Clinical Coder III

FirstHealth of the Carolinas is a nationally recognized health care system located in central North Carolina. Comprised of four hospitals with more than 600 beds, the system also offers leading-edge heart care in the Reid Heart Center, the area’s only dedicated heart and vascular center. Our growing health system has more than 6,200 employees serving in more than 75 locations throughout a 15-county service area. In addition, FirstHealth has received numerous accolades for its patient care and outcomes, including recognitions from Healthgrades, U.S. News & World Report, and Becker's Healthcare. 

Employee Benefits

At FirstHealth of the Carolinas, we believe in supporting our employees' professional growth and personal well-being. That is why we offer a comprehensive benefit package that is designed to help you thrive. Enjoy a free gym-membership to one of our 7 FirstHealth Fitness Centers to stay active and prioritize your health, take advantage of our educational assistance programs through FirstU to pursue academic or professional development goals. You'll also benefit from exclusive employee discounts through PerkSpot, saving you money on quality offerings. Additionally, we're committed to your future with a competitive retirement savings plan, including an employer match to help you build financial security. These are just a few examples of how our leading-edge employee benefits align with our mission to put your career first. Join FirstHealth of the Carolinas and help us in our mission to become the best place to work in healthcare!

Thoroughly reviews patient medical records as required to specifically and accurately code diagnoses and procedures treated or otherwise impacting the patient care. Effectively verifies the electronic medical record contains supporting documentation to justify diagnostic and procedural code assignments and follows up accordingly if questionable. Assists with auditing medical records for quality of coding and to ensure appropriate reimbursement, and reports findings to the Coding Program Manager. Also serves as backup for coding, billing, abstracting, and/or auditing of Outpatient and ED records. The Clinical Coding Specialist III is responsible for remaining current on all ICD and CPT coding changes as well as payer specific requirements and regulations.

Coding of complex inpatient records.

Successful demonstration onf proficency and compliance with regulatory requirements

Identification of principal diagnosis and appropriate MS-DRG.

Complete coding of the record including appropriate coding of secondary diagnoses and inpatient procedures using ICD-10-PCS

Ability to write compliant coding queries.

Education/formal training/licensure/certification/experience:

· Degree in HIM. RHIA or RHIT preferred; CCS required.

· 4 years coding experience in hospital setting (at least 2 years inpatient)

· Experience in DRG validation or chart auditing preferred

· Thorough understanding and experience in both ICD-10 and CPT 4 required

· Minimum of 90% score on competency assessment

· Must be consistently exceeding standards of Level II and/or score minimum of 90% on competency sampling

Knowledge, skills and abilities required:

· Knowledge of DNV, Joint Commission and other regulatory agency chart documentation requirements

· Ability to work independently and function as an integral team member within the department.

· Strong analytical skills, detail oriented, and able to make decisions independently with consideration of the potential impact to reimbursement as well as external audit

· Must be able to work unsupervised and be self motivated with a strong understanding of prospective payments systems and coding guidelines

· Ability to perform work under pressure with ongoing deadlines and production/accuracy standards

· Use of computerized encoder and computer experience in Windows environment

Working Conditions

· Primary office setting, independent work environment

· Minimal conversation in office to facilitate level of concentration required

Physical Requirements

· Ability to tolerate long periods of sitting

· Numerical perception/visual acuity

· Excellent written and oral communication skills

· Motor coordination for operating computer