Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Barbara Ward

Austin,TX

Summary

Highly trained Medical Coder knowledgeable in AMA and the CMS coding rules with over 22 years of experience in a hospital setting . Hands-on professional offering a keen understanding of data confidentiality and HIPAA regulations.

Overview

22
22
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Inpatient Coder

RI RCM
Chicago, IL
01.2017 - Current
  • Reviewed patient medical records to ensure accuracy of diagnosis and procedures codes.
  • Analyzed physician documentation for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with coding guidelines.
  • Assigned ICD-10-CM and CPT codes to diagnoses and procedures in accordance with accepted coding principles.
  • Resolved discrepancies between the patient's medical record documentation and assigned codes.
  • Collaborated with physicians to obtain additional information as needed for code assignment.
  • Maintained knowledge of reimbursement rules, regulations, policies, and procedures related to coding.
  • Performed periodic quality assurance reviews on coded data to ensure accuracy of coding practices.
  • Identified opportunities for improvement in existing processes related to coding functions.
  • Attended educational seminars related to disease processes, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology.
  • Provided feedback on clinical documentation deficiencies that impact accurate code assignment.
  • Conducted concurrent reviews of medical records for appropriate utilization management decisions.
  • Audited medical records for accuracy prior to submission for reimbursement purposes.
  • Investigated denials from payers due to incorrect or incomplete billing information or coding errors.
  • Provided education and support services on various topics related to medical coding guidelines.
  • Monitored changes in national regulations impacting diagnostic and procedural coding requirements.
  • Maintained current working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, government regulation, protocols and third-party billing requirements.
  • Read through patient health data, histories, physician diagnoses and treatments to gain understanding for coding purposes.
  • Applied coding rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for assignment of procedural codes.
  • Maintained updated knowledge of coding requirements, which included continuing education and certification renewal.
  • Maintained high accuracy rate on daily production of completed reviews.
  • Assigned additional diagnosis codes based on specific clinical findings (laboratory, radiology and, pathology reports as well as clinical studies) in support of existing diagnoses.
  • Reconciled clinical notes, patient forms and health information for compliance with HIPAA rules.
  • Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.

Outpatient Medical Coder

Ascension Seton Network Austin
Austin, TX
07.2002 - 01.2017
  • Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness to ensure compliance with coding standards.
  • Coded patient information using ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS codes according to established guidelines.
  • Verified accuracy of diagnosis codes by reviewing clinical documentation in the medical record.
  • Assigned appropriate modifiers to accurately reflect services rendered.
  • Researched and resolved discrepancies between coded data and source documents.
  • Performed chart abstraction activities including review of lab results, operative reports, discharge summaries.
  • Evaluated documentation for specificity and clarity prior to assigning codes.
  • Maintained high level of accuracy when coding complex cases utilizing multiple diagnosis codes.
  • Utilized computer systems for tracking purposes as well as to ensure accurate billing procedures are followed.
  • Analyzed patient charts for missing or incomplete information before submitting claims for payment.
  • Identified potential areas of improvement in existing coding processes and procedures.
  • Collaborated with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals regarding coding issues or questions.
  • Assisted in maintaining current knowledge of regulatory changes impacting the coding process.
  • Ensured all documentation was compliant with CMS regulations and guidelines.
  • Audited physician notes for accuracy prior to submitting claims for reimbursement.
  • Provided training on coding best practices as well as updates on new rules or regulations.
  • Participated in monthly meetings with other coders to discuss challenges related to coding processes.
  • Reviewed insurance denials and appeals rejected claims when necessary.
  • Prepared detailed reports outlining trends in denied claims due to incorrect or incomplete code assignments.
  • Actively participated in continuing education courses related to outpatient medical coding practices.
  • Utilized effective research, extensive study and active questioning skills to maintain working knowledge of medical terminology, diseases and medical procedures.
  • Maintained current working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, government regulation, protocols and third-party billing requirements.
  • Quickly responded to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT codes.

Education

Associate of Arts - General Literature

Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK
05-1997

High School Diploma -

Charles Page High School
Sand Springs, OK
05-1992

Skills

  • Inpatient Records Coding
  • Code Assignment Research
  • Medical Terminology
  • Documentation Oversight
  • Medical Record Security
  • Medical Coding And Abstracting
  • Patient Data Compilation
  • Patient Data Identification
  • Coding Error Resolution
  • Records Management
  • Anatomy and physiology
  • HIPAA Compliance
  • Attention to Detail
  • Healthcare Claim Coding
  • Ethical standards
  • Certified Medical Coder
  • Epic Systems
  • EMR Systems
  • ICD-10 Coding
  • 3M Software
  • Cerner Software

Certification

  • CPC -AAPC 2007
  • CPCH-AAPC 2012
  • CCS-AHIMA 2020

Timeline

Inpatient Coder

RI RCM
01.2017 - Current

Outpatient Medical Coder

Ascension Seton Network Austin
07.2002 - 01.2017

Associate of Arts - General Literature

Tulsa Community College

High School Diploma -

Charles Page High School

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Barbara Ward