Clinical Coder

The Clinical Coder will be responsible for the accurate and timely clinical coding of patient information within the practice's clinical system. Working within a GP practice with approximately 7,000 registered patients, the postholder will be the sole Clinical Coder, managing the coding workload independently with administrative support from the wider practice team.

The role is essential to maintaining accurate patient records, supporting safe patient care, improving data quality and ensuring compliance with relevant NHS coding standards and practice procedures.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and clinically code incoming hospital letters, discharge summaries, outpatient correspondence, investigation reports and other relevant clinical documentation.
• Maintain accurate, complete and up-to-date patient records using the practice's clinical system.
• Ensure clinical information is coded appropriately and in a timely manner, in accordance with current coding standards and practice protocols.
• Identify missing, unclear or conflicting information and refer queries to the appropriate clinician.
• Prioritise incoming correspondence and escalate urgent clinical information promptly in line with practice procedures.
• Identify and address coding discrepancies, missing information and data quality issues.
• Organise and manage the day-to-day coding workload, monitor outstanding work and raise concerns about backlogs or capacity with the Practice Manager.
• Work collaboratively with GPs, clinicians and administrative colleagues to ensure efficient document handling and coding workflows.
• Maintain patient confidentiality and comply with information governance, data protection legislation and practice policies.
• Keep up to date with relevant coding standards, NHS guidance and clinical system developments.

Person Specification Essential

• Experience in clinical coding or a relevant healthcare administrative role with appropriate clinical coding knowledge.
• Good understanding of clinical coding principles and the importance of accurate patient records.
• Experience using clinical computer systems.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to prioritise a varied workload.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing demands and meet agreed deadlines.
• Good communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to recognise when clinical clarification is required and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Understanding of patient confidentiality and information governance requirements.

Desirable

• Previous experience as a Clinical Coder within a GP practice.
• Knowledge of SNOMED CT and primary care clinical systems, such as EMIS Web or SystmOne.
• Relevant clinical coding training or qualifications.

The postholder will be the sole designated Clinical Coder and will be responsible for managing the coding function within the practice. Administrative support will be provided by other team members for appropriate non-clinical tasks.

The postholder must work within their competence and must not make independent clinical diagnoses or treatment decisions. Any unclear clinical information or concerns requiring clinical judgement must be referred to an appropriate clinician.

The Practice Manager will provide overall management support and agree appropriate workload priorities and performance expectations. Any concerns regarding workload, capacity or outstanding correspondence must be raised promptly.

Performance Review

Performance will be assessed against agreed objectives relating to coding accuracy, timeliness, data quality, workload management, confidentiality and effective communication with the wider practice team.

General

The postholder will undertake other duties appropriate to the role, as agreed with the Practice Manager. This job description may be reviewed periodically to reflect the changing needs of the practice.

Pay: £12.71-£13.14 per hour

Expected hours: 25.0 per week

Benefits:

• On-site parking

Work Location: In person