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Elements and Performance Criteria

  1. Abstract clinical data from moderately complex medical records
  2. Assign codes relating to moderately complex medical records
  3. Maintain clinical coding records

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

Essential knowledge

The candidate must be able to demonstrate essential knowledge required to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes knowledge of

Australian and relevant StateTerritory clinical coding standards and protocols

Appropriate legislation

Definition of a clinical coder and clinical coding and the purpose of coded data

Professional ethics in clinical coding

Classifications and nomenclature used to achieve accurate clinical coding

Clinical data indexing storage and mapping from clinical terms of classifications

Coding diseases and procedures with ICDAM ACHI and ACS coding manuals

Coding factors influencing health status

Coding relating to

infectious and blood diseases

mental health

endocrine and musculoskeletal diseases

injuries and poisonings

neoplasms digestive and skin diseases

respiratory and circulatory diseases

nervous system eye ear nose and mouth diseases

genitourinary pregnancy childbirth the puerperium the perinatal period and congenital conditions

Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology and body systems

Current codes of practice and guidelines in relation to clinical coding

Sequencing of primary and additional diagnoses

Sequencing protocols for clinical coding

Sources of information relating to changes to clinical coding requirements

Timeframes for completing clinical coding

Essential skills

It is critical that the candidate demonstrate the ability to effectively do the task outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit manage the task and manage contingencies in the context of the identified work role

This includes the ability to

Analyse moderately complex medical records from a range of specialties to produce coded clinical data

Apply Australian National Coding Standards to code moderately complex medical records

Complete coding of an average of four moderately complex medical records per hour

Enter data to at least accuracy from moderately complex medical records

Identify necessary amendments to data collection and coding activities

Identify sequencing requirements in moderately complex medical records

Use appropriate resources to assist with moderately complex clinical coding requirements

Use ICDAM ACHI and ACS coding manuals

Use manual or an interfaced computerised coding system to submit data or disease index

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria Required Skills and Knowledge the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate this competency unit


The individual being assessed must provide evidence of specified essential knowledge as well as skills

Consistency of performance should be demonstrated over the required range of situations relevant to the workplace

Access and equity considerations

All workers in the health industry should be aware of access and equity issues in relation to their own area of work

All workers should develop their ability to work in a culturally diverse environment

In recognition of particular health issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities workers should be aware of cultural historical and current issues impacting on health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Assessors and trainers must take into account relevant access and equity issues in particular relating to factors impacting on health of Aboriginal andor Torres Strait Islander clients and communities

Context of and specific resources for assessment


Assessment must be completed in the workplace

Relevant guidelines standards and procedures

Resources essential for assessment include

ICDAM ACHI and ACS and relevant local coding requirements

a range of complex medical records

resources material


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Moderately complex medical records refer to:

Medical records resulting from an episode of care generally seen in health care facilities ranging from large to small size hospitals (AIHW National Hospital Peer Group Classifications A1-D1)

Medical information may be obtained from:

discharge summaries

medical reports

medical records

Resources may include:

MIMS

Medical abbreviations dictionary

Disease and procedure codes may include:

Coding for:

endocrine and musculoskeletal diseases

genitourinary, pregnancy, childbirth, the puerperium, the perinatal period and congenital conditions

infectious and blood diseases

injuries and poisonings

mental health

neoplasms, digestive and skin diseases

nervous system, eye, ear, nose and mouth diseases

respiratory and circulatory diseases

Client information systems may include:

Computerised systems

Manual systems