OP Medical Coder

Role Overview

OP Medical Coder at NMC Healthcare. This role ensures proper coding of documents in accordance with regulator coding guidelines and regulations.

Role Purpose

To review, abstract, assign, and validate medical codes with accuracy and completeness, ensure compliance with all applicable coding standards and HAAD guidelines, and support the professional development of medical coding and records staff.

Key Responsibilities

Coding & Documentation Review

• Review and sequence accurate ICD-9, ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, DRG, and other applicable codes for documented diagnoses and procedures.
• Ensure final diagnoses and operative procedures documented by physicians are valid, accurate, and complete.
• Abstract relevant information from medical records to identify secondary complications, co-morbidities, and other reportable conditions.
• Evaluate medical records for documentation consistency, completeness, and adequacy.
• Ensure final diagnoses accurately reflect the care and treatment provided.
• Review physicians' documentation to ensure appropriate Evaluation and Management (E&M) levels are assigned using the correct CPT codes.

Code Assignment & Validation

• Assign and validate the appropriate DRG codes for all inpatient cases.

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure all coding activities comply with applicable HAAD guidelines and regulations.
• Comply with all occupational safety and health (OSH) and infection control policies, standards, and procedures.
• Follow documented OSH procedures, instructions, and assigned responsibilities.
• Maintain familiarity with emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Promptly report OSH hazards, incidents, near misses, and other safety-related issues.
• Assist with the preparation of risk assessments and incident reports.
• Comply with waste management policies and procedures.

Training & Knowledge Management

• Provide training and guidance to Medical Coders and Medical Records Technicians on coding practices.
• Keep coding staff updated on new coding rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Stay updated with the latest coding versions, standards, and HAAD coding directives.

Stakeholder Communication

• Provide feedback to physicians regarding coding errors, documentation gaps, and oversights.

Professional Development & Safety

• Attend applicable OSH and infection control training programs, mock drills, and awareness programs.
• Ensure appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety systems.

General Duties

• Achieve core objectives in line with the expectations of management and relevant stakeholders.
• Demonstrate the ability to work constructively and interact professionally with colleagues and stakeholders.
• Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Department within the scope of the job role.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Allied Health Sciences or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Minimum 2 years of Medical Coding experience.
• Valid Certified Coding Associate (CCA) certification from AHIMA or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification from AAPC.

Skills & Competencies

• Good computer literacy with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English.
• Ability to coordinate multiple tasks, adapt to changing priorities, and consistently meet deadlines.