Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Trainee Clinical Coder

This job is now closed

Job summary

Responsibility for abstracting relevant healthcare data then, utlising classification systems in combination with coding rules and regulations, to accurately record the information onto the hospital system.

Main duties of the job

An opportunity has arisen for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our clinical Coding Team.

Clinical Coding is the translation of medical terminology as written by the clinician to describe a patient's complaint, problem, diagnosis, treatment or reason for seeking medical attention, into a code form which is nationally and internationally recognised. Clinical Coders knowledge and skill enable information to be collected to support the delivery of healthcare, to promote health and support payment systems. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential as is an understanding of anatomy and physiology and medical terminology. You will have excellent communication skills and the ability to work under pressure to meet reporting deadlines. Ideally you will have coding experience or be qualified in the National Clinical Coding Qualification (UK) (NCCQ). If you are an unqualified please note whilst there will be training and support provided, those going through the exam process are expected to undertake extensive self-learning and revision in their own time. A flexible approach to work is essential.

An aptitude test will be required to be passed by shortlisted candidates before being offered an interview.

About us

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is ideally situated just a forty five minute drive from Manchester. The Trust provides services to the 440,000 residents of Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre and North Lancashire, as well as specialist tertiary care for Cardiac and Haematology patients.

As one of the United Kingdom's largest coastal resort, Blackpool has plenty to offer its residents -it's not just a good place to work; it's a great place to live. In addition to its bustling centre and historic seafront, the town is world famous for its many attractions, including the famous Blackpool Tower. Blackpool also offers a number of scenic cycling routes round our local parks and across the surrounding countryside, as well as boasting panoramic views of the coast on its picturesque Promenade. Further afield, Blackpool also benefits from less than three-hour connections via rail to Edinburgh in the north and London in the south.

Date posted

11 August 2023

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 3

Salary

£22,816 to £27,596 a year Band dependent on experience

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

382-COR108-23

Job locations

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals

Whinney Heys Road

Blackpool

FY3 8NR

Job description

Job responsibilities

To provide an efficient and high quality diagnostic and procedural coding service ensuring, through participation in audits of the coded clinical data, that the coded clinical data meets the required national and international classification rules and conventions.

To maintain accurate and comprehensive clinical coded data which has a direct impact on the finance and funding for the Trust.

To maintain knowledge base and to work unsupervised on routine coding issues, applying knowledge of the latest developments in clinical coding, taking advice from the experienced team members when appropriate.

To take responsibility for own professional learning and development over and above that which is supplied by the Trust.

To ensure that clinical data is entered into the Patient Administration System (PAS) for every patient within an agreed time period from discharge in line with Secondary User Service submission deadlines.

Requirement to consistently deliver against demanding deadlines and accountable for maintaining accuracy and compliance with frequently changing national standards and clinical coding conventions.

Following successful completion of initial training, under the direction of the coding manager and senior team work autonomously without direct instruction or supervision when self-allocating work and achievement of daily/weekly/monthly coding targets.

To interpret histology and radiology reports to ensure completeness and accuracy of the coding process.

To ensure that an efficient cancer registration service is maintained.

To comply with both Trust and Departmental policies and procedures, adhering to local coding policies as appropriate.

In liaison with the Clerical Officer and other Trust staff, determine the location of missing health records, to ensure targets are met.

To investigate incorrect patient coded data and liaise with the appropriate staff to correct the data on PAS.

To advise, support and mentor less experienced staff on coding issues.

To provide cover for colleagues absence during holidays/sickness/etc. to ensure continuity of data collection, coding and deadlines.

To communicate effectively with clinicians, nursing staff, other healthcare professionals and departments, both internal and external, concerning routine coding issues.

To undertake to attend relevant training/workshop sessions, both internal and external to the Trust, this will require travel off site to various locations.

Undertake any additional duties to support the needs of the service as directed by the coding manager and/or senior team