Senior Coding & Data Quality Specialist

Department: Abstracting
Program: Health Information Mgmt
Status: Temporary Full Time (10 Month Contract)
Days; 8 Hour Shifts (Subject to Change)
Location: Whitby, ON - Corporate Office
Wage Schedule: $39.090 - $52.130 per hour
File Number: 2600001350

Lakeridge Health is more than a hospital. It is a health network that includes five hospitals, a long-term care home, a community-based surgical centre, and more than 30 community sites across the Durham Region. Guided by our vision of One System. Best Health. and supported by a dedicated team of nearly 9,000 staff, physicians, and volunteers, Lakeridge Health is a place where the best people want to start, grow, and finish their careers in health care. We are focused on fostering an environment that’s inclusive, compassionate, innovative, and joyful. This is Lakeridge Health!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Manager, Coding and Data Quality, the Senior Specialist, Coding and Data Quality supports day-to-day coding and abstracting operations across the Health Information Management (HIM) program, with a focus on data quality, workflow support, education, and system integrity.

The Senior Specialist conducts regular coding and abstracting audits to ensure compliance with Canadian Coding Standards, CIHI abstracting requirements, Ministry of Health directives, and organizational data quality expectations. The role also supports the recruitment, onboarding, orientation, training, and ongoing support of new coding staff and students, while developing and delivering coding education related to coding standards, Quality Based Procedures (QBPs), and grouping methodologies, including CMG+, HIG, and CACS.

The Senior Specialist is responsible for maintaining the integrity of coding and abstracting systems, including Epic, 3M (360 Encompass Suite), and Med2020. Responsibilities include maintaining system dictionaries, coordinating and processing month-end activities related to CIHI submissions, and supporting the scheduling, downloading, testing, and implementation of 3M system upgrades and updates.

This role supports the HIM quality program by identifying and escalating data quality concerns, supporting Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) initiatives, recommending potential solutions, and developing and monitoring quality indicators related to coded data.
The Senior Specialist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, internal stakeholders, external vendors, and other partners across the organization, and performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

" Graduate from an accredited Health Information Management program;
" CHIM certified with the Canadian College of Health Information Management, and active membership with the Canadian Health Information Management Association (CHIMA) is required;
" Bachelor's degree in health information management or related field is an asset;
" Significant experience and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience performing senior coding, abstracting, auditing, or coding quality functions within a Health Information Management environment;

" Demonstrated knowledge of Canadian Coding Standards, Ontario Ministry of Health Coding Directives, and CIHI abstracting standards, including DAD, NACRS, and NRS submissions;

" Demonstrated knowledge of ICD-10-CA/CCI classification systems and coding methodologies;

" Strong understanding of grouping and funding methodologies, including CMG+, RIW, CACS, HIG, and Quality Based Procedures (QBPs);

" Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a fast-paced, client-focused environment;

" Proven coaching, facilitation, education, and mentoring skills;

" Strong verbal communication, presentation, interpersonal, and written communication skills;

" Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and coding/abstracting systems;

" Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders;

" Demonstrated commitment to the organizational values of Inclusion, Compassion, Innovation, Teamwork, and Joy;

" Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to comprehensive safety programs and practices, including staff safety, patient safety, environmental safety, and participation in ongoing safety education.

At Lakeridge Health, we value inclusion and diversity. We are committed to fostering a culture that is respectful, inclusive, and accessible. We are committed to employing a workforce that is representative of the diverse community we provide services to and welcome applications from all qualified applicants from all backgrounds.

Accommodation will be provided in all parts of the recruitment and assessment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require any accommodation at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact recruitment@lh.ca .

Unless specifically stated, all job postings at Lakeridge Health are to fill existing vacancies within our organization. Lakeridge Health may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools as part of the recruitment and screening process. A member of our Talent Acquisition team is actively engaged in the Recruitment and Selection process to ensure a fair and thorough assessment of applicants.

Lakeridge Health thanks all those who apply, however, only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

The terms and conditions of employment are in accordance with Lakeridge Health's policies and procedures.

Lakeridge Health thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Successful External applicants must provide a satisfactory Criminal Investigation Reference for the vulnerable sector, dated within the past six (6) months.

Lakeridge Health is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all team members and patients. New Lakeridge Health team members will be required to complete a Pre-employment Health Assessment as a condition of employment.