LIA A. THOMAS
Certified Coding Specialist
Covina,CA
Summary
HCC Risk Adjustment Coder specializing in Medicare and commercial risk adjustment, ICD-10-CM capture, and diagnosis specificity. Reviews 141+ medical records per week across 6–10 specialties per assignment cycle to verify 401–700 diagnosis codes per month, strengthen documentation quality, and support compliant reimbursement. Maintains production standards while protecting coding accuracy and completeness.
Overview
1
1
Certification
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Part-time Outpatient Coder
California Coding Specialist-Covina, CA
Covina, California
06.2018 - Current
- Analyzed components of patient visits, including diagnostic tests, consultations, in-office procedures, and prescribed medications, to ensure comprehensive coding.
- Utilized ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems to ensure precise billing practices.
- Assures adherence to department quality and productivity standards.
- Ensured adherence to quality and productivity standards within the department, contributing to overall coding accuracy.
Risk Adjustment Coder
Optum/ United Health Group
Covina, California
09.2021 - 07.2026
- Reviewed patients' electronic medical records (EMRs) to accurately abstract complete and compliant diagnosis codes, enhancing risk adjustment for Medicare, Commercial, and Medicaid programs.
- Ensured documentation compliance with CMS guidelines by accurately mapping Hierarchical condition categories across diverse medical records, supporting risk adjustment and coding accuracy.
- Maintained strict confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA regulations while effectively managing sensitive data.
- Verified accuracy of patient information in medical records.
Risk Adjustment Coder
Sharp Incorporated
Covina, California
08.2018 - 05.2019
- Analyzes and reviews medical records and assigns accurate, compliant diagnosis codes at the highest specificity, supporting Medicare and Commercial risk adjust payment models while ensuring adherence to CMS coding guidelines.
- Verified and ensured the accuracy, completeness, and specificity of diagnosis codes based on services rendered.
- Ensured quality and met production standards, contributing to overall efficiency in coding operations.
- Worked across various specialties to enhance coding accuracy and support diverse clinical documentation.
- Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in response to changes in coding guidelines, software systems, or departmental priorities.
Education
Some College (No Degree) -
Hope Of St James Medical Coding
West Covina 05.2001 -
Some College (No Degree) - Midwifery
De Ocampo Memorial College
Manila PhilippinesSkills
- ICD-10-CM / DRG
- ICD-10-PCS
- CPT-4
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Coding audit methodology
Certification
CCS
Timeline
Risk Adjustment Coder
Optum/ United Health Group
09.2021 - 07.2026
Risk Adjustment Coder
Sharp Incorporated
08.2018 - 05.2019
Part-time Outpatient Coder
California Coding Specialist-Covina, CA
06.2018 - Current
Some College (No Degree) -
Hope Of St James Medical Coding
05.2001 -
Some College (No Degree) - Midwifery
De Ocampo Memorial College