Inpatient Coder (Coding Specialist 3)

This level 3 coding position provides support to the Enterprise Coding Department for the coding of Inpatient services. The Inpatient Coder position requires certification and active credential status with AHIMA and advanced coding experience in the highly specialized areas of Inpatient coding.

Coding

• Inpatient Coding at 95% or above accuracy.
• Abstract information from inpatient medical records to assign correct codes following the ICD 10 guidelines.
• Identify query opportunities.
• Verify Account Class, Attending provider, and Discharge Disposition in Epic.  Assign codes via 3m 360.
• Resolve with coding leads and billing, any issues, coding denial requests or questions as part of coding denial process.
• Follow team procedures necessary in carrying out ICD 10 coding on cases in the Uncoded IP accounts work queue in Epic.
• Monitor activity for compliance with federal and/or state laws regarding correct coding set forth by CMS and Oregon Medical Assistance program (OMAP). 
• Coordinate all billing information and ensure that all information is complete and accurate.  (diagnosis codes/poa indicators/procedure codes/procedure dates/provider info/discharge disposition)
• Ability to maintain supportive and open communication with coding supervisors and team leads regarding coding issues and priority coding responsibilities assigned.

Department Support

• Serve as a resource to inpatient coding leadership and coding team for a broad range of billing policy and procedure issues.
• Attend coding meetings and seminars and shares knowledge with other coders.
• In collaboration with Leadership, make recommendations and implement remedial actions for problems.
• Monitor coding and billing information from newsletters, memos, and transmittals from coding publishers and government agencies to advise physicians of billing practice changes in ICD-10.
• Participate in Enterprise Coding education sessions, Kaizen events, maintain CEUs, stay informed of current trends in coding.

Collaboration with CDI

• Identify cases with a CDI reviewer listed in 3M 360.
• Review CDI documentation before coding. 
• Effectively communicate with CDI via email.
• Manage emails in a timely manner.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High school diploma or GED.

• Minimum of 4 years professional or hospital (depending on position) experience reviewing, abstracting, coding in ICD 10 CM or ICD 10 PCS, or CPT.

• Certification in one of the following (as indicated by the position description)

  Coding certification from AAPC or AHIMA:

  • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT),

  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

  • Active AHIMA membership may be required for some positions.

  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders; or

  • Equivalent certification. 

• Associate or bachelor’s Degree from Accredited Coding Program.
• RHIT, RHIA or CCS.
• Knowledge of Inpatient coding guidelines, MCE and compliance edits
• Experience using an EMR.
• College course work or education in classes related to anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, ICD-10-CM coding.
• Experience using EPIC, 3M encoder.
• Proficiency with word processing and Excel spreadsheets.
• Advanced knowledge of ICD-10-CM, Federal Register, Federal and State insurance billing laws and Mandates.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels, physicians, nurses, administrative management, etc.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• AHIMA certification required upon hire.
• Must be able to pass internal coding test to qualify.

• Days of work are Monday through Friday. Weekend work is performed when the Inpatient Coder is making up time or working overtime.
• Once the Monday through Friday schedule is set, it must be adhered to.
• This position is a remote position.

Benefits 

• Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
• $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
• Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
• Vacation - up to 200 hours per year dependent on length of service.
• Sick Leave - up to 96 hours per year.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Childcare service discounts.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Employee discounts to local and national businesses.