Kathleen Kandler, BSN, CCS, CDIP
Springfield,MO
Summary
Dynamic and detail-oriented HIM professional with a passion for IP coding training/education and quality/process improvement. Seeking a full-time remote position in a pro-active and collaborative environment where my extensive knowledge, skillset, and experience can be utilized.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
Work History
Clinical Coding Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
Texas Health Resources
05.2023 - 08.2025
- Developed a comprehensive and accelerated 18-month IP coding apprenticeship program.
- Exclusively trained 4 IP coding apprentices in the program.
- Created a phenomenal SharePoint site dedicated to the program.
- Created an in-depth IP coding general reference guide.
- Created detailed training guides per body system/specialty.
- Created a detailed query training guide including a query template decision tree and new templates with examples.
- Created 100-question assessments per body system/specialty in Propel.
- Created audit scorecards, daily/monthly prod reports, attendance policy, program FAQs, coding games, career path, self-studies, procedure cases, and many other things.
- Provided coding, query, clinical, abstracting, and other education in various formats.
- Utilized Epic (Care Connect One), Optum Enterprise CAC, and Optum Audit Compliance Manager (ACM).
- Submitted questions to Coding Clinic and trace reports to Optum to fix/enhance encoder.
- Utilized Microsoft Outlook, Teams, PowerPoint, Excel, OneNote, and Word on a regular basis.
- Wrote rebuttals to internal and external analysts/auditors.
- Reconciled DRG variances with CDI.
- Stayed current with coding, AHIMA, CMS, and other guidelines/regulations.
- Drove to Arlington, TX to meet apprentices and leaders at own expense during first week of apprenticeship program.
Team Lead Coding Audits/Training
CoxHealth
10.2014 - 02.2023
- Managed IP and OP coding training, education, and audits.
- Developed an in-depth and long-term IP coding training program.
- Helped train multiple IP coding trainees in the program.
- Created IP and OP coding training/reference guides, query templates, reports, coding tests, edits, trackers, and many other things.
- Provided coding, query, clinical, and other education in various formats.
- Answered questions/review requests from various sources on a daily basis.
- Collaborated with Coding and CDI Leadership, Physician Advisor, and others.
- Submitted questions to Coding Clinic and support tickets to 3M and Cerner.
- Utilized Cerner (PowerChart), 3M 360, 3M CRS, 3M Audit Expert System, and AccessHIM.
- Was a system administrator for 3M 360 Encompass and 3M CRS Audit Expert System including before go-lives.
- Was an IP and OP coding subject matter expert for Relias.
- Used Microsoft Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word on a regular basis.
- Stayed current with coding, AHIMA, CMS, and other guidelines/regulations.
- ‘Team Lead' officially added July 2017.
Inpatient Coder
CoxHealth
09.2005 - 10.2014
- Coded IP encounters (i.e. Med/Surg, Child/Adolescent/Adult/Senior Psych, OB, NB/ICN, SNF/TCU, and Rehab).
- Queried providers.
- Maintained >95% on quality audits.
- Helped IP Coding Supervisor with quality audits.
- Wrote rebuttals to external auditors and payers.
- Reconciled DRG mismatches with CDI.
Education
Clinical Documentation Integrity Practitioner - AHIMA
02-2024
ICD-10-CM/PCS Certified Trainer - AHIMA
08-2015
Certified Coding Specialist - AHIMA
05-2006
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Honors -
Cal State University
Bakersfield, CA06-2000
Associate of Science -
Kings River Community College
Reedley, CA05-1997
Diploma, Valedictorian (4.2 GPA) -
Kern Valley High School
Lake Isabella, CA06-1995
Skills
- Epic (Care Connect One)
- Cerner (PowerChart)
- 3M 360 CAC
- Optum Enterprise CAC
- 3M CRS Audit Expert System (AES)
- Optum Audit Compliance Manager (ACM)
- MS-DRG
- APR-DRG
- ICD-10-CM
- ICD-10-PCS
- Microsoft 360
- AccessHIM
- Propel
- Relias
- Leadership
- System Enhancement & Administration
- Pro-Active
- Collaborative
- Trainer/Educator/Auditor
- Training/Education Content Creation
- Policies & Procedures Development
- Program Development & Management
- Edits Writing
- Custom and Standard Reports Generation
- Rebuttals
- DRG Reconciliations
- Data Analysis
- Team Player
- Creative
- Detail-Oriented
Timeline
Clinical Coding Apprenticeship Program Coordinator
Texas Health Resources
05.2023 - 08.2025
Team Lead Coding Audits/Training
CoxHealth
10.2014 - 02.2023
Inpatient Coder
CoxHealth
09.2005 - 10.2014
Clinical Documentation Integrity Practitioner - AHIMA
ICD-10-CM/PCS Certified Trainer - AHIMA
Certified Coding Specialist - AHIMA
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Honors -
Cal State University
Associate of Science -
Kings River Community College
Diploma, Valedictorian (4.2 GPA) -
Kern Valley High School
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