Job summary
Clinical Coder
Department: Clinical Coding
Band: 5 £28,407 - £34,581 Per annum
10% recruitment & retention premium applies to Clinical Coder posts
Hours: 37.5 per week, all MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
We are expanding our existing clinical coding team and have created an opportunity for two motivated and enthusiastic Accredited Clinical Coders to join our team and perform a vital role in supporting the delivery of the Clinical Coding Service.
The Trust recognises the importance of achieving a good work life balance, whilst at the same time meeting the needs of the service and we currently offer a blend of predominantly home working with some office-based working. We also offer a variety of flexible working options, all of which can be discussed at interview. Effective use is made of MS Teams chats, calls and virtual meetings as a way of keeping in regular contact. If working from home is not for you, then working full time from the office is an available option too.
As a coding professional with NHS coding experience, you will be expected to demonstrate competence in the use of the coding classification codes, coding rules and the application of coding standards across multiple specialties. You will be managing your own workload, ensuring ongoing accuracy, and meeting deadlines. You will also support our Team Leads with mentoring junior colleagues when required and assisting with more complex and challenging coding.
Interview date: 31.10.2023
Main duties of the job
- The post holder is responsible for extracting, collating and coding clinical information, often highly complex in nature, relating to the diagnoses and operations for admitted care patients. This requires the application of all complex and routine coding rules and conventions pertaining to ICD10 (International Classification of Diseases) and OPCS4 (Classification of Interventions & Procedures), incorporating published national standards
- Individual accreditation and a commitment to ongoing professional development required from this role provide the Trust with confidence in the data quality of clinically coded information. A significant part of this role will be to ensure the quality and coverage of your own and colleagues' clinical coding meets the Trust and industry regulated standards and positively enhances reputation at local and national level
- The post holder is expected to apply local and externally acquired knowledge of how clinical coding directly effects areas such income generation, clinical decision making, Information Governance, nationally reported clinical performance indicators and mortality statistics, directing and assisting others in good day to day practice and achievement of Key Performance Indicators
- In order to expand individual knowledge and provide a more robust service to the Trust, job rotation occurs periodically so you will be expected to increase your in-depth knowledge in different specialties from time to time. This may involve re-training.
About us
You can expect a warm welcome at Milton Keynes University Hospital, our staff are friendly and welcoming. We listen to each other and work together to embed our Trusts values and behaviours. At MKUH we appreciate our staff and reward them with an outstanding benefits package including:
- Free on-site parking
- Free tea and coffee
- Great flexible workingopportunities
- Discounted gym membership
- Lease car scheme
- Generous annual leave and pension scheme
- On site nursery (chargeable)
- Extensive staff health and well-being programme
Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital; we conduct research and teaching on site to improve the care of our patients. The hospital is undergoing significant investment, and we are proud to be rated good by the CQC. Visit our website to catch up on our latest news.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Use judgement and experience to abstract and analyse the complex clinical information required to assign ICD10 and OPCS4 classification codes in accordance with national guidelines. Interpret national and local coding rules and conventions to assist in the assignment of clinical codes.
- To confirm diagnoses using histology, microbiology and x-ray reports in order to maintain high level coding standards
Communication and Relationships
- As an ACC qualified professional you must have the ability to communicate clearly and with confidence, offer advice and solutions, demonstrate empathy, leadership, attention to detail, reliability and business acumen on all matters relating to clinical coding to diverse individuals and groups
- To liaise regularly with ward staff regarding missing patient episodes and transfers, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to rectify errors or incomplete information
Knowledge, training and experience
- The post holder will have achieved Accredited Clinical Coder (ACC) status
- Be proficient in the use of the hospital administration systems for the input of clinical data and the authorised amendment of detail, paying particular attention to accuracy, timeliness and confidentiality
Audit, analysis and decision making
- Accurately extract and analyse information from case notes and results containing complex clinical detail. Explore perceived conflicts and, where necessary, instigate further investigation
- Adopt the role of a mentor through ongoing appraisal of the work of trainee Clinical Coders, providing structured feedback to individuals and management team which incorporates recommendations to improve quality and efficiency
Provision and Use of Information
- Adhere to the Clinical Coding Policies and Procedure guidelines
- Maintain the confidentiality of medical records and clinical information at all times to ensure compliance with the Data Protection and access to Health Records Acts
Please refer to the job description for more details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Use judgement and experience to abstract and analyse the complex clinical information required to assign ICD10 and OPCS4 classification codes in accordance with national guidelines. Interpret national and local coding rules and conventions to assist in the assignment of clinical codes.
