Certified Medical Coder

Ascension; United States; Remote; USD 34,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health coverage

403(b) retirement plan matching

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement / professional发展

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Job summary

Ascension is seeking a remote Coding Specialist to accurately abstract medical records and assign ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes to determine DRG/APC assignments. You will query physicians for clarification and participate in audits to ensure compliance with AHIMA standards.

The role requires coding credentials (CCS/CPC, or Cardiac) and experience with EPIC or similar EHR systems. You’ll work a full-time day shift with opportunities for professional development and growth within Ascension.

Qualifications

• CCS, CPC or Cardiac coder credentials required prior to hire.
• RHIA/RHIT or AHIMA/AAPC credentials preferred.
• Experience with EPIC or equivalent EHR systems and coding workflow tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Abstract and code medical records, assign ICD, CPT, and HCPCS to establish DRG/APC.
• Query physicians to clarify documentation and educate accordingly.
• Audit coding and documentation for compliance with AHIMA/official guidelines.
• Maintain productivity and quality while staying current with coding regulations and payer requirements.

Skills

CPT/ICD-10-CM knowledge

HCPCS coding

CMS guidelines

NCCI edits

EPIC experience

Encoder tools

Education

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Cardiac coder credential

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Tools

EPIC

Encoder

Job description

Location: Remote
Department: Revenue Cycle Management
Schedule: Full-time | Day Shift
Salary: $24.87/hr - $33.64/hr

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 97,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you’ll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Abstract & Code Records: Abstract relevant medical information and assign accurate ICD, CPT, and HCPCS codes to establish DRG or APC assignments, including handling complex cases.
• Query & Collaborate: Query physicians to clarify ambiguous, incomplete, or unclear record documentation, and provide appropriate education to physicians and associates.
• Audit & Comply: Conduct internal coding and physician documentation audits while maintaining strict adherence to AHIMA's Standards of Ethical Coding and official guidelines.
• Perform & Stay Current: Maintain required productivity and quality standards while continually keeping up-to-date with evolving coding, compliance, and reimbursement rules.

What minimum requirements you’ll need

Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. All specialties accepted.
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentialed from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date. All specialties accepted.
• Coder specializing in Cardiac credentialed from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Reg Health Info Admnstr credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Reg Health Info Tech credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.

Education

High School diploma equivalency OR 1 year of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.

Note: Required professional licensure/certification can be used in lieu of education or experience, if applicable.

What additional preferences we're seeking

• 40 hours a week | M-F | Hours between 6 Am - 6 Pm Central Time Zone | No weekends or holidays
• Minimum 3–5 years of professional fee coding experience in a multi-specialty or hospital-based environment.
• Prior experience with E/M leveling, and complex specialty coding; Extensive experience in Cardiology and Electrophysiology.
• Familiarity with revenue cycle operations, charge capture, edits, and denials management.
• Experience with electronic health records (EPIC preferred) and coding workflow tools (encoder).
• Knowledge of CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10-CM, CMS guidelines, NCCI edits, and payer-specific policy requirements.