CODER 1 (REQ 3788)

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Coder 1 reviews the contents of out-patient/ambulatory records identifying appropriate ICD-10-CM, HCPC II and CPT codes to the highest specificity using appropriate coding guidelines, thus ensuring all coded records meet SPH, State and Federal requirements.  Out-patient/ ambulatory coding is performed in a timely and accurate manner to meet ethical standards, compliance audits, and appropriate statistical and disease indices data collection requirements.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

This position reports directly to the HIM Manager. The Coder 1 is in contact with a variety of people throughout the normal course of a day,  and performs duties in support of the hospital mission and in accordance with established departmental and facility policies.

EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

1. A two-year Associate of Health Information Management degree or completion of the AHIMA independent study program is preferred.
2. Must be credentialed as a CPC-A through the AAPC, or an equivalent credential through AHIMA. 
3. A minimum of two-years coding experience preferably in an acute care hospital setting.  Possess in-depth knowledge of coding/classification systems appropriate for outpatient services.  These include, but are not limited to, diagnostic medicine, emergency room and radiology procedures.
4. Must possess excellent written and oral communication skills.  Incumbent must also be able to manage multiple concurrent tasks with exceptional organizational skills.  The position requires keyboarding skills, and knowledge of coding computer applications. Must be able to operate general office machines including personal computer, FAX machine and photocopier. 

ENVIRONMENT:

South Peninsula Hospital is a 50 bed Acute and Long Term Care hospital, located at the southern end of the Kenai Peninsula.  Strict confidentiality is an essential component of this position.  The HIM department is a support service of SPH whose primary purpose is to contribute to the quality of patient care through the development and maintenance of a comprehensive, centralized health information system.