Medical Records Technician (Coder)

About the role

This position in the Health Administration Service at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. MRTs (Coder) Auditor are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers. These coding practitioners analyze and abstract patients' health records and assign alpha-numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure. Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Auditor assignments can be established for any of the coder subspecialties (outpatient, inpatient, or outpatient and inpatient combined). The subspecialty will be reflected in the title, e.g., MRT (Coder) Auditor (Outpatient). Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey grade level of a MRT (Coder) Certification. Employees at this level must have a mastery level certification. Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Advanced knowledge of current coding classification systems such as ICD, CPT, and HCPCS for the subspecialty being assigned (outpatient, inpatient, outpatient and inpatient combined) Ability to research and solve complex questions related to coding conventions and guidelines in an accurate and timely manner Ability to review coded data and supporting documentation to identify adherence to applicable standards, coding conventions and guidelines, and documentation requirements Ability to format and present audit results, identify trends, and provide guidance to improve accuracy Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal with individuals at all organizational levels Perferred Experience: 1 year of experience of creditable experience to the next lower grade; OR in a directly related field. Reference: VA Handbook 5005, Appendix 122. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-9. Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook 5019.