Lead Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient)

Temporarily eligible for Remote work within 50 miles of a VA Medical Center. May fall under the Presidential Memorandum tiled "Return to In-Person Work" which will require you to go into the office if the exemption is not approved at the next review. Major Duties include, not limited: The Inpatient Lead Coder must be able to perform all duties of a MRT (Coder). The incumbent is responsible for overseeing the inpatient coding processes, ensuring compliance with Veterans Affairs, federal regulations, and industry standards. Performs and/or reviews the assignment of International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), ICD-10-PCS procedure codes, and Diagnosis Related Groupings (MS-DRGs or APR-DRGs) based on documentation within inpatient medical records. Conducts regular internal audits of inpatient coding to ensure accuracy, compliance with regulatory and VA policies, and appropriate reimbursement. Collaborates with providers, clinical documentation improvement staff, and other stakeholders to clarify ambiguous documentation, resolve coding discrepancies, and support accurate clinical documentation. Provides direction and support to the inpatient coding team, assists in workload distribution, and acts as a coordinator for inpatient coding-related initiatives. Orient and instruct new coding personnel and/or students on coding, abstracting, and use of the electronic health record and encoder software. Ensure audit findings and claim denials related to coding errors are resolved and/or daily coding rejects corrected for accurate billing and data collection. Monitor trends and/or changes in regulatory and policy requirements affecting coding practices and identify educational needs. Develop coding training material and present a curriculum encompassing ongoing training initiatives. Provide assistance with coding inquiries from providers, MRTs (Coder), billers, and other facility staff. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 P.M Remote: The option for remote work will be assessed continuously, and the selected individual may need to return to a VA office if required. The selectees must live within 50 miles of a VA Medical Center (NOTE: This does not include CBOCs). Telework: Not applicable, this is a remote position. Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized