Professional Coding Auditor/Educator at WVU Medicine - Remote

Role Overview

The Professional Coding Auditor/Educator at WVU Medicine plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and compliance of medical coding practices. This remote position is responsible for educating and training WVU Healthcare coding staff, as well as overseeing and performing coding quality audits. The ideal candidate possesses extensive knowledge of coding classifications, including ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and experience with MS-DRG, HCC, and APR-DRG assignment. This role requires a proactive individual with strong communication skills, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to work independently while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

Day in the Life

A typical day for the Professional Coding Auditor/Educator involves a combination of auditing, training, and providing expert guidance. Here’s a glimpse:

• Coding Audits: Conducting comprehensive audits of medical records to ensure accurate coding and compliance with regulatory guidelines.
• Education & Training: Developing and delivering training programs for coding staff on new coding guidelines, updates, and best practices.
• Feedback & Mentoring: Providing one-on-one feedback and mentoring to coding staff based on audit results, helping them improve their skills and knowledge.
• Resource & Support: Serving as a primary coding resource for coders, clinical documentation improvement specialists, providers, and revenue cycle staff.
• Software Super User: Acting as the Super User for coding-related software and systems, providing technical support and troubleshooting.
• Meeting Participation: Attending and participating in specialty group meetings to provide coding expertise and guidance.
• Staying Updated: Keeping abreast of the latest coding guidelines, regulations, and industry trends through continuous learning and professional development.
• Policy Development: Assisting in the development and implementation of coding policies and procedures.
• Collaboration: Collaborating with other departments to improve coding accuracy, efficiency, and overall revenue cycle performance.
• Documentation: Maintaining accurate records of audit findings, training activities, and communication with coding staff.

Why Remote?

The remote nature of this position offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: Work from the comfort of your own home, creating a better work-life balance.
• Independence: Manage your own schedule and work autonomously.
• Cost Savings: Eliminate commuting costs and other expenses associated with working in an office.
• Access to Talent: WVU Medicine can attract top coding professionals from across the state and beyond.
• Improved Productivity: Studies have shown that remote workers can be more productive and engaged.

Career Path

The Professional Coding Auditor/Educator role provides a solid foundation for career advancement within WVU Medicine. Potential career paths include:

• Senior Coding Auditor/Educator: Taking on more complex auditing and training responsibilities, as well as mentoring junior auditors and educators.
• Coding Manager: Overseeing a team of coders and auditors, managing coding operations, and ensuring compliance.
• Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Specialist: Focusing on improving the accuracy and completeness of clinical documentation to support accurate coding and reimbursement.
• Revenue Cycle Manager: Managing the entire revenue cycle process, from coding and billing to collections and reimbursement.
• Compliance Officer: Ensuring that WVU Medicine’s coding practices comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Salary & Benefits

The estimated annual salary range for this position is $65,000 to $95,000, depending on experience and qualifications. WVU Medicine offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with employer matching.
• Life Insurance: Basic and supplemental life insurance options.
• Disability Insurance: Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Confidential counseling and support services.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Assistance with continuing education and professional development.
• Employee Discounts: Discounts on various products and services.
• Wellness Programs: Programs to promote employee health and well-being.

WVU Medicine Culture

WVU Medicine is committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment for its employees. Here are some aspects of the WVU Medicine culture:

• Teamwork: A collaborative and supportive team environment where employees work together to achieve common goals.
• Innovation: A commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in all areas of healthcare.
• Patient-Centered Care: A focus on providing high-quality, patient-centered care.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional growth and development through training, education, and mentorship programs.
• Diversity & Inclusion: A commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and respectful workplace for all employees.
• Community Involvement: WVU Medicine is actively involved in the community, supporting various charitable organizations and initiatives.
• Recognition: Employee recognition programs to acknowledge and reward outstanding performance.
• Work-Life Balance: A focus on promoting work-life balance for employees.

How to Apply

To apply for the Professional Coding Auditor/Educator position at WVU Medicine, please follow these steps:

1. Click the “Apply” button at the top of this page.
2. Complete the online application form, providing all required information.
3. Upload your resume and cover letter.
4. Submit your application.

FAQ

1. What certifications are required for this position?
   Certification in one of the following is required: RHIA, RHIT, COC, CCS, or CPC.
2. Is remote work equipment provided?
   WVU Medicine typically provides the necessary equipment for remote work, such as a laptop and headset. Specifics will be discussed during the interview process.
3. What is the typical career path for this role?
   Potential career paths include Senior Coding Auditor/Educator, Coding Manager, CDI Specialist, Revenue Cycle Manager, and Compliance Officer.
4. What kind of training is provided?
   WVU Medicine provides comprehensive training on coding guidelines, software, and compliance requirements.
5. What software systems are used in this role?
   The specific software systems used may vary, but typically include coding software, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and auditing tools.
6. What is the work-life balance like in this position?
   WVU Medicine is committed to promoting work-life balance for its employees. The remote nature of this position offers additional flexibility.
7. What opportunities are there for professional development?
   WVU Medicine offers various opportunities for professional development, including tuition reimbursement, training programs, and mentorship programs.
8. How does WVU Medicine support its remote employees?
   WVU Medicine provides remote employees with the necessary equipment, technology support, and communication tools to be successful.
9. What is the company culture like?
   WVU Medicine fosters a collaborative, innovative, and patient-centered culture.
10. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) for this role?
    Key performance indicators typically include coding accuracy, audit completion rates, and training effectiveness.