Job Summary:
The Inpatient Medical Coding Team Leader is responsible for leading a team of medical coders to accurately and efficiently code and abstract diagnoses, procedures, and other healthcare services for patients admitted to the hospital. The Team Leader will ensure that the team follows all coding guidelines, rules, regulations, and compliance standards established by regulatory bodies and the organization.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Manage and supervise the day-to-day activities of the inpatient coding team
Provide guidance and support to the team members to ensure that they perform their duties effectively and efficiently
Conduct regular performance evaluations of team members to identify areas of improvement and provide feedback
Develop and implement coding policies, procedures, and best practices that align with industry standards and regulatory requirements
Collaborate with the compliance department to ensure that all coding practices adhere to regulatory guidelines and standards
Oversee the coding process, including coding validation, quality control, and review of all coded data
Ensure that all coding is done in a timely and accurate manner to meet established organizational benchmarks and deadlines
Monitor coding productivity and identify opportunities for process improvement
Stay up to date on changes in coding guidelines, regulations, and laws, and provide education and training to the coding team as needed
Manage the team's work schedule and ensure adequate coverage is provided at all times
Serve as a liaison between the coding team and other departments, including the revenue cycle team, clinical documentation improvement team, and compliance department
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in nursing or a related field in healthcare
At least 3 years of experience in medical coding, with a minimum of 1-2 years of experience in inpatient coding
Coding certification (e.g., CCS, CCSP, RHIT, RHIA) from AHIMA or AAPC
Strong knowledge of ICD10CM/PCS and CPT coding systems, coding guidelines, and regulations
Excellent leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and lead a team
Strong organizational and problem solving skills, with the ability to multitask and prioritize tasks effectively
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with others and provide feedback in a constructive manner Proficient in the use of electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software
Familiarity with Medicare and Medicaid regulations, compliance standards, and reimbursement methodologies