Tara Debutts serves as a Clinical Coding Specialist III at Cape Fear Valley Health System, where her diverse background in healthcare uniquely positions her to excel in the complex world of medical coding and billing. With an Associate's degree in Radiography, Tara initially pursued a...
Tara Debutts serves as a Clinical Coding Specialist III at Cape Fear Valley Health System, where her diverse background in healthcare uniquely positions her to excel in the complex world of medical coding and billing. With an Associate's degree in Radiography, Tara initially pursued a path in nursing, but her journey took a transformative turn toward healthcare administration. This evolution has allowed her to harness her clinical knowledge and coding expertise to enhance operational efficiency and ensure compliance within the healthcare system.
In her current role, Tara is responsible for outpatient clinical coding across various departments, including Observation, Same Day/Short Stay Surgeries, and Emergency Room services. Her proficiency in CPT and ICD-10 coding is complemented by her experience in handling claims denials through EPIC, where she meticulously follows up on discrepancies to optimize revenue cycle management. Tara's work also extends to specialized areas such as oncology and anesthesia coding, where her attention to detail and understanding of complex medical procedures are vital for accurate documentation and reimbursement.
Moreover, Tara plays a crucial role in claim edits and charge reviews for critical care, long-term acute care (LTAC), and palliative care services, ensuring that all coding practices align with regulatory standards and best practices. Her skills in healthcare information technology, combined with her adeptness in Microsoft Office applications, empower her to analyze data effectively and contribute to the continuous improvement of coding processes. Tara’s commitment to excellence in clinical coding not only supports the financial health of Cape Fear Valley Health System but also enhances patient care by ensuring that healthcare providers are accurately compensated for their services.