- To confirm diagnoses using histology, microbiology and x-ray reports in order to maintain high level coding standards
Communication and Relationships
- As an ACC qualified professional you must have the ability to communicate clearly and with confidence, offer advice and solutions, demonstrate empathy, leadership, attention to detail, reliability and business acumen on all matters relating to clinical coding to diverse individuals and groups
- To liaise regularly with ward staff regarding missing patient episodes and transfers, ensuring appropriate actions are taken to rectify errors or incomplete information
Knowledge, training and experience
- The post holder will have achieved Accredited Clinical Coder (ACC) status
- Be proficient in the use of the hospital administration systems for the input of clinical data and the authorised amendment of detail, paying particular attention to accuracy, timeliness and confidentiality
Audit, analysis and decision making
- Accurately extract and analyse information from case notes and results containing complex clinical detail. Explore perceived conflicts and, where necessary, instigate further investigation
- Adopt the role of a mentor through ongoing appraisal of the work of trainee Clinical Coders, providing structured feedback to individuals and management team which incorporates recommendations to improve quality and efficiency
Provision and Use of Information
- Adhere to the Clinical Coding Policies and Procedure guidelines
- Maintain the confidentiality of medical records and clinical information at all times to ensure compliance with the Data Protection and access to Health Records Acts
Please refer to the job description for more details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- ACC National Clinical Coding Qualification
- Extensive knowledge of ICD-10 and OPCS-4 classifications including the correct application of complex rules and conventions
- Possess a broad knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology
- Elementary theoretical knowledge and applied audit capability
- Conversant with Patient Administration Systems
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Significant Clinical Coding expertise across all specialties and levels of complexity
- Experience working as a Clinical Coder in an NHS Trust
Desirable
- Experience of working in an alternative healthcare environment
- Supervisory experience
- Experience in provision of customer service
Skills
Essential
- Ability to resolve complicated coding queries raised by clinical or non-clinical staff and implement agreed decisions
- Ability to prioritise workload, working under pressure to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to support, adapt and participate in changing circumstances
- Competence in using Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, Outlook
- Ability to interpret information and make decisions
- Organising ability, initiative and problem-solving skills
- Possess strong personal motivation and influence others likewise
- Methodical approach to tasks with attention to details and qualify focus
Desirable
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to act as a mentor for trainee Clinical Coders
- A team worker in all aspects of the role
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Willingness to learn and develop within the role
- Confident
- Flexible in approach to tasks
Communication
Essential
- Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal skills able to liaise with multi-disciplinary teams using various methods of communication
- Ability to challenge, question and clarify by reasonable argument to a satisfactory resolution of issues
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- ACC National Clinical Coding Qualification
- Extensive knowledge of ICD-10 and OPCS-4 classifications including the correct application of complex rules and conventions
- Possess a broad knowledge of anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology
- Elementary theoretical knowledge and applied audit capability
- Conversant with Patient Administration Systems
Desirable
Experience
Essential
- Significant Clinical Coding expertise across all specialties and levels of complexity
- Experience working as a Clinical Coder in an NHS Trust
Desirable
- Experience of working in an alternative healthcare environment
- Supervisory experience
- Experience in provision of customer service
Skills
Essential
- Ability to resolve complicated coding queries raised by clinical or non-clinical staff and implement agreed decisions
- Ability to prioritise workload, working under pressure to meet deadlines
- Demonstrated ability to support, adapt and participate in changing circumstances
- Competence in using Microsoft Office software such as Word, Excel, Outlook
- Ability to interpret information and make decisions
- Organising ability, initiative and problem-solving skills
- Possess strong personal motivation and influence others likewise
- Methodical approach to tasks with attention to details and qualify focus
Desirable
Personal and people development
Essential
- Ability to act as a mentor for trainee Clinical Coders
- A team worker in all aspects of the role
- Evidence of continued professional development
- Willingness to learn and develop within the role
- Confident
- Flexible in approach to tasks
Communication
Essential
- Demonstrates a high level of interpersonal skills able to liaise with multi-disciplinary teams using various methods of communication
- Ability to challenge, question and clarify by reasonable argument to a satisfactory resolution of issues
Specific requirements
Essential
- Able to perform the duties of the post with reasonable aids and adaptations
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
