Senior Clinical Coder

Job Overview An exciting, fixed term opportunity has arisen for a motivated and enthusiastic Clinical Coder to join our progressive team in Bath as we approach the integration of a new electronic patient record.

Applications are welcomed from both ACC-accredited Clinical Coders (Band 5) and experienced, unaccredited coders (Band 4).

You will work independently, using your initiative to ensure accurate and timely submission of coded data is achieved. You will be empowered to share your expertise whilst mentoring others and will be well supported by our teams.

We are seeking a coder who applies a questioning approach in their pursuit of data quality whilst efficiently and tenaciously adhering to national clinical coding standards. You will be equally committed to meeting productivity targets and deadlines and will be motivated by success in these areas.

The hospital has transitioned to a fully electronic patient record - you will not only be adept at using healthcare/IT systems but be keen to explore what further opportunities and improvements digitisation can provide.

The trust supports a positive work/life balance and our team work flexibly; the option to work on site, remotely or hybrid will be available to the successful candidate.

Main duties of the job

• Abstract and code all inpatient/day case episodes using ICD-10 and OPCS-4, applying national and international rules and conventions to agreed standards.
• To ensure that clinical data is entered onto the Trust’s information system for every episode of inpatient care within an agreed timeframe from discharge.
• To ensure adherence to national procedures and guidelines for clinical coding.
• To ensure adherence to local procedures for clinical coding relating to individual specialties/consultants.
• To be able to work under pressure to meet local/national deadlines.
• To liaise with medical staff on queries relating to clinical information and case notes.
• To liaise with clinical coding porter, medical secretaries, medical records personnel and ward personnel regarding access to case notes.
• To attend all nationally and locally required training for the use of ICD10 and OPCS4 coding standards.
• To raise any coding issues requiring resolution either locally or through NHS Digital with the Team Manager or Professional Lead
• To identify and address any concerns around data quality relating to the recording of inpatient episodes on the hospital computer system
• To attend Trust meetings as required
• To work closely with clinicians and managers to resolve any issues in the clinical coding process
• To assist the clinical coding auditor / trainer with regard to internal audit and processes.
• Act as mentor to junior coders
• To perform any other relevant duties as required.

Working for our organisation

At the RUH we’re proud to put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone’s contribution in supporting the exceptional, person-centered care we pride ourselves on.

We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.

A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential.

We value staff wellbeing, with a well-established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We’ve even got a pool!

We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we’re providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities Please find attached to the vacancy detailed person specification and job descriptions, to reflect band 5 and band 4 opportunities, for further information.

Person specification

Training And Qualifications Essential criteria

• NHS Accredited Clinical Coder qualification (BAND 5 ROLE ONLY)
• Educated to 5 GCSE's at grade C or above
• A level Biology or equivalent work experience
• Willing to attend all necessary training sessions and clinical coding workshops
• Good understanding of the rules of clinical coding

Desirable criteria

• To have attended training in all acute specialty areas of ICD10 and OPCS coding
• Knowledge and skills equivalent to the accredited clinical coder standards

Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

• A detailed understanding of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
• Experience in the use of microsoft office products, especially excel
• Recent employment in a Clinical Coding Role
• 2 Years in relevant work experience including experience with clinical terminology and ICD10 and OCPS4 or equivalent demonstratable experience

Desirable criteria

• Use of 3M encoder or other relevant coding support software
• Use of Millenium patient administration system
• A good understanding of the relevance of clinical coding in the context of HRG's and Payment by results

Values

Essential criteria

• Values and respects others, treats everyone as an individual, is non-judgemental
• Motivated to be genuinely kind and caring
• Helps and co-operates with colleagues
• pro-active and takes responsibility
• Willing to learn, open to change
• Motivated to make a difference in whatever way they can
• Takes pride in themselves, their appearance, their role and where they work

Specific Skills

Essential criteria

• Able to prioritise and manage own workload to meet deadlines successfully
• Ability to work on their own initiative
• Experience of working as part of a team to achieve a successful outcome
• Able to build relationships with staff from both professional and administrative backgrounds
• Good interpersonal skills and professional manner
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to mentor and support junior members of staff

Physical skills and emotional effort

Essential criteria

• Ability to analyse sensitive information

Applicant requirements

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

• Senior Clinical Coder - Band 5 JD (PDF, 414.6KB)
• Clinical Coder - B4 JD (PDF, 394.7KB)
• Join the RUH (PDF, 1.3MB)

Further details / informal visits contact

Name Gavin Kennard Job title Head of Clinical Coding Email address [email protected] Additional information

If you have any questions please email [email protected], [email protected] or [email protected]