Coder III

Valleywise Health; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 34,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Valleywise Health is seeking a skilled Coder III to assign ICD-10 diagnoses and procedures for inpatient accounts. The role uses 3M encoder, EPIC EHR, and other coding tools to ensure accurate documentation and DRG assignments across maternity, newborns, pediatrics, behavioral health, ICU, medical, burn/trauma, and surgical cases.

The position requires an associate degree in health information technology, 6 years of hospital coding experience, and active CPC/COC/CIC/CCS/CCS-P certification

Qualifications

• Requires an associate degree in health information technology or related field or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must pass coding exam with 85% accuracy prior to hire.
• Certification: CPC/COC/CIC/CCS/CCS-P required (RHIT/RHIA also accepted).
• Requires 6 years of hospital/facility-based coding experience.

Responsibilities

• Code inpatient hospital records using ICD-10-CM/PCS derived from medical records.
• Maintain productivity and quality benchmarks per department policy.
• Utilize encoder, grouper software and EHR tools to support accurate coding.
• Adhere to AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding and maintain professional communication.
• Collaborate with care teams to ensure accurate documentation and coding.

Skills

ICD-10 coding

DRG assignment

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Education

Associate degree in health information technology

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

3M encoder

EPIC EHR

Microsoft Office

Job description

Under the direction of the Coding Supervisor, the Coder III is responsible for utilizing available encoder, grouper software, and other coding resources to determine the assignment of accurate ICD-10 diagnoses (CM), ICD-10 Procedure (PCS) codes derived from the hospital medical record documentation (paper or electronic) for facility inpatient accounts. Demonstrate the ability to accurately code the following types of cases, including but not limited to: Maternity/Labor & Delivery, Newborns, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Intensive Care, Medical, Burn/Trauma, and Surgical cases. Must maintain appropriate coding productivity per type of account coded and maintain coding quality benchmarks as prescribed by the coding policy and procedure established for Valleywise Health.

Hourly Pay Range: $24.96 - $36.82

Qualifications

Education:

• Requires an associate degree in health information technology or a related field, or an equivalent combination of training and progressively responsible experience that results in the required specialized knowledge and ability to perform the assigned work in lieu of a degree.
• A bachelor's degree is preferred.

Experience:

• Requires six (6) years of hospital/facility-based coding experience demonstrating an understanding of the job functions required and possessing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Level I Trauma coding experience is preferred.
• Prior coding experience in a teaching hospital is preferred.
• Burn and Mental/Behavioral Health coding experience is preferred.

Specialized Training:

• Requires the ability to pass a coding exam, at or above 85% accuracy, prior to hire.
• Prefer training in 3M encoder and EPIC Electronic Health Record.

Certification/Licensure:

• Must have a current CPC, COC, CIC, CCS, or CCS-P coding certification.
• RHIT or RHIA certification and requisite coding experience are also accepted.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must possess knowledge and ability to code hospital/facility inpatient records, including, but not limited to:Maternity/Labor & Delivery, Newborns, Pediatrics, Behavioral Health, Intensive Care, Medical, Burn/Trauma, and Surgical cases.
• Must demonstrate application of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG assignment, Severity of Illness and Risk of Mortality codes, MCC and CC's codes.
• Must achieve and maintain appropriate coding quality and productivity established in the Coding Department Policy and Procedure.
• Must have a good understanding of Microsoft Office products, electronic health records, and encoder systems.
• Must have the analytical ability necessary to interpret data and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, surgical terminology, pharmacological terminology, and patient care documentation terminology, as appropriate for inpatient coding.
• Must abide by the Standards of Ethical Coding set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Must be able to communicate effectively and have excellent customer service skills.
• Requires the ability to work well independently and demonstrate independent decision-making abilities.
• Requires the ability to read, write, and speak effectively in English.

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