Coder Outpatient -Remote

Community Health Systems; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Health Systems, Inc. is seeking an Outpatient Coder to assign ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for outpatient services, including ED visits and ambulatory procedures. The role ensures coding compliance with regulatory guidelines and corporate billing policies.

Tthe coder reviews records, applies correct codes, and collaborates with CDI and billing teams to maintain data integrity and accurate reimbursement. Strong knowledge of coding standards and EHR systems is essential.

Qualifications

• Proficient in ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS coding for outpatient encounters.
• Familiar with LCD/NCD and payer-specific guidelines.
• Experience with outpatient coding in hospital/healthcare systems.

Responsibilities

• Review and assign outpatient codes (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS) for encounters.
• Code ED visits, outpatient surgeries, observation stays, and interventional procedures.
• Resolve coding edits/denials and ensure documentation alignment.
• Maintain coding accuracy at or above 95% and comply with policies.
• Collaborate with CDI and billing teams to ensure complete documentation.

Skills

ICD-10-CM coding

CPT coding

HCPCS coding

EHR proficiency

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Healthcare terminology

Education

Associate Degree in Health Information Management

Health Information Management certification

Tools

3M Coding Software

Meditech

Epic

Cerner

Job description

Outpatient Coder

The Outpatient Coder is responsible for accurately assigning ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for outpatient services, including emergency department visits, outpatient surgeries, observation stays, interventional radiology, wound care, and ancillary procedures. This role ensures compliance with coding guidelines, regulatory requirements, and corporate billing policies, while contributing to accurate reimbursement and data integrity. The Outpatient Coder reviews medical records and applies appropriate codes within hospital coding systems.

Essential Functions

• Reviews and assigns appropriate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for outpatient records, ensuring compliance with coding and billing regulations.
• Codes a variety of outpatient encounters, including Cardiology: Cath, Stent/Angioplasty, IVUS, Pacemaker, Leadless Placement, AICD Placement, Vascular Surgery: Thrombectomy, Embolization, Angioplasty, Revascularization, A/V Fistula creation Interventional RAD/Spinal procedure: Pain Management (Nerve blocks, Epi Injections) Ablations, Biliary Stents, Cholangioscopy/Spyglass, Fistula, Blood Patch, Vertebroplasty, Kyphoplasty, Spinal procedures, Ortho repairs, replacements, and reconstructions.
• Applies correct coding guidelines and payer-specific policies, ensuring adherence to LCD/NCD (Local Coverage Determination/National Coverage Determination) requirements.
• Resolves coding edits and denials, identifying and correcting discrepancies while maintaining compliance with corporate and regulatory standards.
• Maintains coding productivity and accuracy standards, achieving a 95% coding accuracy rate and meeting corporate benchmarks.
• Consults with the Manager or other subject matter experts to resolve complex coding issues and discrepancies.
• Collaborates with Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) specialists and billing teams, ensuring complete and accurate coding and documentation.
• Ensures adherence to HIPAA privacy and security standards, maintaining confidentiality of patient records.
• Utilizes hospital coding software and related tools to ensure accuracy and compliance with corporate policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• Associate Degree in Health Information Management, Medical Coding, or a related field preferred or
• One (1) year coding certification in Health Information Management preferred
• 1-3 years of outpatient coding experience in an acute care hospital or healthcare system required
• Experience coding emergency department visits, outpatient procedures, interventional radiology, and/or ambulatory surgery preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding principles and outpatient reimbursement methodologies.
• Understanding of Local Coverage Determination (LCD), National Coverage Determination (NCD), and payer-specific coding guidelines.
• Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software (e.g., 3M, Meditech, Epic, Cerner).
• Ability to analyze and resolve coding edits, rejections, and denials efficiently.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills, with the ability to collaborate with CDI teams and billing departments.
• Knowledge of HIPAA regulations and patient privacy standards.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – AHIMA required or
• CCA - Certified Coding Associate required or
• Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) – AAPC required
• RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator preferred or
• RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician preferred