Ambulatory & Inpatient Medical Coder II

Kaiser Permanente Northwest; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 44,083 - 57,859; Full time

Job summary

Kaiser Permanente Northwest is seeking a medical records coder to review emergency, outpatient, and ambulatory records, identify elements to abstract, and begin inpatient record review. This role emphasizes accurate coding and collaboration with clinicians to ensure compliant documentation.

The position requires adherence to coding guidelines (ICD-CM, CPT, HCPCS) and ongoing learning of regulatory standards, with work primarily in Oregon facilities and a standard full-time schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum two (2) years of experience with Hospital Ambulatory Surgery, Home Health/Hospice (if applicable), Observation, and Hospital complex Outpatient Visit including capture of codes for outpatient services that require monitored anesthesia and conscious sedation.
• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent AND minimum two (2) years of coding experience. OR Minimum two (2) years of coding experience and one (1) year of experience in a corporate or business office environment.
• Registered Health Information Technician required at hire OR Registered Health Information Administrator required at hire OR Certified Coding Specialist required at hire

Responsibilities

• Pursues effective relationships with others by sharing resources, information, and knowledge with coworkers and members. Listens to, addresses, and seeks performance feedback. Pursues self-development; acknowledges strengths and weaknesses based on career goals and takes appropriate development action to leverage / improve them.
• Completes work assignments by applying up-to-date knowledge in subject area to meet deadlines; follows procedures and policies, and applies data and resources to support projects or initiatives with limited guidance and/or sponsorship.
• Assists with documentation and coding compliance by: following compliance standards with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, The Principles of Responsibility, the Code of Conduct for Kaiser Permanente, internal policies and procedures, professional standards, and accreditation standards.
• Supports efforts to update coding processes and meet regulatory goals by: assisting in performing analysis/review to assure the accuracy of current procedures and diagnosis codes upon request from various sources; using internal resources (e.g., webinars, enterprise education team) to learn up-to-date knowledge of standards and regulatory requirements related to coding, documentation, and management compliance (federal, state, internal), and researching guidance for individual coding situations as necessary, with some guidance; and meeting and maintaining department standards for productivity and quality.
• Completes medical coding by: translating clinical information into coded data to enter appropriate codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other services rendered, following coding guidelines for the most current version of the ICD-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II for patient encounters with guidance; identifying and assigning appropriate codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other services rendered with day-to-day supervision; identifying and assisting with resolving coding issues through partnership with clinicians, department administration, and other coding staff based on review, coding guidelines, and queries or issues with practitioner-submitted medical codes to reduce denials and improve time to submission; and supporting team members who provide consultation to staff and care providers on all coding and documentation questions.

Skills

Quality Assurance

Data Quality

Medical Terminology

Medical Coding

Health Records

Data Entry

Health Information Systems

Time Management

Compliance Management

Maintain Records

Education

HS Diploma or GED

2+ years coding experience

RHIT/RHIA/CCS required

Job description

Kaiser Permanente Northwest is seeking a medical records coder to review emergency, outpatient, and ambulatory records, identify elements to abstract, and begin inpatient record review. This role emphasizes accurate coding and collaboration with clinicians to ensure compliant documentation.

The position requires adherence to coding guidelines (ICD-CM, CPT, HCPCS) and ongoing learning of regulatory standards, with work primarily in Oregon facilities and a standard full-time schedule.