Specialty Coder Senior - Business Office

Selected by CHRISTUS Health Coding Leadership to focus coding skills and expertise on designated inpatient or outpatient high-dollar or specialty account types.

The Specialty Coder is responsible for maintaining current, high-quality ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and/or CPT coding for inpatient and/or outpatient diagnoses and procedures through review of clinical documentation and diagnostic results, with a consistent coding accuracy rate of 95% or better. The role also involves accurate abstraction of data into CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems, verifying patient dispositions and physician data, and following official ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and AMA CPT coding guidelines.

This position works collaboratively with HIM and Clinical Documentation Specialist teams to support accurate billing and reduce denials. The coder reports to the Regional Coding Manager, with additional leadership from the Director of Coding Operations and System HIM Director.

Responsibilities

• Assign diagnosis, treatment, and procedure codes according to ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting
• Review coding-critical documentation to generate appropriate MS/APR DRG
• Abstract required information into the appropriate electronic medical record system
• Validate admit orders and discharge dispositions
• Work assigned coding queues and correctly complete or reassign accounts
• Manage accounts on ABS Hold and finalize them when corrections are made
• Meet or exceed accuracy and productivity standards
• Follow AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding
• Help implement solutions to reduce backend errors
• Identify and report hospital-acquired conditions (HAC)
• Query providers for missing or unclear documentation in coordination with HIM and CDI teams
• Participate in internal and external audit discussions
• Perform other duties as assigned by management