Coder Senior

100 LCMC Health; New Orleans (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

LCMC Health in New Orleans seeks a Coding Senior to apply ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT codes for inpatient and ambulatory records, determining MS-DRG/APR-DRG assignments across multiple specialties. You will validate charges, communicate with clinicians, and resolve documentation issues to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.

The role requires strong knowledge of coding guidelines, Dar by MS-DRG/APR-DRG and APC conventions, and collaboration with the CDI team and leadership.

Qualifications

• Requires high school diploma or equivalent with 3 years of coding experience, or an associate degree with 1 year, or coding certification with 1 year.
• Preferred: AHIMA or AAPC approved coding program.
• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT/HCPCS, MS-DRG/APR-DRG and hospital billing principles.

Responsibilities

• Apply ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT codes for inpatient and ambulatory records across multiple specialties.
• Determine MS-DRG/APR-DRG assignment and APCs.
• Validate charges against documentation and communicate with clinical staff and leadership.
• Identify documentation gaps and coordinate resolution with CDI specialists.
• Maintain knowledge of coding regulations and ensure compliance.

Skills

Medical coding

ICD-10-CM/PCS

CPT/HCPCS

MS-DRG/APR-DRG

APC coding

Communication

Education

High School diploma/GED

Associate degree in HIM/related

AHIMA/AAPC coding certification

Tools

Coding software

Health information systems

Job description

Your job is more than a job Additional Job Description The Coding Senior will be responsible applying the appropriate ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT diagnostic and procedural codes and determining the MS-DRG and APR-DRG assignment of in patient records across multiple specialties (cardiology, cardiothoracic surgery, trauma, orthopedics, general medicine and surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, newborns, etc.) or applying the appropriate ICD-10 diagnostic and CPT procedure codes for ambulatory records across multiple specialties (i.e. family medicine, internal medicine, cardiology [IR], cardiothoracic surgery, interventional radiology, trauma, orthopedics, general surgery, urology, gynecology, etc.). The Coding Senior may be assigned any of the coding functions of a Coding Specialist I. Your Everyday Proficiently navigates the patient health record and other computer systems/sources to accurately determine diagnosis and procedures codes, MS-DRGs and APCs assignment and all required modifiers. Validates charges by comparing charges with health record documentation as necessary. Communicates effectively with clinical staff, physicians and office staff and Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist regarding documentation issues or needs related to Inpatient, Outpatient, or Ambulatory coding. Identifies concerns and notifies appropriate leadership for resolution. Responsible for providing resolution to moderate to complex problems. Tracks issues (i.e. missing documentation, charges and physician queries) that require follow-up to facilitate coding in a timely fashion. Consistently meets or exceeds coding quality and productivity standards established by coding department. Adheres to LCMC confidentiality requirements as they relate to release of any individual or aggregate patient information. Maintains up-to-date knowledge of changes in coding and reimbursement guidelines and regulations. Performs other duties as assigned by leadership. Maintains working knowledge of applicable coding and reimbursement Federal, State and local laws and regulations, the Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behavior.

Education and Experience Qualifications

• Required: High School Diploma/GED or equivalent and 3 years of work experience, or Associate’s and 1 year of experience, or Diploma/Certification in Coding and 1 year of experience.
• Preferred: Associate's Degree in HIM or similar or Completion of AHIMA Approved coding program or AAPC coding program.

Preferred Licenses and Certifications

• Registered Health Information Technician from the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)- AHIMA
• Registered Health Information Administrator from the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)- AHIMA
• Certified Coding Specialist from the Commission on Certification for Health Informatics and Information Management (CCHIIM)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Comprehensive working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, diagnostic and procedural coding and MS-DRG or APC grouping and components of charge description master for charging functions. Must possess knowledge of third party reimbursement regulations and billing practices. Experience utilizing encoding/grouping software. Ability to use standard desktop and windows based computer system, including basic understanding of email, internet, and computer navigation. High ethical standards. Knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS, MS-DRG, APR-DRG and APC coding principles and guidelines. Experience in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding and reimbursement training. Knowledge of Prospective Payment System (PPS) methodology for inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory and provider-based clinic encounters. Knowledge of hospital and professional coding including provider-based billing. Knowledge of documentation regulations of Joint Commission and CMS. Experience with concurrent coding reviews. Knowledge of privacy and security regulations, confidentiality, laws, access and release of information practices. Experience in assisting and identifying learning needs as well as providing training to coding staff. Strong analytical abilities and problem-solving skills. Excellent oral, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to organize and set priorities to ensure objectives are met in a timely manner. Ability to adapt to change and handle challenges proactively and with pose. Ability to effectively collaborate with physicians and managerial staff at all levels.

Work Shift

Days (United States of America)

LCMC Health is a community. Our people make health happen. While our NOLA roots run deep, our branches are the vessels that carry our mission of bringing the best possible care to every person and parish in Louisiana and beyond and put a little more heart and soul into healthcare along the way. Celebrating authenticity, originality, equity, inclusion and a little "come on in" attitude is the foundation of LCMC Health’s culture of everyday extraordinary.

Your extras Deliver healthcare with heart. Give people a reason to smile. Put a little love in your work. Be honest and real, but with compassion. Bring some lagniappe into everything you do. Forget one-size-fits-all, think one-of-a-kind care. See opportunities, not problems - it's all about perspective. Cheerlead ideas, differences, and each other. Love what makes you, you - because we do You are welcome here.

LCMC Health is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The above job summary is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. LCMC Health reserves the right to amend and change responsibilities to meet organizational needs as necessary.

About LCMC Health One-of-a-kind care comes from one-of-a-kind people. At LCMC Health, our people are the magic ingredient that makes our care so extra-extraordinary. We are compassionate, driven, and dedicated to bringing a little something extra to healthcare and to the people of New Orleans and beyond. If you're the kind of person who believes that our community deserves the best and that healthcare needs a little more heart, we want you to be a part of our family. From medical roles to administrative positions, every person on our team plays a part in our mission: to provide health, care, and education beyond extraordinary. Let's make every day extraordinary, together.