Jennifer Garza
Fort Worth,TX
Summary
Highly-motivated employee with desire to take on new challenges. Strong work ethic, adaptability, and exceptional interpersonal skills. Adept at working effectively unsupervised and quickly mastering new skills.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Coder 3
Baylor Scott & White
Dallas, TX
04.2007 - Current
- Safeguarded medical records to maintain patient confidentiality.
- Answered questions and fulfilled requests with friendly and knowledgeable service.
- Compiled and coded patient data using standard classification systems.
- Assigned patients to diagnosis-related groups using appropriate computer software.
- Maintained positive working relationship with fellow staff and management.
- Kept abreast of updates and changes in coding guidelines and reporting requirements.
- Updated coding skills and knowledge through continuous education and training.
- Entered coded data into electronic health record (EHR) systems.
- Analyzed patient charts and records to extract relevant coding information.
- Monitored and analyzed coding error trends to improve coding accuracy.
- Utilized coding software and tools efficiently to expedite the coding process.
- Maintained appropriate accuracy rate on daily production of completed accounts.
- Managed coding for multiple specialties, ensuring specific codes are accurately applied.
- Verified proper coding, sequencing of diagnoses, and accuracy of procedures.
- Interpreted medical terminology and pharmacological information to translate information into coding system.
- Read through patient health data, histories, physician diagnoses and treatments to gain understanding for coding purposes.
- Maintained updated knowledge of coding requirements, which included continuing education and certification renewal.
- Attended educational seminars related to disease processes, anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, pathology, radiology.
- Reviewed patient medical records to ensure accuracy of diagnosis and procedures codes.
- Participated in coding team meetings to discuss challenges and best practices.
- Reviewed patient records and assigned accurate codes for diagnoses and procedures.
Coder 2
Parkland Hospital
Dallas, TX
01.2005 - 04.2007
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals regarding coding issues or questions. I worked closely with providers in the outpatient internal medicine clinic.
- Identified potential areas of improvement in existing coding processes and procedures.
- Coded patient information using ICD-9, CPT codes according to established guidelines.
- Analyzed patient charts for missing or incomplete information before submitting claims for payment.
- Evaluated documentation for specificity and clarity prior to assigning codes.
- Performed chart abstraction activities including review of lab results, operative reports, discharge summaries.
- Verified accuracy of diagnosis codes by reviewing clinical documentation in the medical record.
Coder 1
University of Texas Southwestern Hospital
Dallas, TX
01.2001 - 01.2005
- Collaborated with physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals regarding coding issues or questions. Worked with ER and PT departments to improve documentation.
- Performed chart abstraction activities including review of lab results, operative reports, discharge summaries.
- Evaluated documentation for specificity and clarity prior to assigning codes.
- Actively participated in continuing education courses related to outpatient medical coding practices.
- Assigned appropriate modifiers to accurately reflect services rendered.
- Ensured all documentation was compliant with CMS regulations and guidelines.
- Identified potential areas of improvement in existing coding processes and procedures.
- Coded patient information using ICD-9, CPT codes according to established guidelines.
- Participated in monthly meetings with other coders to discuss challenges related to coding processes.
- Reviewed medical records for accuracy and completeness to ensure compliance with coding standards.
- Maintained confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
- Read through patient health data, histories, physician diagnoses and treatments to gain understanding for coding purposes.
- Quickly responded to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT codes.
- Assigned additional diagnosis codes based on specific clinical findings (laboratory, radiology and, pathology reports as well as clinical studies) in support of existing diagnoses.
- Ran the daily report for unbilled accounts for St Paul coding department
Education
Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Management
Mountain View College
Dallas, TX07-2004
Skills
- HIPAA Compliance
- Data Verification
- Anatomy and physiology
- Inpatient and outpatient coding
- Medical Terminology
Certification
- RHIT since 2004
- CCS since 2008
Affiliations
- When not at work I enjoy many hobbies including knitting, crocheting, gardening and anything craft related.
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Coder 3
Baylor Scott & White
04.2007 - Current
Coder 2
Parkland Hospital
01.2005 - 04.2007
Coder 1
University of Texas Southwestern Hospital
01.2001 - 01.2005
Associate of Applied Science - Health Information Management
Mountain View College