Clinical Coding Specialist Health Group Lead

Job summary

We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic Accredited Clinical Coder to join our Team. To provide an efficient and high quality clinical coding service to support the business needs of the Trust, including Clinical Governance, Information Governance and finance by ensuring accurate translation and input of medical terminology. To act as an expert specialist Clinical Coder, guided by occupational policies, assisting coders with complex coding queries, providing expert advice to other departments on coding issues. You will be responsible for ensuring that coding deadlines are met, and working with senior staff within the department for ensuring that staff are adhering to national and local coding standards, polices and guidelines. Ensuring that the mandatory and coding training of staff within the team is up to date, and that performance is at the expected level linking into the annual appraisal process. Plan service provision within your clinical areas to ensure that the service provided is of the highest standard and that all deadlines are met. To analyse and extract diagnostic and procedural information from patient case notes and information systems and assign the appropriate code, in accordance with local and national coding practices in an accurate and timely fashion.

Main duties of the job

• Day to day supervision of Clinical Coding team, monitoring performance and ensuring targets are met.
• Supporting the Assistant Coding Manager in all aspects to ensure smooth running of the department.
• Mentoring junior coders for accuracy and consistency of Coding.
• Extract, analyse, and translate complex clinical information from patient cases notes allocating accurate diagnosis & operational procedure codes.
• Communicate complex coding rules; liaise with Clinicians/Information/Finance and other departments.
• Work with Divisions to promote Clinical Coding and the level of clinical information required.
• Support in the Resolution coding queries from across the Trust.

About us

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that's changing how care is delivered. We are a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing.

Job responsibilities

• To identify uncoded activity by reviewing the daily discharges list / uncoded lists.
• To visit ward and non-clinical areas to extract necessary clinical details from case notes.
• Using source documentation and systems to identify, analyse, extract and interpret complex information.
• Using coding tools (Coding Manual, ICD and OPCS classification books, coding clinics and Classification Service resolutions) identify codes.
• Adhere to national standards and local coding policies; exercise judgement in selecting appropriate codes.
• Access information systems (pathology, radiology, etc.) to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Enter coded clinical data onto the Trust encoder (3M Medicode) ensuring accuracy, completeness and timeliness.
• Routinely code a minimum of 40 episodes per day on average.
• Identify data quality queries and address with the Assistant Clinical Coding Manager.
• Negotiate with clinicians over interpretation of coding guidance.
• Communicate complex coding rules to medical, clinical, administration staff.
• Prioritise workload of your Team using uncoded reports; advise Assistant Coding Manager of hindrances.
• Work with other staff groups to resolve coding queries; ensure income generated via HRG allocation is accurate.
• Motivate staff in the Coding Team and within divisions.
• Participate in discussions of coding problems at monthly departmental meetings.
• Demonstrate compliance with changing terminology and new surgical techniques.
• Work with the Coding Auditor to ensure coding accuracy through audits.
• Conduct annual appraisals for staff in Team; agree objectives and identify training needs.
• Support staff performance improvement in line with Trust Performance Policy.

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Essential: National Clinical Coding qualification (degree level)
• Essential: Evidence of attendance on Clinical coding speciality workshops within last 2 years
• Essential: Evidence of attendance to a Clinical Coding refresher course within last 2 years
• Desirable: Evidence of post graduate qualification
• Desirable: ECDL
• Desirable: Leadership and Management qualification (training will be given)

Experience

• Essential: Experience in managing a performance output-based service
• Essential: Demonstrable in-depth specialist Clinical Coding experience across a wide range of Specialities in an Acute Trust setting
• Desirable: Experience of Clinical Coding Audit
• Desirable: Leadership and Management experience (training will be given)

Employer details

Employer name: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

Address: The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1QX

Employer's website: [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]

For questions about the job, contact: Assistant Clinical Coding Manager Rebecca Macarthy - [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]