MEDICAL RECORDS TECH (CODER) A

MEDICAL RECORDS TECH (CODER) A

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Reno, Nevada

Salary Range: $61111 - $77406 Per Year

Job Summary: This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section of the Health Administration Service (HAS) at the VA Sierra Nevada Health Care System. MRTs (Coder) are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers *This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date.

Major Duties:

• Major duties include but are not limited to the following: Applies comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, disease processes, treatment modalities, diagnostic tests, medications, procedures as well as the principles and practices of health services and the organizational structure to ensure proper code selection. Reviews assigned codes from the current version of several coding systems to include current versions of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and/or Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). Adheres to accepted coding practices, guidelines and conventions when choosing the most appropriate diagnosis, operation, procedure, ancillary, or evaluation and management (E/M) code to ensure ethical, accurate, and complete coding. Reviews, analyzes and reports performance monitors for PTF, PCE, VERA and Non-VA Medical Care (purchased care) coding. Audit accurate and complete assignment of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes, MS-DRG, POA status, and discharge disposition values for inpatient health records. Audit accurate and complete assignment of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes, including appropriate E/M assignment and modifier usage for outpatient health records. Audit function includes evaluation of clinical documentation to support optimal code assignment. Reviews coding and assist coders in improving coding accuracy; provides coding guidance to various levels of staff to promote consistency in practice and compliance with coding rules and regulations; initiates various reports and analyze data. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm PST Telework: Not Available Virtual: This is a remote position Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not require This position is currently designated for a mid-term extension to the return to office mandate through October 2025. While this position may be filled as remote, the employee will be required to return to the office if the mid-term extension is not continued. Therefore, all applicants must be located within 50 miles of a VA facility. Salary for this position is based off of your locality.

Qualifications: Basic Requirements: 1. United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. 2. English Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English to be appointed as authorized by 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f). 3. Experience and Education: Experience: One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and the structure and format of a health records. OR, (2) Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college or, Education: An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records); or, Completion of an AHIMA/AAPC approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding. The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, and the sponsoring academic institution must have been accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor, or comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed; or, Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements. The following educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience: Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, general understanding of medical coding and the health record, and one year above high school, with a minimum of 6 semester hours of health information technology courses. Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service, under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. Also, requires six additional months of creditable experience that is paid or non-paid employment equivalent to a MRT (Coder). 3. Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either (1), (2), or (3) below: (1) Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA / AAPC. (2) Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA / AAPC. (3) Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS. Grandfathering Provision: May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). Grade Determinations: Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor, GS-9 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey grade level of a MRT (Coder) Certification: Employees at this level must have a mastery level certification. This is considered a higher-level health information management or coding certification and is limited to certification obtained through AHIMA or AAPC. To be acceptable for qualifications, the specific certification must represent a comprehensive competency in the occupation. Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs: i. Advanced knowledge of current coding classification systems such as ICD, CPT, and HCPCS for the subspecialty being assigned (outpatient, inpatient, outpatient and inpatient combined). ii. Ability to research and solve complex questions related to coding conventions and guidelines in an accurate and timely manner. iii. Ability to review coded data and supporting documentation to identify adherence to applicable standards, coding conventions and guidelines, and documentation requirements. iv. Ability to format and present audit results, identify trends, and provide guidance to improve accuracy. v. Skill in interpersonal relations and conflict resolution to deal with individuals at all organizational levels. References: VA HANDBOOK 5005/122, PART II, APPENDIX G57, Dated December 10, 2019 Physical Requirements: The work is mostly sedentary; however, some bending, stretching, walking, carrying less than 15 pounds and using a computer terminal are required. No special physical characteristics or special physical abilities are required.

How to Apply: All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 12/11/2025 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12839393. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

Application Deadline: 2025-12-11