Director of Coding - Santa Maria, CA - Full-time / Part-time

If you want to achieve more in your mission of health care, you have to be really smart about the business of health care. Challenge yourself, your peers and our industry by shaping what health care looks like and doing your life's best work.(sm)
 
The Coding Director is responsible for the 7 - day per week operations of Coding department which includes: developing and implementing a data quality management plan for coding and reimbursement which includes: facilitating the structure, process, oversight and accountability of the service area for health data collection activities to ensure accurate provider documentation, compliant and optimal reporting and reimbursement of health care services.  
 
Primary Responsibilities:

Designs and maintains the physical environment by organizing personnel and equipment within the space and budget available; arranges the physical environment to facilitate smooth workflow; optimizes space efficiency to ensure safety
Assist with annual capital and operating budgets for the Coding Department and ensures the financial stability and expenses remain within budget
Plans and directs coding and compliance program which includes coding for the hospital facilities, ambulatory surgical services, outpatient services and clinic based services and assuring that coding practices meet all the correct coding and compliance standards
Identifies patterns, trends and variations in coding or claim data submitted and taking appropriate steps in collaboration with departments to effect resolution or explanation of the variance.  Performing analysis to identify risks and gaps
Implements processes and procedures to capture coded data to assure accurate and timely coding
Assesses current coding productivity standards and develops a strategic plan to improve organizational effectiveness
Oversees audit coding plan and responds to findings and recommendations of external compliance assessments and audits as it related to coding issues. Prepares appeals when appropriate
Ensures that information systems support current and future needs of the department. Works closely with information technology in transition planning including, but not limited to, testing, installation and education of staff to produce and maintain high quality coding and data integrity
Ensures compliance with external agencies and state and federal regulations.  Develops, maintains, and implements policies and procedures; evaluates and improves the effectiveness of policies and procedures and workflow
Monitors the initiation, revision, and implementation of external regulations, statues, and standards; facilitates implementation of revised regulations; ensures conformance
Serves as the facilities liaison for coding and reimbursement and attending revenue cycle, chargemaster, compliance and other related meeting
Ensures the Coding department sufficiently provides efficient and effective services.  Reviews and approves personnel matters pertaining to interviews, hires, evaluations, counseling, training and makes recommendations for termination for staff as appropriate. Review provisions for staff development, training, and orientations as prescribed by Dignity Health and departmental standards
Implements a reporting system that incorporates a reasonable span of control including time and resource allowances to effectively perform services and communicate; organizes the department in such a way that decisions are made and problems are solved at the appropriate level
Motivates and empowers staff in the successful performance of their tasks and responsibilities to support Dignity Health facilities needs and encourages innovation
Maintains adequate dialogue with direct reports and employees and maintains at least monthly staff meetings.  Make formal and informal presentations both orally and in writing.  Provides direct reports with the resources, tools, and training they require to meet expected performance levels.  Provides feedback on direct report’s performance and make recommendations for improvement
Utilizes result of quality control monitoring as an integral part of employee performance appraisals; Monitors, evaluates, appraises or disciplines employees activities according to Dignity Health standards
Actively participates in various committees such as, but, not limited, to the Medical Records Committee, Revenue Cycle Committees, Documentation Improvement Committee, and regional Electronic Health Record related Committees
Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s, or Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management or related field
RHIA or RHIT credential
5+ experience in a management level position in a hospital or healthcare system
Experience with the electronic health record, health information systems and healthcare applications
Experience with regulations and accreditation standards, knowledge of specific state and federal requirements and standards related to the management of health information
Knowledge of ICD - 9, ICD - 10, CPT, and APC coding guidelines
Maintain professional relationships with state and national organizations to gain insight and understanding of future trends, regulations, etc.
Expertise in health information management, best practices, processes and procedures, Knowledge of medical terminology, classification systems, and vocabularies
Demonstrates leadership skills and exercises judgment within generally defined practices and policies when selecting methods and techniques in problem solving
Takes the initiative to make decisions and is an advocate for change
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing facility - wide policies and procedures, and identifying and resolving operational issues
Experience in assessing and identifying learning needs as well as providing education and training designed to support a learning organization
High ethical standards
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present ideas and concepts effectively across organizational levels
Possess a strategic and problem solving orientation and superior planning and organizational skills
Knowledge of information privacy laws, access, release of information, and release control technologies
Knowledge of hospital protocols and procedures
Working knowledge of functional relationships between departments within a healthcare or similar environment
Knowledge of JCAHO, HIPAA, HCFA, Title 22, security principles, guidelines, and standard healthcare practices
Demonstrated competence with personal computers, networks, and Microsoft Office
Preferred Qualifications:

CCS credential
Careers with Optum. Here's the idea. We built an entire organization around one giant objective; make health care work better for everyone. So when it comes to how we use the world's large accumulation of health-related information, or guide health and lifestyle choices or manage pharmacy benefits for millions, our first goal is to leap beyond the status quo and uncover new ways to serve. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, brings together some of the greatest minds and most advanced ideas on where health care has to go in order to reach its fullest potential. For you, that means working on high performance teams against sophisticated challenges that matter. Optum, incredible ideas in one incredible company and a singular opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)
 
 
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
 
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
 
Job Keywords: Health Information Management, Santa Maria, CA, California