Team Lead, Coding Operations- IM

Job Posting Closing Date: Open until Filled

Where do you belong?

Your career is more than just a job, it's part of your life. Whether you’re a clinician, or non-clinical professional,  at USACS you'll feel a sense of connection working with clinicians and office staff who share your interests and values. We want you to love coming to work each day because you believe in what you do and the people with whom you work. We care about your success.

USACS also understands that location is important. We offer  career opportunities for clinicians and non-clinical support staff from New York to Hawaii and numerous points in between. Our supportive culture,  outstanding benefits and competitive compensation package is best in class.

Job Description

The Team Lead, Coding Operations is responsible for daily operations and prioritization of duties for applicable service line coders (ED, OB, UC, SNF or Vendor). Implements proactive actions to reduce or eliminate any potential coding productivity risks/exposures. The lead is expected to maintain a working knowledge of coding process, policy, SOPs, and serves as subject matter expert on assigned EMR’s performance and impact to production coding. The lead is responsible for advising leadership on impacts of regulatory (TJC, Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules & Regs, etc.) and operational changes. Is expected to provide regular coding updates/summaries of productivity metrics and will maintain ongoing communication with coding leadership regarding coding workload and productivity. In addition, the Coding Operations Team Lead is responsible for ensuring coding processes are conducted efficiently and in a high-quality manner to meet overall coding expectations and metrics

Location: Remote

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: 

Running the Business

• Routinely responsible for daily operations and prioritization of duties, including managing work queues, backlog lists, queue clean up (Month-end), and team updates 
• Responsible for verifying, approving and submitting employee time records and expense/reimbursement approvals
• Assists department personnel by providing training, answering operational questions and making recommendations to resolve operational issues
• Assists in monitoring the Pre-bill and post-bill Statuses (Coding active, coding hold, etc.)
• Responsible for coding accounts from applicable service line(s) on an as needed basis
• Oversee service line edits/chart corrections and provide related education when applicable  
• Responsible for monitoring coders’ productivity progress and reports any impediments
• Conducts time-study as deemed necessary for adjustments of productivity standards
• Ensures that coders are adhering to company and department policies and SOPs
• Routinely tracks, trends and corrects any identified outsourced coders’ quality/operational errors 
• Supervises and manages denials in conjunction with denials management (when applicable) and appeals when needed
• Assists with candidate selection/hiring process
• Assists Coding Operations Manager with action plans associated with denials management and appeals
• Responsible for monitoring Milestone Coders progress to goal and proactively remediate any anticipated negative variance to target
• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association and American Academy of Professional Coders and adheres to official coding guidelines
• Assists with other department duties and projects as needed
• Assist Coding Manager in validation of outsource coder invoice volumes (if applicable)
• Works with Coding Quality Lead(s) in all human resources matters relating to the department including but not limited to: hiring, performance evaluations, corrective action counseling and employee separations.

Engaging & Developing Employees

• Ensure all direct reports understand performance requirements and production requirements
• Conducts performance evaluation with staff quarterly, at a minimum
• Routinely responsible for coding operational onboarding processes
• Provides and documents orientation and training to new staff members and contract coders
• Sets up new employee workstation with applicable application access
• Assists in ensuring coding staff adherence with coding guidelines, policies and SOPs
• Assists Coding Manager in the review and improvement of policies, workflow optimization, and standards of work

Shaping Team Culture

• Openly communicates issues and opportunities to coding staff
• Assists Coding Operations Manager in routine employee rounding
• Responsible for conducting monthly team meetings and huddles as needed 

Visioning, Strategizing & Planning

• Recommends and assists with changes to the surveillance list (Targeted focused audit items)
• Responsible for creating and the regular updating coding operational SW (Standard Work) and SOPs.

Development

• Successfully aid in the completion of disciplinary action with helping to provide proper documentation, with assistance from Coding Operations Manager
• Attends leadership classes, workshops and webinars to aid in personal growth
• Attends regular touch bases with up line to discuss any service line updates or succession planning

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of and skill in using personal computers in a Windows environment
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Windows with emphasis on Excel. Ability to assign ICD (diagnosis) and CPT (procedure codes) as needed and maintain 95% or greater accuracy rate
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and to coordinate various activities simultaneously
• Ability to identify, research and solve problems and discrepancies
• Ability to communicate with employees, management, and peers in a courteous and professional manner
• Must have good working knowledge of correct English and grammar usage in verbal and written communications
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Ability to process assigned duties in an organized manner
• Ability to effectively perform in a multi-task work environment and adapt to change in a positive manner
• Ability to work overtime when needed
• Meets all yearly education requirements
• Ability to exhibit leadership by demonstrating a commitment to teamwork, supporting alignment with company and department goals and objectives, assisting others develop their knowledge of the company and department, adapting to change in a positive manner that exemplifies commitment, working proactively with minimal supervision
• Ability to identify emerging issues and communicate them to management
• Ability to provide conflict resolution and coaching opportunities

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• High school diploma required, Associate or Bachelor Degree in healthcare preferred
• Coding/medical records experience and leadership/supervision experience required 
• RHIT, RHIA, CCS-P, CPC or other job-related certification required.

Salary Range: $59,364-$109,823.40

Salary Range:

$59,364.00 - $109,823.00

USACS offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees.

Benefits may vary based on role, location, and employment status, but generally include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options

• Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible spending accounts (FSA)

• 401(k) employee and employer contributions

• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays

• Paid parental leave & family support benefits

• Short-term and long-term disability insurance

• Life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance

• Employee assistance programs & wellness resources

 

Additional compensation may include bonus eligibility, equity, or other incentive programs, depending on the role.

Specific benefit offerings and eligibility will be provided during the hiring process and may be subject to change in accordance with applicable laws and company policies.