Sandy Kessinger

• 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.

Currently coding Neurosurgery, Orthopedic, and General Surgery.

• 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.
• Added modifiers as appropriate, coded narrative diagnoses and verified diagnoses.

• Coded both brain and spine oncology by excision, chemo, radiation and more to search for the best outcome for our patients.
• Applied coding rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for assignment of procedural codes.
• Collaborated with billing team to resolve denials by researching codes available for LCD and NCD coverage and appropriate supporting documentation
• Sought clarification from physicians for answers to coding interpretations
• 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.

• Valleywise formerly known as Maricopa Medical Center Trauma Level 1 with top Burn Unit in US
• 5 1/2 years Profee Coder Level 3 for Multiple Specialties
• Coding Surgeries for most Specialties such as Burn, Trauma, General Surgery/Gastrology, Orthopedic, Cardiothoracic, Anesthesia, Neurosurgery, OB GYN, Urology, and others.
• Coded all of the above Specialties which involved Oncology and most frequently gastrology, integumentary, Urology, Orthopedic, cardiothoracic and more. Specifically earned my General Surgery certificate to focus on oncology affects from stomach to anus.

I worked to authorize the insurance company and called the hospital to coordinate all necessary schedules. Confirm Hospital OR equipment.

Code General Surgery procedures and key the charges. Confirm guidelines and support behind the choices of CPT and ICD 10 codes.

Help A/R with denials and insurance requests. Assist teammates with research to make sure correct coding is supplied.

• Performed E&M leveling for outpatient and inpatient services.
• Executed charge entry through keying and batching processes.
• Specialized in coding for colorectal and general surgery cases.
• Managed oncology coding tasks to ensure compliance.