Outpatient Coder

Responsible for maintaining current, high-quality ICD-10-CM and CPT coding for outpatient diagnoses and procedures through review of clinical documentation and diagnostic results, with a consistent coding accuracy rate of 95% or better. The coder will abstract data into appropriate CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems, verify patient dispositions and physician data, and follow the Official ICD-10-CM Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and CPT Guidelines.

The role supports outpatient coding for clinical, provider office visits, therapeutic, laboratory, recurring, emergency department, outpatient observation, and ambulatory surgery encounters. The coder works collaboratively with Admitting, Charging, Patient Financial Services, HIM, and other departments to resolve charging issues, denials, and documentation clarifications to ensure accurate billing and reduce denials. The position reports to the Regional Coding Manager, with additional leadership from the Director of Coding Operations and System HIM/Coding Director.

Responsibilities

• Assign codes for diagnoses, treatments, and procedures according to ICD-10-CM and CPT Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting.
• Extract and abstract required information from source documentation for entry into CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems.
• Work from assigned coding queues, completing and re-assigning accounts correctly.
• Manage accounts on ABS Hold and finalize accounts after corrections in a timely manner.
• Meet or exceed a 95% accuracy rate.
• Meet or exceed CHRISTUS Health productivity standards per chart type.
• Abide by the Standards of Ethical Coding set forth by AHIMA.
• Assist in implementing solutions to reduce backend errors.
• Query providers for missing or unclear documentation in collaboration with HIM and Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists.
• Participate in internal and external audit discussions.
• Work independently in a remote setting with little supervision.