Trainee Clinical Coder

Trainee Clinical Coder

London Internship No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our Clinical Coding team to extract and code medical diagnoses accurately.
  • Company: Barts Health is a leading NHS trust, committed to excellence in patient care.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, ongoing training, and support for qualifications.
  • Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team improving healthcare services with a focus on innovation.
  • Qualifications: GCSEs or A-levels required; knowledge of ICD-10 and OPCS 4 preferred.
  • Other info: Training available at multiple sites; commitment to inclusion and personal development.

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The Trust is looking for enthusiastic individuals with excellent communication skills to join our Clinical Coding team. The department is responsible for the coding of all inpatient clinical activities within the Trust and has a proven track record of accurate and timely coding.

This role will involve extracting medical diagnoses from various source documents (e.g. case notes, discharge summaries, proformas), translating this into national codes using ICD-10 and OPCS 4, and entering the codes onto the Care Record Service (CRS) using Cerner Millenium. The department works to strict deadlines in line with Payment by Results and requires a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.

The work will include entering clinical data, investigating outstanding episodes and undertaking necessary on-going training, attending courses and commitment to home study. You will need good computer skills and an understanding of an acute hospital environment. There will be the opportunity to attend the 21-25 day mandatory Clinical Coding Standards Course in house at one of our four sites. Support will be given to undertake the National Clinical Coding Qualification within 18-24 months of appointment.

The work will involve training at our four sites at Newham, Whipps Cross, Royal London and St Barts.

Main duties of the job

The accuracy of clinical coding activity is vitally important for secondary care trusts, not only to secure the correct income but also to inform decision-making regarding the future of clinical services. Coded activity is also used by secondary users within the NHS, Government and external bodies, who produce statistics such as standardised mortality rates and monitor clinical outcomes and key quality indicators.

The post-holder will be responsible for the clinical coding of day case activity across all specialties provided at Barts Health hospitals.

Working for our organisation

Barts Health is one of the largest NHS trusts in the country, and one of Britain’s leading healthcare providers.

The Barts Health group of NHS hospitals is entering an exciting new era on our improvement journey to becoming an outstanding organisation with a world-class clinical reputation. Having lifted ourselves out of special measures, we now have the impetus and breathing space to chart a fresh course in which we are continually striving to improve all our services for patients.

Our vision is to be a high-performing group of NHS hospitals, renowned for excellence and innovation, and providing safe and compassionate care to our patients in east London and beyond. That means being a provider of excellent patient safety, known for delivering consistently high standards of harm-free care and always caring for patients in the right place at the right time. It also means being an outstanding place to work, in which our WeCare values and behaviours are visible to all and guide us in how we work together.

We strive to live by our WeCare values and are committed to promoting inclusion, where every staff member has a sense of belonging. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role, and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience, and knowledge required. For both documents, please view the attachment/s below.

We are dedicated to being an outstanding place to work and will work with you to get the best experience. We know flexible working is not a one size fits all and will mean something different to everyone. We are inclusive, so if you are interested in flexible working, please speak to the recruiting manager.

Person specification

Qualifications

  • Academic achievements to GCSE, A-level or equivalent
  • AMSPAR Medical Secretaries’ qualification or equivalent knowledge

Experience

  • Experience of accessing data and information resources
  • using appropriate methods and identify the relevant information required
  • Experience of assisting in maintaining a healthy, safe and secure working environment for self and other

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of ICD10 and OPCS4.4 Coding classifications
  • Have undertaken the Clinical Coding Foundation Course and have experience of clinical coding at an acute trust
  • Willingness to study for local and national clinical coding qualifications
  • Basic knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology
  • Understanding of own Knowledge and Skills Framework and ability to identify learning needs and interests

Skills

  • Ability to analyse and extract relevant information and attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate with a range of people in an appropriate manner and reduce barriers to effective communication
  • Able to present a positive image of her/himself and the service
  • Ability to report and/ or record work activities according to organisational procedures
  • Ability to self-reflect, carry out tasks of own job and identify what s/he needs to learn to able to do current job better
  • Ability to take an active role in agreed learning activities and keeps a record of them
  • Able to evaluate the effectiveness of learning activities for own development and the job

Other

  • Ability to analyse and extract relevant information and attention to detail
  • Ability to communicate with a range of people in an appropriate manner and reduce barriers to effective communication
  • Able to present a positive image of her/himself and the service
  • Ability to report and/ or record work activities according to organisational procedures
  • Ability to self-reflect, carry out tasks of own job and identify what s/he needs to learn to able to do current job better
  • Ability to take an active role in agreed learning activities and keeps a record of them
  • Acts in a way that is consistent with legislation, policies and procedures and abide by the Trust Health and Safety policies
  • Ability to report any issues that may put Health and Safety at risk
  • Ability to alert the relevant persons when direction, policies and strategies are adversely affecting the users of the service
  • Able to evaluate the effectiveness of learning activities for own development and the job
  • Ability to provide constructive opinions and views on ideas for service improvement

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Trainee Clinical Coder employer: Barts Health NHS Trust

Barts Health is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. With access to comprehensive training programmes, including the mandatory Clinical Coding Standards Course, and a commitment to flexible working arrangements, staff can thrive in their roles while contributing to the Trust's mission of providing outstanding patient care in East London. Join us and be part of a team that values excellence, innovation, and compassionate service.
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Contact Detail:

Barts Health NHS Trust Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Trainee Clinical Coder

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with ICD-10 and OPCS 4 coding classifications. Understanding these codes is crucial for the role, so consider taking online courses or reviewing resources that cover these topics in depth.

✨Tip Number 2

Gain experience in an acute hospital environment, even if it's through volunteering or internships. This will help you understand the clinical context of the coding work and demonstrate your commitment to the field.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current clinical coders or professionals in the NHS. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to make connections and learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities and challenges of the role.

✨Tip Number 4

Showcase your attention to detail and communication skills during any informal interactions or interviews. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed tasks that require precision and clear communication in past experiences.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Clinical Coder

Excellent Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Knowledge of ICD-10 and OPCS 4 Coding Classifications
Ability to Extract and Analyse Medical Information
Computer Skills
Understanding of Acute Hospital Environment
Commitment to Ongoing Training and Development
Ability to Work to Strict Deadlines
Self-Reflection and Learning Agility
Ability to Report and Record Work Activities
Basic Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology
Experience with Clinical Coding
Ability to Communicate Effectively with Diverse Individuals
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Trainee Clinical Coder. Familiarise yourself with ICD-10 and OPCS 4 coding classifications, as well as the importance of accurate clinical coding in the NHS.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant skills and experiences in your CV that align with the job description. Emphasise your attention to detail, communication skills, and any experience you have in a healthcare setting or with data management.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the Trust. Mention your understanding of the importance of clinical coding and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for this position.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Barts Health NHS Trust

✨Understand Clinical Coding Basics

Before the interview, make sure you have a solid understanding of ICD-10 and OPCS 4 coding classifications. Familiarise yourself with how these codes are used in clinical settings, as this knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to the role.

✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail

Since accuracy is crucial in clinical coding, be prepared to discuss examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Highlight any relevant coursework or projects that required meticulous data handling.

✨Communicate Effectively

The role requires excellent communication skills, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Be ready to explain complex information simply, as you may need to interact with various stakeholders in the Trust.

✨Express Willingness to Learn

Emphasise your eagerness to undertake ongoing training and development. Mention any previous learning experiences and how they have prepared you for this role, showing that you are proactive about your professional growth.

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