liability. Works with radiation and infusion center systems to obtain needed documentation and information to perform accurate and timely billing and audit activities.

Essential Functions:

• Consistently concerned with excellent service to customers such as nurses, physicians, administrators
• Effectively communicates with co-workers and external parties to accomplish required assignments and duties
• Works with other departments to manage denials
• Takes responsibility for his/her work. Functions as a team member
• Conducts self in a professional and courteous manner
• Uses critical thinking and makes responsible decisions regarding coding and reimbursement issues
• Reviews clinical and technical documentation and Assigns CPT (evaluation, management, and procedure) codes for technical charges in radiation oncology and the Infusion Center
• Maintains cost controls by revising department charge masters and billing procedures in conjunction with the hospital billing department
• Collaborates with physicians to help prevent initial denials
• Assists departments with questions regarding coding and documentation
• Appropriately optimizes reimbursement and demonstrates and ability to identify risk areas as they relate to compliance with payers, state and federal regulations for billing, coding, and documentation
• Uses correct coding initiative edits to comply with bundling rules and optimize reimbursement
• Maintains patient confidentiality
• Completes all paperwork with accuracy and completeness
• Possesses the necessary computer skills to effectively code procedures
• Uses radiation oncology systems to gather needed information
• Appropriately optimizes facility charge entry and subsequent collections for all services provided
• Enter charges for radiation oncology and infusion center by reviewing encounter forms, dictated reports, and schedules, through various radiation oncology and infusion center systems
• Review all coded services entered into BAR
• Ensures that charges are appropriate; provides relevant safeguards and double checks
• Implements and maintains quality assurance programs to ensure that charges entered are appropriate for care rendered
• Performs timely end of treatment chart close-outs, audits for proper charge entry, reviews documentation required to substantiate charges
• Flags any documentation compliance issues and communicates results with appropriate people
• Follows up to be sure that all services have been documented and appropriately charged
• Participates in quality assurance activities in the department and organization
• Provides ideas and suggestions on improving services
• Attends continuing education for coding and reimbursement updates
• Works well with peers, and other department staff, physicians, and other hospital employees
• Maintains professional certification
• Assumes responsibility for promoting a team spirit within the department
• Functions as a resource to other FMH departments regarding coding and billing documentation
• Models positive interpersonal skills for co-workers
• Serves and actively participates in community related activities such as Cancer Survivors Day, & Relay for Life
• Actively participates in project teams, task forces, and committee assignments as needed
• Assesses the medical, therapist, and nursing staff for understanding proper coding and supporting required documentation

Minimum Requirements:

Education:

• Associates degree preferred
• Maintains continuing education regarding latest coding & reimbursement updates in radiation oncology and infusion through reading literature; attending seminars, etc.

Licensure/Certification:

• Certified professional coder (CPC)required
• Radiation Oncology Coding certification preferred
• Certification by AHIMA as a CCA (Certified Coding Assistant) or RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) or CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) or by the AAPC as a CPC (Certified Coding Professional) within 24 months of employment

Experience:

• Must have 3-5 years of experience in a health care setting (medical billing experience highly preferred).
• Must have excellent computer skills in Microsoft office; Meditech and BAR;

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills required
• Must demonstrate excellent critical thinking skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks
• Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality related to patient information

Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY

Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.

Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable.

Hourly Range: $20.22-$30.68

Hours: Full Time, 8:00am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday