Coder - Inpatient (Local or Remote with Experience)

UMC Health System; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Resilience program

Emotional well-being services

Physical well-being programs

Spiritual support services

Financial planning resources

Career development support

Community wellness programs

On-Site Professional Counselors (EAP)

Discounted Pharmacy Cost

Cash Retention Bonus (regional)

Retirement Benefits w/Employer Match

PTO & Extended Illness

Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance

Job summary

UMC Health System in Texas is seeking an experienced Medical Coder to perform ICD-10 coding for inpatient and outpatient records, ensuring accurate DRG assignments and compliant billing. The role requires completion of a Medical Record Technology program, RHIT/RHIA/CCS or equivalent certification, and 2+ years of HIM coding experience.

You will work with CDI and PFS teams to support accurate documentation and reimbursement.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Completion of Medical Record Technology program.
• + 2 years of experience in Health Information Management Coding.

Responsibilities

• Apply diagnoses codes to in-patient, out-patient, and emergency services.
• Keep up to date with coding laws for insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and DRG sequencing.
• Perform quality improvement reviews as assigned.
• Collaborate with clinical documentation specialists to resolve unclear documentation.
• Review and analyze inpatient records to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes and ensure complete records for accurate DRG assignment.
• Maintain knowledge of coding guidelines and policies.
• Collaborate with physicians for documentation queries.
• Review outpatient encounters including same-day surgery and observation; assign ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes.
• Ensure accurate coding for billing and regulatory compliance; apply NCCI edits and modifier usage; communicate with supervisor when needed; meet productivity standards.

Skills

RHIT/RHIA/CCS

Medical terminology

HIPAA compliance

Coding accuracy

Querying documentation

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Medical Record Technology program

Tools

3M Encoder

Solventum 360 Encompass

Cerner/Epic EHR

Job description

We’ve learned that what is best for patients is also best for employees. Learn more about why we are one of the Best Companies to Work for in Texas.

Job Summary

The Medical Coder is responsible for ICD-10 coding of diagnoses and procedures of inpatient/outpatient discharged patient records.

Job Specific Responsibilities

Daily assignments may include but are not limited to:

• Apply diagnoses codes to in-patient, out-patient, and emergency services
• Maintain knowledge of current laws and regulations related to insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and DRG coding, sequencing, and CPT coding
• Perform quality improvement reviews as assigned
• All other assigned duties related to Health Information Management

Inpatient Coder Duties

• Review and analyze inpatient medical records to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes.
• Ensure completeness of the record to assign the accurate DRG (Diagnosis Related Group) assignment for reimbursement.
• Maintain knowledge of current coding guidelines, Coding Clinics and facility-specific coding policies.
• Collaborate with clinical documentation specialists as needed for unclear or inconsistent documentation requiring queries.
• Maintains knowledge of coding updates through provided or self- learning to ensure compliance with all changes.
• Maintain productivity and accuracy standards as defined by the department.

Outpatient Coder Duties

• Review outpatient encounters including same-day surgery and observation.
• Assign appropriate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes based on documentation.
• Ensure accurate coding for billing and regulatory compliance.
• Apply NCCI edits and modifier usage where applicable.
• Communicate with supervisor to clarify documentation when necessary.
• Meet department standards for productivity and accuracy.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Completion of Medical Record Technology program
• + 2 years of experience in Health Information Management Coding

Required Licensures/Certifications/Registrations

• RHIT, RHIA, CCS, or coding certificate

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated skill in using 3M Encoder computer software for ICD-10-CM and CPT
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of diseases and their treatments and operative procedures
• Experience (or ability to learn) using Solventum 360 Encompass computer assisted coding.
• Experience (or ability to learn) using Cerner or Epic electronic health records system.
• Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.
• High attention to detail and coding accuracy.
• Ability to work independently and meet productivity deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Interaction with Other Departments and Other Relationships

This position will interact with medical staff and physicians throughout the hospital including Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) and Patient Financial Services (PFS).

Physical Capabilities

Position requires prolonged time periods of sitting at a desk, talking on a phone, and working on a computer. Essential hearing and near vision acuity required. Should be able to lift up to 10 pounds

Environmental/Working Conditions

Work area is well lighted, and subject to varying indoor temperature changes.

Equal Employment Opportunities

UMC Health System provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Request for accommodations in the hire process should be directed to UMC Human Resources.

Benefits:

• Resilience program
• Emotional
• Physical
• Spiritual
• Financial
• Career
• Community
• On-Site Professional Counselors (EAP)
• Discounted Pharmacy Cost
• Cash Retention Bonus (only one in our region)
• Retirement Benefits w/Employer Match
• PTO & Extended Illness
• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance
• And more at: https://apps.umchealthsystem.com/documents/wellness.pdf

UMC Vision, Mission and Standards:

Vision: To Serve Our Patients in the Best Teaching Hospital in the Country

Mission Statement: Service is our passion. We serve by providing safe, high quality care to all, achieving excellent financial performance, and training tomorrow’s healthcare professionals.

Standards of Excellence: Attitude, Communication, Responsiveness, Compassion, Teamwork, Ownership, Safety and Respect

About UMC

Magnet Designated 501 licensed beds 62 Site locations Regions only Level I Trauma Center Regions only BICU DNV accredited Primary teaching hospital for the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) Ranked as one of the Best Places to Work in Texas by Texas Monthly UMC Physicians Culture, Vision, Mission, and Standards: Culture: Service is Our Passion Vision: The best place to work and the best place to receive healthcare. Mission Statement: To improve the quality of life for our community by providing the best patient experience for every patient. Standards: Teamwork, Respect, Accountability, Compassion, Kindness About UMCP 35 Practice Locations – private practices and urgent care centers Over 125 physicians and advanced practice providers Ranked as “One of the Best Places to Work in Texas” by Texas Monthly Employee Engagement Score of 96% measured by Press Ganey Associates