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 and high-quality ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and/or CPT coding for inpatient and/or outpatient diagnoses and procedural occurrences through review of clinical documentation and diagnostic results, with a consistent coding accuracy rate of 95% or better.
The coder will accurately abstract data into appropriate CHRISTUS Health electronic medical record systems, verify patient dispositions and physician data, and follow official ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and AMA CPT coding guidelines. This role partners with HIM and Clinical Documentation Specialists to support accurate billing and reduce denials, and may assist in other department functions as requested by leadership.
The position reports to the Regional Coding Manager, with additional leadership from the Director of Coding Operations and the System HIM Director.
Responsibilities
- Assign codes for diagnoses, treatments, and procedures according to ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting to generate appropriate MS/APR DRG.
- Abstract required information from source documentation into the appropriate electronic medical record system.
- Validate admit orders and discharge dispositions.
- Work assigned coding queues and complete or reassign accounts correctly.
- Manage accounts on ABS Hold and finalize them when corrections are made.
- Maintain an accuracy rate of 95% or better.
- Meet or exceed productivity standards by chart type.
- 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 collaboration with HIM and CDI teams.
- Participate in internal and external audit discussions.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent years of experience required.
- Completion of an accredited baccalaureate Health Informatics or Health Information Management program, or an AHIMA-approved Coding Certificate Program, preferred.
- 1 to 3 years of experience preferred.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work independently in a remote setting with little supervision.
Location
San Antonio, Texas, US
Employment Type
Full-time
Experience Level
Senior
Remote work allowed
Yes
Posted
2 weeks ago