Trudy Alward
Winter Haven,FL
Summary
Perform ICD-10-CM & ICD-10-PCS multi-facility inpatient and outpatient audits focusing on coding accuracy, documentation and minimization of facility risk while providing coder education and guidance regarding application of coding guidelines while building the coder's confidence in ICD-10 diagnostic and procedural coding.
Provide internal/ external QA guidance and education for national and international inpatient Auditor with proven background in encoder use and code optimization. Contributed to high-impact projects, enhancing system efficiency and reliability.
Professional coder with strong expertise in software code optimization. Known for collaborating effectively with teams and delivering high-quality, scalable solutions. Adaptable to changing project requirements and consisently driven to achieve outstanding results.
Hardworking professional applies official coding conventions and rules established by American Medical Association and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Confident Medical Coder adheres to data confidentiality and privacy rules in all workflows and promotes dynamic interpersonal skills.
Dynamic individual with hands-on experience in Inpatient Quality Auditing and talent for navigating challenges. Brings strong problem-solving skills and proactive approach to new tasks. Known for adaptability, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Committed to making meaningful contributions and advancing organizational goals.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Sr. Coder and Quality Auditor
IKS Solutions/AQuity Solutions, Formerly CSG
Cary, NC
06.2015 - 08.2025
- IP coding and auditing for 30 years.
- Required audits completed per protocol of the facility in a timely manner with a 95% accuracy rate.
- Led coding initiatives to enhance accuracy and compliance within medical documentation.
- Observation coding and auditing for 20 years
- Same Day surgery coding and auditing for 20years
- Assist with coding questions on the auditor e-mails
- ER and diagnostic coding for 20 years
- Trained new employees on the facility systems and AI sheet specifics
- Mentored junior coders, fostering skill development and promoting adherence to industry standards.
- Collaborated with healthcare professionals to clarify documentation requirements for optimal coding practices.
Inpatient Quality Coding Auditor Contracts
AQuity Solutions/IKS Health
Cary, NC
06.2015 - 08.2025
- Conducted comprehensive audits to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and organization on a daily basis.
- Prepared detailed audit reports summarizing findings, risks, and recommendations for management review.
- Mentored coders and prepared educational feedback from audit findings.
- Reviewed 15-20 inpatient records for coding accuracy for compliance to receive appropriate reimbursement.
HIM Coder III and Auditor
AQuity Solutions, Contract Multiple Facilities
Plant City And Tampa, Florida
06.2005 - 08.2025
- Coding of OBS, ASU, ER and ancillary accounts with an accuracy of 95% and greater.
- Prepared a class on CPT-4 for the admitting and case management staff increasing pre-authorization accuracy.
- Implemented process improvements to enhance efficiency in coding workflows.
- Reviewed and analyzed clinical documentation to support accurate coding assignments.
- Worked the DNFB weekly to clear the unbilled accounts.
- Chart audits for Joint Commission documentation accuracy.
- Developed and maintained accurate coding for patient records for a clean bill to the insurance companies.
- Conducted regular audits of coded data to ensure accuracy and adherence to guidelines.
- Maintained high coding standards by adhering to industry best practices and staying current with emerging technologies.
HIM Director
Bartow Regional Medical Center
Bartow, Florida
01.2009 - 01.2015
- Educated CDI with specific queries and questions pertaining to coding guidelines
- Training of ancillary staff for correct coding and edit corrections
- Assisted coders in chart reviews to keep within our daily and weekly goals
- Worked closely with CFO, Case Management, Admitting Director to keep our DNFB down daily
- HIPAA compliance officer; trained incoming staff on reporting HIPAA breeches
- Reviewed denials with case management
- Oversaw compliance with healthcare regulations, ensuring adherence across all departments.
- Transition to EMR from paper records
- Worked with Hospitalist for documentation specificity
- Managed approximately 35 calls per day from physician offices, patients and inhouse staff
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
Education
AS - Health Information Management
Polk State College
Winter Haven, FLundefined
AHIMA
Chicago, ILSkills
- Strong communication skills
- Team leadership
- Code review expertise
- Secure coding practices
- Adherence to coding standards
- Effective code optimization with physician query submission from clinical indicators, consults, and test results
- HIPAA compliance (previous HIPPA officer)
- Training and mentoring new employees on systems and facility idiosyncrasy
- Proficiency on encoders; Epic, Cerner, 3M 360, and Meditec
- Teamwork; believe in teams working in a cohesive environment to accomplish our goals and meet daily numbers of unbilled
Certification
- CCS - Certified Coding Specialist #212787
Timeline
Sr. Coder and Quality Auditor
IKS Solutions/AQuity Solutions, Formerly CSG
06.2015 - 08.2025
Inpatient Quality Coding Auditor Contracts
AQuity Solutions/IKS Health
06.2015 - 08.2025
HIM Director
Bartow Regional Medical Center
01.2009 - 01.2015
HIM Coder III and Auditor
AQuity Solutions, Contract Multiple Facilities
06.2005 - 08.2025
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AHIMA
AS - Health Information Management
Polk State College
Hobbies and Interests
I enjoy my family time and reading
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