Health Information Officer & Clinical Coder

Job Description

Join our team as a Health Information Officer/Clinical Coder! Play a key role in managing medical records and coding episodes of care to Australian Coding Standards. Contribute to accurate, efficient, and effective clinical coding in a dynamic and impactful healthcare environment. About Seymour Health Seymour Health (SH) is a leading small rural health service. At our site in central Seymour, over 350 staff deliver a breadth of health and allied services across the Seymour District Memorial Hospital, Urgent Care Centre, Ambulatory Care Centre, and Barrabill House. SH services include an Urgent Care Centre and 30-bed public hospital that provides public and private Acute medical and surgical, renal dialysis and day procedures. SH’s range of services extends to post-acute care, palliative care, sub-acute ambulatory service, oral health services, District Nursing and community services. Barrabill House is a 40-bed residential aged care service that provides highly rated residential aged care. The health service is conveniently located an hour north of Melbourne via the M31 Hume Freeway and V/Line train service. About the position The Health Information Officer/Clinical Coder is responsible for accurately coding inpatient medical records, ensuring compliance with Australian Coding Standards, and supporting the management of medical records at Seymour Health. This role involves various administrative, auditing, and reporting duties to maintain high-quality health information services. Key Responsibilities: Complete clinical coding of inpatient medical records to high standards, meeting internal and external reporting requirements. Stay current with coding advice and related resources (e.g., NCCC, VICC Queries) to ensure up-to-date knowledge. Utilize available tools and resources to ensure accurate and comprehensive coding. Manage coded records and follow up on documentation queries to optimize coding accuracy and NWAU. Conduct coding and case mix audits as required. Participate in training activities, quality initiatives, and relevant working parties or committees. Ensure knowledge of and compliance with the Victorian Hospital Admission Policy. Accurately enter details in accordance with the Cancer Act 1958 (as amended). Stay up to date with coding-related software and references. Maintain patient confidentiality in all communication mediums, adhering to statutory requirements and hospital policies. Assist in reviewing and completing FOI/ROI requests as per the Freedom of Information Act 1982. Provide high-quality service to internal customers and consumers, contributing to best practices at Seymour Health. Ensure safety in the workplace, adhering to Seymour Health policies and the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011. Comply with quality system and clinical governance requirements. Address general inquiries and contribute to accreditation processes. Track patient histories through the Patient Administration System. Assist with medical record culling and off-site storage procedures. Ensure integrity and security of medical record content. Support administrative staff with health information procedures, including pre-admission, admission, and discharge, as well as data mining. Collaborate in developing and reviewing medical record forms per Australian Standards as part of the Forms Committee. Assist with the collection and reporting of acute inpatient activity and clinical coding to meet internal and external deadlines. Help submit timely data and reports for inpatient and non-admitted outpatient activity to relevant stakeholders, including statutory reporting for VAED, VCR, AIMS, and ensuring data integrity. Ensure access to patient information aligns with Privacy Legislation and oversee appropriate medical record storage and disposal per the Public Records Office Victoria (PROV). Perform additional duties as directed. Key Competencies: Strong attention to detail and accuracy in clinical coding. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Commitment to maintaining patient confidentiality and data security. Familiarity with healthcare systems, including Patient Administration Systems and coding software. Knowledge of relevant legislation, policies, and standards. Qualifications and Experience: Relevant qualification or (working towards) Clinical Coding or Health Information Management. Relevant experience in clinical coding and medical record management. Up-to-date knowledge of coding standards and related health information practices. Seymour Health staff benefits: Ongoing professional development opportunities Salary packaging Flexible working arrangements Annual scholarship program Employee assistance program Enquiries: For further information please see position description attached. Closing Date: Applications must be submitted no later than 30th January 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr