Teresa Thomas
27 Wharenui Road,Rotorua
Summary
Responsible for the timeliness of coded data for Te Whatu Ora - Lakes, with 20 years coding experience. Direction and coordination of Clinical Coders, while mentoring their development and progression.
Experienced Team Leader of Clinical Coders by increasing accuracy and performance through mentoring, training, auditing, KPIs and leadership. Established a coding audit program to measure and increase code accuracy, which has been further enhanced by annual external audits since 2021. I have advocated for coding concerns, including risk reports, clinical documentation improvement, provided advice for decision support, clinical audits and adherence of inpatient admission data. I have raised the profile of Clinical Coding at Lakes by presenting at doctor orientations, being part of a working-group addressing procedural complications to improve patient care, provided explanations of coded data to clinicians, and have communicated with service and finance managers, and senior clinicians including the Medical Director and the Group Director Operations for Lakes.
Known for a collaborative approach and commitment to excellence. I am motivated to build a team which is self-supporting, shares knowledge and is professional. In my current role at Lakes, I have done this over and again.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Team Leader, Clinical Coding Service
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
06.2016 - Current
- Established open and professional relationships with team members to foster a supportive environment where questions can be asked and issues can be understood and resolved.
- Mentored junior Coders, helping them develop their coding skills, improve accuracy and advance according to the National Coding Progression Structure.
- Empowered team members by delegating responsibilities not only according to individual strengths but also to promote personal growth.
- Evaluated Coders performance against KPIs with audits and 6 monthly performance appraisals, offering praise for achievements and identifying areas requiring further development.
- Communicate with the Classification and Terminology Senior Analyst for resolution of coding classification queries.
- Assisted in recruitment for Clinical Coding and Clinical Records departments.
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility and work ethic.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
Clinical Coding Auditor
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
06.2007 - Current
- Established an internal coding audit program to monitor coded data quality and for the progression of coders.
- Commencement of yearly external coding audits. This was to provide visibility regarding coder accuracy, while focused on higher priorities.
- Assist staff from Audit NZ, providing explanations and proof of coding audits and outcomes promptly.
- Education sessions for coders, from 20 minute singular topics to 3 hour post-audit education.
- Improved audit efficiency with the implementation an audit tool which pulls selected coded data from the data warehouse. The was achieved by collaboration with the decision support unit.
- Developed and maintained courteous and effective working relationships.
- Passionate about learning and committed to the continual improvement and advancement of Coders.
Level 5 Clinical Coder ICD-10-AM
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
06.2006 - Current
- Communicate with clinicians and surgeons to address complex scenarios or clinical documentation, resulting in accurate coded data.
- Mentor junior coders, answering queries, support training and development and apply high-quality coding practices.
- Adhere to the Australian Coding Standards, and current National Coding Advice, to ensure accurate coded data, according to the code of ethics.
- Maintain accuracy, completeness, and privacy for clinical records and health information.
- Maintain KPIs for Level 5 of the Progression Structure.
- Manage time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
Education
HIMAA
AustraliaSkills
- Professionalism
- Team leadership and Motivation
- Time management, and Prioritisation
- Excellent Verbal and Written Communication
- Coaching and Mentoring
- Performance review and Improvement
- Performance Management
- Collaboration
- Decision-Making
- Positive Attitude
Referees
Dimple Kaur (2024)
Clinical Records and Coding Manager, Acting
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
Dimple.Kaur@lakesdhb.govt.nz
Amme Kenworthy (2023-2024)
Clinical Records and Coding Manager
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
027 4283 779
Frances Ellery (2006-2020)
Clinical Records and Coding Manager, Retired
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
027 2942 908
Timeline
Team Leader, Clinical Coding Service
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
06.2016 - Current
Clinical Coding Auditor
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
06.2007 - Current
Level 5 Clinical Coder ICD-10-AM
Te Whatu Ora - Lakes
06.2006 - Current
HIMAA
Similar Profiles
Elsan PaulElsan Paul
Senior Registered Nurse -ICU/CCU & Outreach Nurse at Te Whatu Ora-LakesSenior Registered Nurse -ICU/CCU & Outreach Nurse at Te Whatu Ora-Lakes
Fahran Kohine WhippeyFahran Kohine Whippey
PouMauri Ora Nehi/ICAMHS Clinician- Reg Nurse. at Te Whatu Ora LakesPouMauri Ora Nehi/ICAMHS Clinician- Reg Nurse. at Te Whatu Ora Lakes
Shannon MackintoshShannon Mackintosh
Speech and Language Therapist at Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora LakesSpeech and Language Therapist at Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora Lakes