Senior Clinical Coder

The post holder will be required to abstract, analyse and accurately code clinical information from patient records (paper and electronic) across all specialities using ICD-10 and OPCS-4 Classifications in accordance with National Standards and the Trust's Policy and Procedures guidelines. The role requires the successful candidate to produce consistent, accurate, complete and timely coded clinical data, for use by the Trust's Finance Department among others and to meet increasingly demanding deadlines whilst maintaining accurate coding at all times.
Our source documentation for coding is a mix of electronic and some paper documents, with an emphasis on moving towards a fully electronic patient record., + To ensure accurate extraction of complex clinical details relating to diagnoses and operative procedures for each consultant episode from patient medical records
+ To engage and support the internal continuous audit process ensuring that a personal IG level 2 audit result is achieved and maintain
+ To assist in the daily supervision of trainee and less experienced clinical coding staff providing mentorship and cultivating a supportive learning environment
+ To interpret histology and radiology reports to ensure accuracy of the coding process
+ To undertake the coding of extracted information ensuring adherence to National Standards and local policies
+ To accurately enter the clinical codes onto the Trust information system PAS/Medicode
+ To identify insufficient/incorrect clinical data in source documentation and using own initiative to raise the query for resolution with other relevant departments
+ To share and assist other colleagues with personal coding experience and promote a learning environment at workplace
+ To organise daily workload efficiently so that personal coding targets are met, including allocated Consultant backlog list, supporting the coding team in achieving high standards of coding completeness and accuracy at agreed timescales
+ To take responsibility for self-development on a continuous basis by studying for the Auditor and/or Trainer qualification, if required by the Trust.
+ To participate in ongoing coding training and testing to meet National Standards and Trust requirements. This may require travelling to other organisations outside core working hours
+ To liaise with Clinicians and their support staff concerning interpretation of case note documentation affecting coding
+ To investigate and correct coded clinical data rejected or queried by recipient information systems
+ To communicate complex coding rules to clinical coding staff, medical, clinical and administrative staff and external agencies.
+ Implement agreed local policy directives and assist in the development of local coding policies which impact on the various service areas
+ Undertake/Participate in complex audits
+ To work across all specialities

Are you an experienced Clinical Coder either working towards or having achieved the National Clinical Coding Qualification?
Following investment in the team, we are seeking experienced Clinical Coders to join our growing department. Do you have a strong desire to develop your career within a supportive and friendly environment with a team working toward team excellence and where each individual's efforts are recognised?, + Possess the National Clinical Coding Qualification (NCCQ) UK or be working towards it
+ Have experience of using ICD-10 and OPCS-4 classifications (current version) in an acute hospital setting
+ Have extensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
Be experienced in clinical coding for a wide range of specialties
+ Be proactive, flexible and supportive towards an electronic way of working as the Trust develops its electronic patient record
+ Have a strong team working ethos

Our staff are our most valuable asset. We are committed to making staff feel appreciated, supported and included in the Trust's successes. Our mission is to be an outstanding place to work providing the very best care for our patients and excellent career opportunities for our staff. Everything we do is guided by our core values and behaviours, identified by our staff and embedded throughout the organisation.
Would you like to work flexibly? In the NHS, we are reminded every day of how important life is. As a flexible working friendly organisation, we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for us, for our patients and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement
We have the highest CQC rating of all Acute NHS Trusts in Kent and Medway (Good). The CQC highlighted that managers promoted a positive culture that supported, valued staff and created a sense of common purpose based upon shared values.
The Trust is a great place to work, stay, develop a career and enjoy a healthy work life balance. We have made and are delivering on a wide range of commitments to staff; health and wellbeing; equality; diversity and inclusion; access to education and career development. During 2020 we sett up quality councils, driven by our staff to create a culture of shared governance and quality improvement.
We have a strong focus on innovation and improvement. Part of Guy's and St Thomas' (GSTT) 'Healthcare Alliance' we are introducing new models of care to improve clinical outcomes for patients. Our association with GSTT also gives staff wishing to develop their skills excellent opportunities to work across numerous specialities.
As our local population increases, our services and skills are expanding and adapting to meet demand. We are continuously looking at best practice models to enhance and improve the services we offer.
The Trust provides services at Darent Valley Hospital and Queen Mary's Hospital, for a local population of over 500,000 people.
If you would like to be part of our innovative and forward thinking team putting patients at the centre of all we do, we invite you to #joinourfamily.
The NHS are striving towards "we work flexibly" as a workforce, we want to ensure that you can work in a way that is best for us, our patients, and importantly for you. We offer many flexible working opportunities, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement for you and if it works for the service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
Please note this vacancy may close earlier than stated to aid efficient processing of applications. To ensure your application will be considered please submit it at your earliest convenience. If you have not heard from us within 21 days of the closing date please assume that you have not been shortlisted on this occasion.
Please note, that due to the limited number of car parking spaces, car parking permits will be allocated subject to compliance with the Trusts eligibility criteria and availability of spaces. Permit holders are not guaranteed a car parking space.
Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is a smoke free organisation. To improve public health smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on the hospital site.

As a department we can offer coders a comprehensive training and development structure through strong leadership, training and audit programme, and cpd for coders and ACC coders, developing existing skills and learning new ones. A Recruitment and Retention Premium is offered to Accredited Clinical Coders.
The department offers a flexible approach to varied working patterns to suit individual personal commitments and believes fully in a healthy work/life balance. We have a hybrid working pattern with remote and some onsite working expected.
We are located in an easily accessible location that is well served by road and rail links from Kent and London.
Previous applicants need not apply