Summary

Management of all professional surgery coding and abstracting activities from the patient medical records to ensure accuracy of work and adherence to Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), CPT Professional and ICD-10-CM Professional Coding Guidelines that impact professional charge capture and reimbursement in a timely manner to meet the accounts receivable billing requirements. Develop, implement, and monitor policies, procedures, and systems for proper coding and reporting. 

What You'll Do

CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

LEADERSHIP

• Analyze effectiveness of professional coding operations to identify opportunities for process improvement using Lean methodologies to streamline processes and ensure the most efficient use of Professional Coding resources to meet the needs of the organization
• Monitor changes in laws, regulations, and policies that impact coding and reimbursement and assure compliance with coding procedures and workflows
• Assist the Manager of Professional Surgery Coding in the development, implementation and assessment of long range and short-term goals for the Coding Team
• Provide leadership representation on institutional committees as it relates to assigned units.
• Provide leadership for and actively participate in departmental and institutional activities and programs

OPERATIONS

• Monitor daily progress of Accounts Receivable (AR) and implement personnel and operational changes to address objectives
• Monitor and report productivity of professional surgery coders, collect statistical data from coding systems
• Provide clarification and coaching to staff on coding expectations to assure the highest quality of coding in the timeliest and efficient manner
• Plan and schedule work for the unit ensuring proper staffing and distribution of assignments to accomplish required tasks
• Plan and schedule meetings with staff to explain and implement new policies and procedures and practices
• Prepare ad hoc reports for customers regarding delinquent surgical accounts
• Approve requested Paid Time Off from coding staff
• Approve timesheets for coding staff
• Oversee contract coding agency staff
• Demonstrate initiative by continuous expansion of knowledge and skills
• Plan, develop, revise, and implement programs, policies and procedures for assigned units
• Conduct regular staff meetings to communicate changes, updates, or issues via Teams
• Assess assigned operations and implement changes to work processes as needed
• Perform customer acceptance testing for the biannual EPIC/MiChart system upgrade.
• Coordinate educational programs regarding system upgrades and changes to all professional surgery coders

PEOPLE AND PARTNERS

• Collaborate with MiChart teams to resolve technical and process issues related to MiChart upgrades
• Provide leadership for process improvement and redesign to improve customer satisfaction, reduce costs, and/or meet departmental and institutional goals and objectives
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with colleagues and staff within the department and organization to promote mutual understanding and respect
• Work within the department, across the organization, and with clinical and senior leadership to meet organizational goals
• Demonstrates excellent customer service skills in working with staff, clinicians, and other staff at UMHS
• Design requirements, criteria, and metrics to meet the end users’ needs for analysis and interpretation of health information and statistics for Coding

Coding Compliance & Education

• Partners in developing strategy to address high-risk coding practices, recommendations for corrective action plans or process improvements and creates policies, procedures, and internal controls which reinforce the highest level of standard of coding quality goals and outcomes
• Collaborate with Manager of Professional Surgery Coding and Surgical Medical Coding Compliance Specialist to review training materials for staff and to support coding quality and education initiatives

Clinical Documentation Integrity

• Ensures the collaboration required between the Clinical Documentation Specialists and Coding functions is optimal to achieve complete and clear documentation

COMPETENCIES

• Extensive knowledge of CPT and ICD10-CM Professional Guidelines
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and payer-specific regulations and policies pertaining to documentation, coding, and billing
• Complies with all aspects of coding, abides by all ethical standards, and adheres to official coding guidelines
• Ability to work independently as well as with a diverse group of people in a diplomatic and effective manner
• Strong customer focus and the knowledge and skill to identify, meet and evaluate customer expectations
• Strong presentation skills
• Exceptional ability to lead, manage, and mentor staff through complex work redesign efforts.
• Logical, analytical, and organized with the ability to reprioritize quickly and efficiently
• Knowledge and understanding of third-party payer, regulatory and accreditation requirements
• Excellent collaboration, meeting facilitation, presentation, and communication skills
• Exceptional analytical and problem-solving ability, organizational skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under multiple pressures and deadlines
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills up, down, and across the organization
• Considerable experience with Windows computer environment and proficiency with Microsoft Office software
• Ability to work independently, self-motivated and an ability to adapt to the changing healthcare environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail are required
• Proficiency in organizational skills and planning with an ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-changing environment
• Ability to navigate the EHR to identify documents for review to provide accurate capture of clinical information

Mission Statement

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Required Qualifications*

• An Associate’s degree in Health Information Management or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials is required
• Current membership in AHIMA or AAPC is required
• Coding knowledge with a strong understanding of the CPT and ICD10-CM Professional Guidelines and how to apply them
• Minimum of three years of professional surgical coding experience within a large, fast-paced, and complex health care organization

Desired Qualifications*

• Demonstrated customer focus and the knowledge and skill to identify, meet, and evaluate customer expectations is required.
• Minimum of one to three years of supervisory or administrative experience in a healthcare or hospital setting or comparable combination of educational preparation and experience in managing professional coding and providing effective leadership
• Experience with Epic EHR
• Knowledge of University and departmental policies and procedures
• Experience with 3M Computer Assisted Coding system

Additional Information

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Direction is received from the Manager of Professional Surgery Coding

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Functional and administrative supervision is exercised over professional surgery coders and other assigned staff

Background Screening

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

U-M COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

COVID-19 vaccinations, including one booster when eligible, are required for all University of Michigan students, faculty and staff across all campuses, including Michigan Medicine.  This includes those working remotely and temporary workers.   More information on this new policy is available on the U-M Health Response website or the UM-Dearborn and UM-Flint websites.