Knows, understands, incorporates, and demonstrates Huron’s Vision, and Values in behaviors, practices, and decisions.
Inpatient Coding Auditor
Responsible for the auditing of inpatient coders and/or inpatient “audit the auditors” to ensure coding accuracy and DRG accuracy of a minimum of 95% is met.
Perform quality checks/audits on visits coded as per client SOPs.
Perform calibration audits.
Suggest improvements and schedule calibration sessions with offshore team counterparts and leaders.
May assist in preparing audit reports, share direct feedback to coders and auditors on areas of opportunity, participate in client interactions and internal stakeholder meetings.
Firm understanding of the clinical documentation guidelines.
Monitor compliance of coding guidelines and ensure errors are identified during audits are corrected as appropriate, and corrective action is initiated before the claim is rebilled to the insurance.
Conduct analysis and present summary of findings to leadership in a clear, concise, convincing, and actionable format.
Utilizes encoder software applications, which includes all applicable online tools and references in the assignment of International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-CM) diagnosis and procedure codes (ICD-PCS), MS-DRG, APR DRG, POA, SOI & ROM assignments.
Ensures capture/reporting of appropriate code(s) by utilizing coding guidelines established by:
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), ICD-CM Official Coding Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) ICD-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
American Association (AHA) Coding Clinic for International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Standards of Ethical Coding
Client coding procedures and guidelines
Navigates the patient health record and other computer systems/sources to accurately determine diagnosis and procedures codes, MS-DRGs, APR DRGs, and identify HACs and PSIs or other indicators that could impact quality data and reimbursement.
Reviews inpatient health record documentation to assess the presence of clinical evidence/indicators to support diagnosis codes and MS-DRG, APR DRG assignments to potentially decrease denials.
Maintains a high degree of professional and ethical standards.
Focuses on updating coding skills, knowledge, and accuracy by participating in coding team meetings and educational conferences.
Maintains CEUs as appropriate for coding credentials as required by credentialing associations.
Maintains current knowledge of changes in inpatient reimbursement guidelines and regulations as well as new applications or settings for inpatient coding e.g., at Home.
Ensure patient information is correct and appropriate signatures are on all medical records.
Demonstrates knowledge of current, compliant coder query practices when consulting with physicians, Clinical Documentation Specialists (CDS) or other providers when additional information is needed for coding and/or to clarify conflicting or ambiguous documentation.
Maintains a working knowledge of applicable coding and reimbursement Federal, State and local laws and regulations, Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Current permanent United States Work Authorization required
Working in the United States Day shift schedule required
2+ years previous experience as an inpatient coding auditor
3+ years previous experience in coding inpatient accounts
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Visio, SharePoint)
Analytical skills (problem solving, quantitative, workflow process, etc.)
Ability to pay close attention to details; strong follow-up and follow-through skills
Excellent time management skills; organized; ability to prioritize completing multiple tasks on schedule in a deadline driven environment
Requires the use of independent judgement, discretion and decision-making abilities
Ability to interact with internal and external customers in a professional manner
Ability to ramp up on a client’s environment, processes, historical context, and systems to provide support to an engagement as soon as possible
Financial acumen and analytical skills are required
Experience working with data from various sources preferred
Familiarity with systems, deep understanding of process flow and financial analysis
Desire to work as part of a team in a partnership role
Strong oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, ability to work independently, and be self-motivated are required
Flexible and adaptable to changes
Required Certifications:
Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
Preferred Certifications:
AHIMA microcredentials: “Auditing: Inpatient Coding (AIC)”
Regis Health Information Administrator (RHIA) preferred
Encoder experience (3M/Solventum, Encoder Pro, Codify) preferred
Epic experience preferred
Cerner experience preferred
Meditech experience preferred
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) - Expectations
Coding Auditing Productivity: ≥ 95%
DRG Accuracy Rate ≥ 95%
Coding Accuracy: ≥ 95%
Query Compliance: 100% adherence to AHIMA/ACDIS standards