Outpatient Acute Care Coder

You must reside in one of the eligible states: Arkansas, California, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Tennessee, Texas, Wyoming.

This full-time remote position reports to the Coding Operations Manager.

Responsible for assigning appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes to patient charts of moderate to high complexity using ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS, or other coding systems following coding rules and regulations and ethical coding standards by AHIMA.

The coder will review outpatient hospital or physician records to assign, sequence, edit, and validate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for outpatient encounters ensuring proper coding, billing, and compliance. Coding areas may include Same Day Surgery, Routine Outpatient, Physician, Recurring, Observation, etc.

Responsibilities include assigning diagnoses, procedure codes, and modifiers according to Official Coding Guidelines, CMS regulations, Local Medical Review Policies, encoder software, and HIM coding policies. Utilizes 3M encoder to review Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APC) and coding edits, checks Coverage Determinations for medical necessity, and researches electronic medical records for additional diagnoses.

May assign Physician Evaluation and Management (E/M) levels and charges and assign injections and infusions if applicable.

Qualifications:

• 1 to 3 years of medical record coding experience in acute care settings.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor's degree in Health Information, Nursing, or relevant field preferred. Formal coding classes or equivalent experience accepted.
• Functional knowledge of EMR, Encoder, and Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) tools.
• Comprehensive understanding of UHDDS guidelines, CCI edits, Coding Clinic, and related coding standards.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Work Experience and Certification:

• Associate degree preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of Acute/Physician Coding experience.
• Required certification from AHIMA or AAPC such as RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC, CIRCC, or COC.

Software/Hardware:

• Experience with 3M360 encoder required.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Comprehensive healthcare coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off and flexible scheduling.
• Student loan repayment program.