An ICD Coding Specialist is a professional who specializes in the accurate classification of medical diagnoses, procedures, and services using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes. These codes are used for insurance billing, healthcare documentation, and statistical analysis to ensure that medical data is accurately recorded and reported.

Key responsibilities of an ICD Coding Specialist include:

– Assigning ICD codes to diagnoses and procedures based on clinical documentation from medical records, ensuring accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations.
– Reviewing medical records and charts to extract relevant data for coding, while ensuring that all diagnoses and procedures are properly documented.
– Ensuring compliance with healthcare laws, insurance policies, and coding guidelines (e.g., HIPAA, CMS regulations) for accurate billing and reporting.
– Collaborating with healthcare providers to clarify any ambiguous or incomplete documentation, ensuring proper coding and reimbursement.
– Staying updated on coding updates and revisions to the ICD code system to maintain accuracy in medical records and billing.
– Auditing and reviewing coded data for consistency and accuracy, and resolving discrepancies or errors in codes.

ICD coding specialists are crucial in healthcare settings, as their work ensures proper billing and reimbursement for medical services while also contributing to accurate data collection for health statistics and research.