Coding Auditor and Educator - Inpatient

About the position

The Coding Audit/Educator primary responsibilities are to audit inpatient and/or outpatient University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) hospital medical records, for coding accuracy, provide individual educational feedback, and identify educational trends/opportunities that would be relevant for the entire Coding Team. Research and prepare educational tutorials and submit to AHIMA for approval to provide Continuing Education Units for the attendees. The UTSW medical records are maintained in electronic format and reviews will be in accordance with current coding guidelines, and in compliance with organizational, departmental, and regulatory requirements. The Coding Audit/Educator is identified as the highest level coding subject matter expert due to education, training, and experience and as such will receive assignments in accordance with that level of expertise. Additionally, the Coding Audit/Educator may be asked to mentor and proctor employees at the Coding Specialist I, II, and III levels.

Responsibilities

• Identify educational opportunities by auditing inpatient and/or outpatient accounts in compliance with the Official Coding/CDI, and UHDDS Guidelines and conventions.
• Conduct CDI audits specific to PDx, POA, query compliance, risk adjustments variables, clinical substance, worksheet basics, etc.
• Prepare and provide educational feedback to individuals and if relevant to the entire Coding and/or CDI Teams.
• Research and prepare educational tutorials and submit to AHIMA/ACDIS for approval to provide Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for the attendees.
• Accurately audit records for the most appropriate Principal Diagnosis, DRG, Reason for Visit, Procedures, and all reportable secondary diagnoses.
• Accurately audit abstracting for required data elements including discharge disposition, discharge destination, procedure dates and physician(s), and other designated data.
• Identify when a physician query is appropriate for further clarification.
• Recognize when the documentation is missing or incomplete and recommend appropriate action.
• Support the Quality Standards set by UTSW.
• Mentor/train on designated service lines as requested to ensure quality.
• Maintain an expert level of knowledge of Coding and/or CDI related guidelines and practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 3 years acute hospital-based Coding or CDI experience, relative to the primary work area.
• Licenses and Certifications: (RHIA) REGD HEALTH INFO ADMINIST or (RHIT) REGD HEALTH INFO TECHNOLO or (CCS) CERT CODING SPECIALIST or (CPC) CERT PROFESSIONAL CODER AAPC credential or (CCDS) Cert Clinical Documentation or Certified Outpatient Coder (COC).

Nice-to-haves

• Associate's Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field.
• Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field.
• Experience working in a remote environment.
• AHIMA-Approved I10 Trainer Certification.

Benefits

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage.
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare - no copay.
• Paid Time Off, available day one.
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS).
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit.
• Wellness programs.
• Tuition Reimbursement.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer.