This position is part of the Health Information Management Service (HIMS) in the Business Office at the VA New Jersey Healthcare System (East Orange or Lyons Campus). The VA serves the New York/New Jersey VISN 2 Network, operating as a Level 2 facility.
The role involves reviewing and assigning diagnostic and procedural codes (ICD CM, CPT, HCPCS) for complex outpatient and inpatient medical records to ensure accurate coding reflecting all health services provided. The technician analyzes clinical data, abstracts relevant information, resolves conflicting or ambiguous data directly with clinical staff, and uses encoder software for coding and validation.
This journey-level outpatient coder performs comprehensive documentation audits to support medical necessity, compliance, and billing accuracy. The position requires expertise in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, coding practices, and health record structure. The technician ensures adherence to coding guidelines and regulatory requirements, monitors coding updates, and may provide coding education.
Work schedule is Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Telework opportunities are available but this is not a virtual position.
- U.S. citizenship required.
- Associate's degree in health information technology/management or related field with relevant coursework, OR equivalent experience with medical terminology, medical coding, anatomy, physiology, and health record structure.
- Completion of AHIMA approved coding program or equivalent intense coding training qualifying for certification eligibility.
- Certification required: Apprentice/Associate, Mastery level through AHIMA or AAPC, or Clinical Documentation Improvement certification.
- Minimum one year creditable experience in outpatient coding including ambulatory surgical cases, procedures, diagnostic studies, outpatient encounters, or inpatient professional fee services.
- Competency in ICD CM, PCS, CPT, HCPCS coding systems.
- Ability to accurately analyze health records to identify diagnoses and procedures and evaluate documentation adequacy.
- Skill in interpreting complex or incomplete coding guidelines and using judgment in application.
- Competitive salary with regular salary increases.
- Paid time off 37-50 days annually (including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays).
- Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 12 months of employment.
- Child care subsidy for eligible employees.
- Federal retirement plan (5 years vesting) plus 401K with employer contribution.
- Federal health, vision, dental, life, and long-term care insurance plans transferable into retirement.
- Telework availability.
Location
New Jersey, US
Employment Type
Full-time
Experience Level
Associate
Salary Range
$65,855 - $85,608
Remote work allowed
Yes
Posted
3 weeks ago