Clinical Coder (524244)

Job Description:

The Team:

The THS Clinical Coding team is a State-wide department responsible for the accurate and timely classification of public inpatient episodes of care across Tasmania. We code a diverse and interesting casemix drawn from 4 main hospitals (Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, North West Regional Hospital and Mersey Community Hospital) and 8 district hospitals and smaller facilities across the state. Our team consists of a small Clinical Coding Management team, Senior Coders, Clinical Coders and Trainee Coders located across the state.

• Our key team values include quality, flexibility, respect, trust and growth
• We proudly offer flexible work locations and patterns where available

Responsible for accurate and timely clinical coding of inpatient separations in accordance with Hospital, State and Commonwealth data standards and reporting requirements, for the purposes of Australian Refined Diagnosis Related Group (AR-DRG) assignment for activity-based funding, inpatient activity reporting, clinical and non-clinical research, casemix analysis and patient care quality improvement.

Adhere to Independent Hospital and Aged Care Pricing Authority (IHAPA) guidelines whilst utilising the current edition of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM), Australian Classification of Health Interventions (ACHI) and Australian Coding Standards (ACS).

The Role:

• Undertake accurate clinical coding by interpreting and abstracting relevant clinical information from medical records and other clinical information systems. Assign codes within the operational guidelines of the current edition of the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Australian Modification (ICD-10-AM), Australian Classification of Health Interventions (ACHI) and Australian Coding Standards (ACS).
  
  
• Ensure that clinical coding data is completed and entered into the hospital patient administration system, utilising clinical coding and grouping software, and in accordance with required coding benchmarks.
  
  
• Analyse and verify that the required clinical documentation is present for each inpatient episode and where appropriate, follow up/liaise with clinical staff for clarification where insufficient detail is documented.
  
  
• Validate the accuracy of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) allocation, including review of cost weight, length of stay (LOS), and Episode Clinical Complexity Level (ECCL) data for all inpatient episodes coded.

Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.

Details of Appointment:

Permanent, full time, day work , position working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing from 5 March 2023.

*notwithstanding hours may be negotiated with the successful applicant

• Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time and part time vacancies.

Location:

State-wide, with the option to work from Hobart, Launceston, Burnie or Latrobe. Flexible work location arrangements will be considered by negotiation.

Base Salary: $73,602 to $84,846 per annum+ 10.5% superannuation

• Salary range is in accordance with Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement 2019

Eligibility:

Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:

• Clinical coder certification as approved by the Health Information Management Association of Australia
  
  
• Clinical Coding experience in a tertiary level hospital
  
  

The Head of the State Service has determined that the person nominated for this job is to satisfy a pre‑employment check before taking up the appointment, on promotion or transfer. The following checks are to be conducted:

1. Conviction checks in the following areas:
1. crimes of violence
2. sex related offences
3. serious drug offences
4. crimes involving dishonesty
   
   
2. Identification check
   
   
3. Disciplinary action in previous employment check.

Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents

We encourage you to review the Applicant Guide and Statement of Duties, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and selection criteria.

• Generic Clinical Coder Band 4 (October 2022) HR22 (2).pdf
• Generic Clinical Coder Band 4 (October 2022) HR22 (2).docx

Applicant Guide

• Department of Health - Applicant Guide June 22.pdf
• Department of Health - Applicant Guide June 22.docx

How to Apply

Please note that our application process has changed. Refer to the application guide for information on the new application format.

Apply Online. Please click the blue "Apply now" button on this screen. This ensures important questions about you are answered.

You will be prompted to complete a 1-2 page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties.

Please Note:

• We do not require a separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties.
• All attachments must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format.
• Referee details are submitted as part of the online application so make sure you have the contact details of two referees before applying.

For More Information

Kirsten Duggan
Health Information Manager, Clinical Coding
(03) 6777 6555
[email protected]

Important Information

The email account you provide when submitting job applications will be used in correspondence to you. It is important that this is kept up to date and monitored regularly.

To update your email address (or contact number), log in to www.jobs.tas.gov.au and look for “Existing applicant login” where you can update your details

The Department of Health values workforce diversity and recognises the value each person offers which is shaped by their unique characteristics, background, experiences, knowledge, skills, values and perspectives.