Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient)

Total Rewards of an Allied Health Professional Utilizes computer applications with varied functions to produce a wide range of reports, to abstract records, and review assigned codes. Performs audits of encounters to identify areas of noncompliance in coding. Facilitates improved overall quality, completeness, and accuracy of coded data. Works with staff to ensure that regulations are met, or areas of weakness are identified and reported to the appropriate supervisor for corrective action. Selects and assigns codes from the current version of several coding systems, including the current versions of the International Responsible for classification of diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and/or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Adheres to accepted coding practices, guidelines, and conventions when choosing the most appropriate diagnosis, operation, procedure, ancillary, or Evaluation and Management code to ensure ethical, accurate, and complete coding. Searches the patient record to find documentation justifying code assignment based on an expanded knowledge of the organization and the structure of the patient health record. Responsible for performing audits of coded data, developing criteria, collecting data, graphing and analyzing results, and creating reports and communicating in writing and/or in person to appropriate leadership and groups. Maintains statistical databases to track the results and validate the program for identifying patterns and variations in coding practices with regular reports to the medical staff and management. Assists in the development of guidelines for data quality, consistency, and monitoring for compliance to improve the quality for clinical, financial, and administrative data to ensure that all coded data is fully documented and supported. Work Schedule: Hours to be discussed during the interview process Remote: These approved positions are currently designated for a mid-term extension to the return to office mandate through October 2025. While these positions may be filled remotely, the employee will be required to return to the office if the mid-term extension is not continued. Therefore, all applicants must be located within 50 miles of a VA facility. Compressed/Flexible: Not Available Recruitment Incentive (Sign-on Bonus): Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (Relocation Assistance): Not Authorized Pay: Competitive salary and regular salary increases When setting pay, a higher step rate of the appropriate grade may be determined after consideration of higher or unique qualifications or special needs of the VA (Above Minimum Rate of the Grade). Paid Time Off: 37-50 days of annual paid time offer per year (13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days of sick leave, 11 paid Federal holidays per year) Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior [work experience] or military service experience. Parental Leave: After 12 months of employment, up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave in connection with the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child. Child Care Subsidy: After 60 days of employment, full time employees with a total family income below $144,000 may be eligible for a childcare subsidy up to 25% of total eligible childcare costs for eligible children up to the monthly maximum of $416.66. Retirement: Traditional federal pension (5 years vesting) and federal 401K with up to 5% in contributions by VA Insurance: Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care (many federal insurance programs can be carried into retirement) Telework: This position is telework eligible but may be required to return to the office permanently at a later date. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #: 00000 Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized