Company Overview
Louisiana Eye & Laser is a comprehensive eye care practice dedicated to providing a wide range of services including eye examinations, surgical procedures, treatment of eye diseases, LASIK surgery, and cosmetic eye care. The practice employs a team of skilled surgeons, optometrists, and physician assistants committed to delivering exceptional patient care across multiple locations.
Overview
Louisiana Eye & Laser Center is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Coding Specialist with ophthalmology experience to ensure accurate coding, billing, and reimbursement for professional and surgical services. The Medical Coding Specialist is responsible for reviewing clinical documentation and assigning appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes for ophthalmic examinations, diagnostic testing, laser procedures, injections, and surgeries while maintaining compliance with payer regulations and coding guidelines.
This position plays a critical role in supporting the financial performance of the practice by maximizing reimbursement, minimizing claim denials, and ensuring coding accuracy and regulatory compliance.
Responsibilities
- Review patient medical records, physician documentation, operative reports, and diagnostic testing results to assign accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes.
- Code ophthalmology-specific services, including office visits, consultations, diagnostic testing, laser procedures, injections, and surgical procedures.
- Ensure proper coding and documentation for cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment, retina procedures, corneal procedures, oculoplastics, and refractive services.
- Verify coding accuracy and compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance carriers, and payer-specific policies.
- Review operative reports and surgical documentation to ensure accurate coding and billing for professional and facility services.
- Identify coding errors, missing documentation, and reimbursement opportunities.
- Collaborate with physicians, technicians, and clinical staff to obtain clarification regarding documentation when necessary.
- Assist with claim corrections, appeals, prior authorization documentation, and denial management related to coding issues.
- Monitor coding edits, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) guidelines, and payer updates affecting ophthalmology services.
- Participate in internal coding audits and compliance reviews.
- Maintain current knowledge of ophthalmology coding updates, payer regulations, and reimbursement guidelines.
- Protect patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations and organizational policies.
Certifications
One or more of the following certifications required or preferred:
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
- Certified Ophthalmic Coding Specialist (COCS) preferred
- Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA) preferred
Experience
- Minimum of 2–3 years of medical coding experience required.
- Ophthalmology coding experience strongly preferred.
- Experience with physician practice and ambulatory surgery center coding preferred.
- Knowledge of electronic health record (EHR) systems and practice management software.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Extensive knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and ophthalmology-specific coding guidelines.
- Understanding of ophthalmic anatomy, diseases, procedures, and terminology.
- Knowledge of Medicare ophthalmology billing regulations and commercial payer requirements.
- Familiarity with coding and billing for:
- Cataract surgery
- YAG laser capsulotomy
- Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty (SLT)
- Intravitreal injections
- Retina procedures
- Glaucoma procedures
- Corneal procedures
- Diagnostic testing, including OCT, visual fields, fundus photography, and topography
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and EHR systems.
Performance Expectations
- Maintain a high level of coding accuracy and compliance.
- Minimize claim denials resulting from coding errors.
- Support timely claim submission and reimbursement.
- Assist in achieving revenue cycle goals through accurate documentation review and coding practices.
- Demonstrate professionalism and teamwork while supporting providers and staff.
Work Location: In person
