Position overview
The Decision Support Unit (DSU) is led by an Executive Group Manager reporting to the Chief Finance Officer within Canberra Health Services (CHS).
The DSU’s role includes:
- Promoting accountability to achieve strategic goals and building organisational capability to align Activity Based Funding (ABF) and Operational Planning
- Provision of ICT Services for CHS
- Provision of data quality
- Provision of Health Information Services, including clinical coding
- Provision of decision support services to enable operational and non-operational planning and quality reporting.
Health Information Services (HIS) supports a wide network of tertiary health services such as The Canberra Hospital, University of Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital, Mental Health, Justice Health, Alcohol and Drug Services, Walk in Centres, Community Health Centres and specialist outpatient services.
Clinical coding is an essential function for Canberra Health Services to facilitate accurate funding reimbursement, to support clinical research and education, to assist in the planning and evaluation of health care services, and to fulfil local and mandatory national data submission requirements.
The Trainee Clinical Coder role provides a pathway for individuals who have a foundational knowledge in clinical coding, evidenced by completion of an approved clinical coding course, to advance their skills and progress to higher level coding positions.
Key Responsibilities
Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Successful completion of the CHS Clinical Coding trainee program.
- Learn to abstract and accurately assign diagnosis and intervention codes for basic to moderately complex admitted episodes of care in accordance with ICD-10-AM / ACHI / ACS and national and local coding guidelines.
- Learn to use the encoder software to accurately transfer coded data into the Digital Health Record (DHR).
- Learn to provide appropriate clinical information in accordance with statutory requirements (eg. Cancer Registry notifications).
- Develop knowledge of CHS casemix, policies and procedures.
- Learn to manage workload to meet deadlines.
- Participate in coding quality and education activities.
- Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.
Competencies
Specific competencies include but are not limited to the following.
- A commitment to upholding patient privacy and confidentiality.
- Good analytic and problem-solving skills.
- Well developed communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Ability to work in a multi-disciplined team environment, supporting and contributing to a healthy workplace that embraces diversity and encourages collaborative teamwork.
Qualifications
Specific qualifications include, but are not limited to, the following.
Essential
- Successful completion of a recognised clinical coding qualification, such as the Diploma of Clinical Coding (HLT50321), or equivalent from an Australian Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
Desirable
- Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.
Experience
Specific experience include, but are not limited to, the following.
Essential
- N/A
Desirable
- Relevant work experience in a healthcare setting.
Prior to commencement
Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:
- Undergo a pre-employment National Police Check.
Important information
All employees are required to:
- Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
- Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.
What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)
These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.
- Demonstrated foundational knowledge of clinical classification systems, coding standards, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diseases and pathological processes, and healthcare documentation requirements.
- Demonstrated ability to abstract information, apply coding standards and conventions and undertake basic clinical code assignment. Demonstrated knowledge of casemix and Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG).
- Demonstrated proficient computing and keyboard skills, including experience with MS Office.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team environment, with good communication and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, Work Health and Safety and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.
Work environment description
The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.
| Administrative | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Telephone use | Occasionally |
| General computer use | Frequently |
| Extensive keying/data entry | Frequently |
| Graphical/analytical based | Frequently |
| Sitting at a desk | Frequently |
| Standing for long periods | Occasionally |
| Psychosocial demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distressed People e.g. Emergency or grief situations | Never |
| Aggressive & Uncooperative People e.g. drug / alcohol, dementia, mental illness | Never |
| Unpredictable People e.g. Dementia, mental illness, head injuries | Never |
| Restraining e.g. involvement in physical containment of clients/consumers | Never |
| Exposure to Distressing Situations e.g. Child abuse, viewing dead / mutilated bodies; verbal abuse; domestic violence; suicide | Occasionally |
| Physical demands | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Distance walking (large buildings or inter-building transit) | Never |
| Working outdoors | Never |
| Manual handling | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Lifting 0 - 9kg | Never |
| Lifting 10 - 15kg | Never |
| Lifting 16kg+ | Never |
| Climbing | Never |
| Running | Never |
| Reaching | Never |
| Kneeling | Never |
| Foot and leg movement | Never |
| Hand, arm and grasping movements | Never |
| Bending/squatting | Never |
| Bend/Lean Forward from Waist/Trunk twisting | Never |
| Push/pull | Never |
| Sequential repetitive movements in a short amount of time | Frequently |
| Travel | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Frequent travel – multiple work sites | Never |
| Frequent travel – driving | Never |
| Specific hazards | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Working at heights | Never |
| Exposure to extreme temperatures | Never |
| Operation of heavy machinery e.g. forklift | Never |
| Confined spaces | Never |
| Excessive noise | Never |
| Low lighting | Never |
| Handling of dangerous goods/equipment e.g. gases; liquids; biological. | Never |
| Slippery or uneven surfaces | Never |
Directorate: Canberra Health Services
Division: Decision Support Unit
Business Unit: Health Information Services
Position number: P71345 and P47221
Position title: Trainee Clinical Coder
Classification: Clinical Coder Level T2
Location: Canberra Health Services
Reporting relationships:
Direct Manager: Clinical Coding Manager
Manager +1: Senior Director Health Information Services
Canberra Health Services (CHS) is focussed on the delivery of high quality, effective, person-centred care. We provide acute, sub-acute, primary and community‐based health services, to the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and surrounding regions. More information can be found on the CHS website.
Our Vision: creating exceptional health care together
Our Role: to be a health service that is trusted by our community
Our Values: Reliable, Progressive, Respectful and Kind