A day as a Clinical Coder Apprentice
You arrive at work and start your day by recording the stay of a young woman who had a back operation three days ago. As you piece her stay together you will make a record of the ward she visited before her surgery, then note her time in surgery. You also record how long it took her to recover and, lastly, other treatment received such ie physiotherapy. Next, using newly learnt alphanumeric code, you record all events on the computer system. More importantly, these records will be used throughout the NHS to take learnings to improve services and patient experience.
Could clinical coding be the perfect role for you?
Are you agile, flexible, adaptive, honest, respectful, selfless with a desire to learn? Without reservation, if your answer is yes, undeniably, a level 3 clinical coding apprenticeship could be the perfect step when considering your career.
Future career progression following Level 3 Clinical Coder apprenticeship
After the apprenticeship there are a number of roles to work towards: Senior Clinical Coder, Clinical Coding Team Leader, Clinical Coding Supervisor, Clinical Coding Trainer, Clinical Coding Auditor, Clinical Coding Assistant Manager, Clinical Coding Manager. The team structure, at least, will also provide you with fantastic opportunities for career progression for those wishing to build a career in clinical coding.
Entry criteria for a Level 3 Clinical Coder
Employers select their own selection criteria, nonetheless, and thus may include Level 2 in English Language, Mathematics and a Science subject (Biology/Science preferable).
Key responsibilities and day to day duties of a Level 3 Clinical Coder apprentice
Responsibilities of a clinical coder are to assess patient records and notes content. Secondly, the clinical coder will identify medical terminology, in detail, and then translate this into a clinical code. The next step is to apply a diagnosis and procedural codes to patients’ records. Extracted information from clinical documentation and relevant health record content assessed. Lastly, input clinical codes onto the Patient Administration System.
Complete background research and communicate with key stakeholders to gather and share information. In a situation where data quality issues are identified take appropriate action, without delay. Teamwork is key, including supporting senior colleagues.
Work under pressure to meet financial deadlines.
Clinical Coder knowledge and skills
- Comply with clinical coding rules and standards as defined by NHS Digital Clinical Classifications Service and the World Health Organisation (WHO). Where agreed by the hospital and documented in the Clinical Coding Policy, follow locally defined coding rules ensuring they do not contravene NHS national rules.
- Apply consistent coding to case notes and scenarios by extracting information from a variety of paper and electronic sources.
- Accurately and consistently apply four-step coding process in line with the NHS Digital website when assigning codes for diagnoses procedures.
- Assimilate specialist information and retain.
- Correctly code patient records by applying detailed anatomical, physiological and apply medical terminology.
- Enter clinical codes onto the correct Finished Consultant Episode (FCE) by working with clinical teams and administrative staff.
- Understand how to deconstruct and a medical term.
Behaviours of a Clinical Coder
As a clinical coder, unquestionably, you will require a thirst for knowledge and enjoy investigating. You will have a desire to learn and be willing to learn from mistakes.
A clinical coder must show emotional maturity and be able to deal with case notes. Case notes could, possibly, contain disturbing photographs relating to abuse and, sometimes, terminally ill patients. The clinical coder may have direct contact and attend a hospital ward. Unavoidably, disturbing scenes may be witnessed. A flexible and adaptable approach taken to to meet changing work priorities. Being a motivated self-starter, another key requirement for the role, is vital to ensure all projects are seen through to completion. Reliability and professionalism are key with a high level of emotional intelligence. Most importantly, teamwork and collaboration with others are essential.
Qualifications & Duration
Regarding qualifications apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to have achieved this level prior to the end-point assessment. Level 3 is required for those with a health and care plan, an education or a legacy statement. British Sign Language qualification is an alternative to English qualifications for whom this is their primary language.
Course duration 18-24 months.
Conclusion
The level 3 clinical coder is a perfect step for anyone looking to pursue their career in coding. In conclusion, it is important to understand that both the skills learnt on the apprenticeship and on-the-job experience will open a range of opportunities.
Above all, earning a salary while learning a new skill is a practical way to progress and a great alternative to college.
To find an apprenticeship or to catch up on our latest posts click here.
Sign up now to get our newsletter featuring the latest apprenticeship updates!