Remote - Inpatient Coder II

The Inpatient Coder II is responsible for assigning ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes for acute care inpatient, acute rehabilitation, swing bed and LTACH services. This position queries providers regarding documentation, resolves intermediate coding edits, completes analysis and evaluation of documentation. Assignment is based on documentation in the medical record and utilization of coding guidelines, knowledge of clinical disease processes, and treatments. Provides education to coders.

Remote States: Candidates residing in the following states will be considered for remote employment: Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Virginia. Remote work will not be permitted from any other state at this time.

• Codes complex diseases, procedures and diagnoses using the ICD-10-CM/PCS classification systems, in accordance with Official Coding Guidelines, CMS guidelines, PPS guidelines and organizational compliance standards.
• Assumes responsibility for professional development by participating in educational opportunities in webinars, online education and online meetings.
• Assigns MS-DRG and APR-DRG in alignment with regulatory guidelines, ensuring accuracy for all types of inpatient services including LTACH. 
• Queries providers following Official Query Guidelines for optimal documentation and to demonstrate the severity of illness and risk of mortality.
• Collaborates with clinical documentation integrity specialists, revenue integrity, patient financial services, quality improvement, and other departments to ensure accuracy of documentation and coding. 
• Ensures data accuracy for HIDI and other regulatory agencies by resolving intermediate coding edits and claim edits.
• Completes special coding projects and basic to intermediate analysis utilizing reports.
• Mentors and trains coders.
• Attains coding quality and productivity goals
• Other duties as assigned.

Education

• Must have coding education with knowledge of medical terminology, pharmacology and anatomy, query guidelines - Required
• Associate's Degree - Health Information Management / Medical Records - Required OR
• Bachelor's Degree - Health Information Management / Medical Records - Preferred

Work Experience

• 3 Years - experience in HIM inpatient acute care coding - Required

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) - Required Or
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) - Required Or
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) - Required

Qualifications

Skills and Abilities
 

Essential Technical/Motor Skills

• Input and retrieve data, speaking clearly, precise hand\eye coordination, fine motor skills and good writing skills.
• Detailed knowledge of pathophysiology, coding and query guidelines, anatomy, pharmacology, medical and surgical treatments.
• Computer skills to include typing, Excel, PowerPoint, use of electronic medical record, encoder.

Interpersonal Skills

• Follow HEART behaviors.
• Work in a professional, caring manner with customers
• Work with interruptions, foster teamwork, and promote service and quality
• Work alone or in groups or teams to identify, define and solve problems. 

Essential Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to sit, utilize computer.

Essential Mental Abilities

• Read and interpret data from medical record, analyze encoder instructions, understand what physician is trying to convey and concentrate for long time periods. 
• Interpret data from spreadsheets and other reports and provide analysis
• Determine gaps in coding knowledge and status of coding competency.
• Provide guidance and education, answering coding questions and providing training.

Essential Sensory Requirements

• Visualize/interpret patient record.
• Hear and speak with others in verbal discussions and education.

Exposure to Hazards

Other Skills and Abilities