Lara Welch
Magalia,CA
Summary
Results-driven medical coding professional with extensive experience in accurately coding patient records and ensuring compliance with healthcare regulations. Strong work ethic and exceptional interpersonal skills foster effective collaboration and communication within diverse teams. Proven adaptability to change and a quick mastery of new skills ensure consistent accuracy and productivity in high-pressure environments. Proficient in Epic and McKesson EMR systems, with expertise in 3M and Optum encoders, positioned to deliver high-quality results while embracing new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Medical Coder/Auditor Intern
Community Health Partners
12.2023 - Current
- Reviewed and analyzed medical records for accurate coding and billing compliance.
- Collaborated with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and improve coding accuracy.
- Implemented process improvements that enhanced workflow efficiency within the coding department.
- Time management skills were utilized effectively to balance competing priorities under tight deadlines.
- Served as a subject matter expert within the team on specific coding specialties, offering guidance and support when needed.
- Decreased claim denial rates by promptly addressing any discrepancies or errors in coded information prior to submission.
- Applied official coding conventions and rules from American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to assign diagnostic codes.
- Resourcefully used various coding books, procedure manuals, and on-line encoders.
- Upheld strict confidentiality policies regarding sensitive patient information while adhering to HIPAA requirements.
Outpatient Medical Coder
Marshall Medical Center
11.2009 - 08.2023
- Maintains current working knowledge of CPT and ICD-10 coding principles, government regulations, protocols and third-party billing requirements.
- Reads through patient health data, histories, physician diagnoses and treatments to gain understanding for coding purposes.
- Adds modifiers as appropriate, coded narrative diagnoses and verified diagnoses.
- Applies coding rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for assignment of procedural codes.
- Maintains updated knowledge of coding requirements, which includes continuing education and certification renewal.
- Maintains high accuracy rate on daily production of completed reviews.
- Assigns additional diagnosis codes based on specific clinical findings (laboratory, radiology and, pathology reports as well as clinical studies) in support of existing diagnoses.
- Communicating with healthcare personnel, including practitioners to promote accuracy.
- Quickly respond to staff and client inquiries regarding CPT codes.
Education
Medical Coding And Billing - Medical Coding
Anthem College - Bryman School
Sacramento, CA12.2008
Skills
- Medical terminology
- HIPAA compliance
- HCPCS coding
- Regulatory guidelines
- Procedural coding
- Diagnostic coding
- Coding error resolution
- ASC coding
- EMR systems
- 3M encoder
- Training and mentoring
Certification
AAPC member #01105636 since 2009 with CPC and CPMA certifications.
Timeline
Medical Coder/Auditor Intern
Community Health Partners
12.2023 - Current
Outpatient Medical Coder
Marshall Medical Center
11.2009 - 08.2023
Medical Coding And Billing - Medical Coding
Anthem College - Bryman School