Senior Coder

Ensure data is entered accurately into the Patient Administration System (PAS) within national defined timescales. Regularly required to access and read patient case notes where the content can be distressing. Develop and maintain skills to use the PAS system and adhere to local coding protocols/procedures. Check patient details held on the system are correct e.g.

consultant, date of admission and discharge reporting any incorrect details to the Data Quality Team. Routinely run outstanding episode reports from the Patient Administration System and action by searching for missing source documentation. Code complex specialties including mortality coding. Maintain and update as necessary the relevant Coding Manuals and Coding Clinic updates following national direction.

Professionally responsible for the coding team. Be a point of contact for coding and coding team related queries, taking action where appropriate. Provide cross site cover for the Clinical Coding Team during periods of absence. Participate in the audit of the accuracy and depth of Coding.

Undertake delegated responsibilities and any other duties as requested from the supervisor/manager. Communication: Prioritise and plan the daily and weekly work pattern for the Coding Team reporting any issues/concerns to the Clinical Coding Divisional Leads. Supervise the Clinical Coding Team(s) on a daily basis in the absence of the Clinical Coding Divisional Leads. Ability to deputise in the absence of the Divisional Lead to cover urgent issues.

Demonstrate effective organisational and time management skills with the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Be highly motivated and lead by example to motivate other team members. Communicate and liaise effectively with clinicians, nursing staff, other professionals and departments, both internal and external, concerning routine or complex issues / anomalies across all specialties whilst maintaining good relationships. Actively seek source documentation i.e.

discharge summary/case notes not routinely received by visiting wards, departments etc. Identify inadequate source documentation and communicate with relevant health care professionals to rectify this. Manage and resolve coding queries liaising with senior clinicians on a regular basis. Regularly attend and participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings providing expert coding advice.

Participate in knowledge sharing sessions to be held across all sites for multiple specialties as identified by service requirement. Attend internal and external seminars as and when required. Participate in clinical coding awareness sessions and road shows for all levels of staff. Training and Education: Responsible for the training and coaching of the Clinical Coding Team.

Participate in the orientation, training and mentorship for less experienced coding officers providing advice and support. Remove or amend clinical codes to Finished Consultant Episodes (FCEs) as directed by the Clinical Coding Divisional Leads or Clinical Coding Auditor. Re-input clinical codes as necessary. Maintain coding skills by attending a refresher course every 2-3 years and specialty workshops where appropriate eg obstetrics, trauma and orthopaedics.

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. Planning and Policy: Through meeting personal objectives contribute to the broader objectives of the directorate relating to planning and performance improvement.

Maintain an up to date knowledge of national and local clinical coding guidance and requirements, Implement and refer to the departments Clinical Coding Policy/Procedure Document for coding purposes. Document any local changes in coding processes/information flows for all specialties informing the Clinical Coding Divisional Leads prior to action being taken. Responsible for the management of a coding caseload working on own initiative and prioritising where appropriate to meet monthly deadlines. Ensure an organised work station to enable others to cover when absent.