Clinical Coding Specialist in Knowsley

To operate on own initiative referring more complex cases to the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager for advice. To act in the capacity of coding expert and provide advice to junior team members on coding queries ensuring adherence to national clinical coding guidelines. Responsible for the Knowledge Skills Framework appraisal process for Senior Clinical Coding staff in line with Trust policy.

Assign codes from the International Classification of Diseases (ICD10) and the Office of Populations and Censuses and Surveys (OPCS4) applying National and International rules to agreed standards. Responsible for the accurate entry of clinical coding against inpatient activity for the Specialty/Division. Use a variety of knowledge resources to translate procedures where the coding process does not fully apply. Responsible for summary reports for coding reviews undertaken. Participate in Departmental meetings and present the results of relevant reviews. Demonstrate good presentation skills to colleagues, the multi-disciplinary team and clinicians.

Assist the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager to coordinate engagement between Clinical Coders, Clinicians and Management for Divisions. Responsible for planning own workload to ensure that the objectives of the whole team are achieved. Maintain a professional standard of behaviour with all Trust staff. Take responsibility for keeping up-to-date with current issues and developments within the coding department. Participate in creating an environment conducive to the acquisition of further knowledge and skills. To take every reasonable opportunity to maintain and improve your professional knowledge and competence.

Assist the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager to work with Divisional Managers, Operational Teams and Clinicians to improve and sustain accurate clinical data recording to support clinical coding to National Standards. Raise clinical coding issues with the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager and Clinical Coding Trainer. Undertake clinical coding reviews as agreed with the Clinical Coding Trainer and Audit Manager and the Division. Identify key areas impacting on HRG assignment and tariff making recommendations to the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager. Work with the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager to identify key areas for clinical coding review.

Plan meetings with Senior Clinicians as and when necessary to undertake review of clinical information where queries have been raised. To validate complex clinical data and procedures with Clinicians in order to assure depth of coding for accurate payment. Possess motivation and persuasion skills and use these with Senior Clinical Coders, Management and Clinicians to achieve high quality information and clinical coding. Participate in complex audits of their own work and support the audits of other clinical coders. Analyse external audit reports and recommend to the Clinical Coding Manager, Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager and Divisions any corrective measures that need to be put in place to improve data quality and clinical coding outcomes.

Support the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager on obtaining clarification on new interventional procedures and clinical practice within the Divisional specialties to ensure correct understanding for code assignment cascading this information. Raise anomalies within the HRG Grouper to the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager and National Casemix Service to support accuracy in income reimbursement through the NTPS. To liaise with clinicians and their support staff concerning interpretation of case notes documentation affecting coding. To prioritise Senior Clinical Coders workload and reallocate work to cover sickness or leave at short notice. To work with the Clinical Coding Delivery Team Manager to ensure all coding timescales are met and ensure that Senior Clinical Coders meet their targets.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

To maintain own high standards of clinical coding accuracy and productivity. To participate in ongoing clinical coding training to meet national standards and Trust Requirements. Ensure own coding skills are kept up to date. To take responsibility for developing and pursuing his/her own professional development skills in accordance with an agreed PDP.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

To validate the hospital admission details on the EPR system against the information in the casenotes. To report any details found to be incorrect to the Data Quality Team and to highlight areas of concern with information in the casenotes.

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

Ensure all staff managed receive individual appraisals in line with Trust policy, including formulation of personal development plans (PDPs), and that identified training and personal development are progressed. Actively assist staff to further develop their coding skills by supporting the delivery of agreed objectives during staff appraisals. Participate in creating an environment conducive to the acquisition of further knowledge and skills. To act in the capacity of coding expert and provide advice to junior team members on coding queries ensuring adherence to national clinical coding guidelines. Attend local mandatory training and ensure Clinical Coding team staff receive updates in line with Trust policies. Demonstrate good presentation skills to colleagues, the multi-disciplinary team and clinicians.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

To effectively manage the day-to-day supervision of the Clinical Coding team providing professional, technical guidance and motivation. To supervise the workload, priorities and resources of the team to be able to meet the demands upon it and ensure achievement of the highest standards of service. To identify training needs and help staff development. Attend and actively participate in departmental meetings.

RESEARCH & AUDIT

Undertake clinical coding reviews as agreed with the Clinical Coding Training and Audit Manager and the Division. Participate in complex audits of their own work and support the audits of other clinical coders.