Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient)

Duties to include but not limited to the following: Assigns codes to documented patient care encounters (outpatient) covering the full range of health care services provided by the VAMC. Selects and assigns codes from the current version of several coding systems to include current versions of the International 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. Monitors ever-changing regulatory and policy requirements affecting coded information for the full spectrum of services provided by the VAMC. Performs a comprehensive review of the patient health record to abstract medical, surgical, ancillary, demographic, social, and administrative data to ensure complete data capture. Assists facility staff with documentation requirements to completely and accurately reflect the patient care provided; provides technical support in the areas of regulations and policy, coding requirements, resident supervision, reimbursement, workload, accepted nomenclature, and proper sequencing. Searches the patient health record to find documentation justifying code assignment based on an expanded knowledge of the organization and structure of the patient record. Utilizes the facility computer system and software applications to correctly code, abstract, record, and transmit data to the national VA database in Austin. Uses a variety of computer applications in day-to-day activities and duties, such as Outlook, Excel, Word, and Access; competent in use of the health record applications (VISTA and CPRS) as well as the encoder product suite. Orients and instructs new personnel and/or students from affiliated health information or medical record technology programs, at the direction of the supervisor, on unit operations, coding, abstracting, and use of an electronic health record. Works within a team environment; supports peers in meeting goals and deadlines; flexible and handles multiple tasks; works under pressure; and copes with frequently changing projects and deadlines. Specific Functions: Identifies the principal diagnosis and principal procedure (when applicable) for every outpatient discharge; also identifies significant complications and/or co-morbidities treated or impacting treatment to correctly determine the proper Diagnosis Related Group (DRG). Conducts re-reviews of codes abstracted for patient encounters (outpatient) identified by the VERA committee to determine if based on the documentation the specific VERA coding requirements were followed; corrects coding as needed to ensure proper patient classification in the VERA program. Codes outpatient professional fee services for identified outpatient admissions. Establishes the primary and secondary diagnosis and procedure codes for outpatient encounters following applicable regulations, instructions, and requirements for allowable reimbursement; links the appropriate diagnosis to the procedure and/or determines level of Evaluation & Management service provided. Work Schedule: To Be Determined Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Functional Statement #:10417-F (GS-4), 10419-F (GS-5), 10421-F (GS-6), 10423-F (GS-7) 10425-F (GS-8) Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized