About City of Hope

City of Hope is an independent biomedical research and treatment organization for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases.

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a leader in bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy such as CAR T cell therapy. City of Hope’s translational research and personalized treatment protocols advance care throughout the world. Human synthetic insulin, monoclonal antibodies and numerous breakthrough cancer drugs are based on technology developed at the institution.  AccessHope™, a subsidiary launched in 2019 serves employers and their health care partners by providing access to City of Hope’s specialized cancer expertise.

A National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope is ranked among the nation’s “Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report and received Magnet Recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. Its main campus is located near Los Angeles, with additional locations throughout Southern California and in Arizona.

City of Hope’s commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe diversity, equity and inclusion is key in serving our mission to provide compassionate patient care, drive innovative discovery, and advance vital education focused on eliminating cancer and diabetes in all of our communities.  Our commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion ensures we bring the full range of skills, perspectives, cultural backgrounds and experiences to our work -- and that our teams align with the people we serve in order to build trust and understanding.  We are dedicated to fostering a community that embraces diversity - in ideas, backgrounds and perspectives; this is reflected in our work and represented in our people.

Key Responsibilities include:    

• Assigns diagnoses and procedure codes to inpatient records based upon clinical record documentation and obtains a working DRG.  Partners with Nurse Case Managers and physicians to identify opportunities for documentation improvement to support patient severity of illness and risk of mortality.
• Query physician(s) for clarification and additional documentation prior to code assignment when there is conflicting, incomplete, or ambiguous information in the health record regarding a significant reportable condition or procedure or other reportable data element dependent on health record documentation (e.g. present on admission indicator).

• Performs clinical record abstracting and data collection to justify and support optimal reimbursement, data quality, performance improvement analysis, and outcome reporting initiatives.  Assigns and sequences ICD-9 diagnosis and procedure codes in compliance with UHDDS, billing requirements, and organization specific policies.
• Participates as an active member of the multi-disciplinary patient care team.  In doing so, shares utilization metrics and acquires additional information about patient co-morbidities and complications.  Works collaboratively with Nurse Case Managers during the patient’s episode of inpatient care to assist physicians and other practitioners to document diagnoses and procedures in a clear, concise, and comprehensive manner.
• Utilizes electronic and hard copy resources available to ensure accuracy in assigning classification codes. 

• Assists with data collection and analysis to support quality management and continuous quality improvement efforts.
• Informs and educates physicians and members of the multi-disciplinary care team of the coding changes, MS-DRG changes and or changes in coding guidelines as applicable. 

• Ensures accuracy and integrity of medical record abstract data during final discharge coding prior to billing interface and claims submission.  Partners with Patient Accounting staff to resolve any issues related to coding / reimbursement.
• Maintains documentation of physician queries / responses per established policies. 

• Educates and communicates to care team colleagues about clinical data integrity and utilization management including role responsibilities, tools, and resources.
• Acquires and shares information about trends and issues in third party payer rules, regulations, and guidelines.  Participates in Managed Care contracting activities as requested.

Performance Goals:     

• Meet established CDI initiatives
• Maintain or improve physician and care team satisfaction with Clinical Documentation improvement activities.
• Principal Diagnosis of symptom code will be reduced to less than 3% of total discharges.
• Present on Admission indicator “U” will be clarified as “Y,” “N,” or “W”
• Assists coding manager in identifying documentation opportunities for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code set requirements.

Basic education, experience and skills required for consideration:

• Associates and/or Bachelors degree in Helath Information Managment and /or a coding certification (CCS).Tw

• Two (2) years inpatient Clinical Coding experience required or completed competency assessment for inpatient coding at City of Hope. Familiarity with Concurrent Coding models highly desirable.
• Proficiency with Encoder / Grouper technology and basic keyboarding skills.
• Successful completion of required education courses.

Additional Information:

• As a condition of employment, City of Hope requires staff to comply with all state and federal vaccination mandates.
• This position is represented by a collective bargaining agreement.

City of Hope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, status as a protected veteran, or status as a qualified individual with disability.