Harris Health is a nationally recognized health system comprising three teaching hospitals and an extensive network of ambulatory care centers serving the people of Harris County, Texas, since 1966. Staffed by the faculty, fellows and residents from two nationally ranked medical schools, Baylor College of Medicine and The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Harris Health is the first healthcare system in Houston to receive the prestigious National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) designation for its network of patient-centered medical homes.

Each year, Harris Health provides more than 1.8 million total outpatient visits through its more than 40 ambulatory care facilities. Additionally, Harris Health sees more than 177,000 emergency visits at its Level 1 and Level 3 trauma centers and 35,000 hospital admissions through its three hospitals: Ben Taub, LBJ and Quentin Mease.

Established by voter referendum to enhance the level of charity care available in the community, Harris Health System has often received national recognition for serving those in need and for its achievements in operational excellence, such as being named to the 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 Most Wired Hospitals lists by the American Hospital Associations Hospitals & Health Networks magazine.

Additionally, Harris Health System is pleased that each of its three hospitals Ben Taub, Lyndon B. Johnson and Quentin Mease achieved Pathway to Excellence designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center.

JOB SUMMARY: Under limited supervision, reviews medical records and performs coding on all diagnoses and procedures (both medical and surgical) according to applicable coding guidelines. Assigns and verifies the correct diagnostic related grouping (DRG/MS-DRG) for all inpatient-designated account types. Applies the most accurate codes for reimbursement purposes, research, epidemiology, statistical analysis outcomes, financial and strategic planning, evaluation of quality of care, and communication to support the patient's treatment. Maintains the confidentiality of patient records and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Specialized Training/Licensure: High school diploma or GED. Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential required. RHIA/RHIT credential preferred

Work Experience (Years and Area): 5 years minimum of total coding experience with at least 3 years minimum of Inpatient coding experience. Inpatient Coding in Trauma Level 1 teaching facility preferred

Equipment Operated:3M encoder interfaced with EPIC electronic medical record billing system

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Communication Skills: Writing /Composing: Correspondence, Reports

Other Skills: Analytical, Medical Terms, P.C., Anatomy and Physiology

Work Schedule: Weekends, Holidays, Flexible, Eligible for Telecommute

Other Requirements:
Knowledge of medical terminology, abbreviations, anatomy and physiology, major disease processes, and pharmacology
Knowledge of classification systems, ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, AND ICD-10-PCS nomenclature, CPT-4 and HCPCS nomenclature, coding rules, guidelines, and proper sequencing
Knowledge of coding conventions and rules established by the American Medical Association (AMA), the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM, AND ICD-10-PCS Official Coding Guidelines for assignment of diagnostic and procedure codes
Knowledge of JCAHO, Privacy Act of 1974, and HIPAA standards affecting medical records and their impact on reimbursement
Knowledge of ethical coding principles and revenue cycle activities
Skill in interpreting and applying ethical coding standards, understanding federal and state laws and regulations, and following professional practice standards for health care organization coding