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: Performs coding on all diagnoses, procedures, and related services according to applicable coding guidelines for outpatient clinic accounts. Uses ICD-9-CM, CPT-4, and HCPCS code sets to appropriately assign and sequence codes identified within the outpatient medical record. 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 patients treatment. Maintains the confidentiality of patient records and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Specialized Training/Licensure:CPC/CPC-H and/or CCA/CCS/CCS-P and/or RHIA/RHIT credential(s)
OR graduate of an HIM Administration/Technology program OR attendance/completion of the Harris Health Systems Coder Training. Certification credential (listed above) must be achieved within one year of employment

Work Experience (Years and Area): None required
Management Experience (Years and Area): None required
Equipment Operated: 3M encoder interfaced with EPIC electronic medical record billing system

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Communication Skills:
Above Average Verbal (Heavy Public Contact)
Exceptional Verbal (Public Speaking)
Writing/Composing (Reports)

Other Skills:
CRT, Medical Terminology, P.C., Anatomy & Physiology, Successful Completion 80% on Coding Exam
Work Schedule: Weekends Holidays Flexible

Other Requirements:
Knowledge of coding conventions and rules established by the American Medical Association (AMA), the Center for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS), the ICD-9-CM Official Coding Guidelines AHIMA, and AAPC for assignment of diagnostic and procedural codes.

Knowledge of the Privacy Act of 1974 and HIPAA Privacy Rule Act of 1996.
Skill in understanding medical coding and billing procedures and protocols.
Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing the Epic EMR, 3M Encoder, and other software.

Skill in oral communication and presenting written information to providers (via queries).