Coding Compliance Auditor - Coding Services - Full Time 8 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Non-Union)

Keck Medicine of USC; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 45,460 - 74,417; Full time

Job summary

Keck Medicine of USC in Los Angeles is looking for a Coding Compliance Auditor to perform in-depth reviews of coded accounts and ensure accuracy of codes assigned. The ideal candidate will audit coding practices, educate colleagues, and ensure compliance with federal regulations.

Responsibilities include conducting audits, maintaining coding standards, and supporting staff with coding inquiries. Candidates must have 5+ years of coding experience and relevant certifications. The role offers competitive pay within the range of $33.00 – $54.02 per hour.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in ICD-9 & ICD-10 coding and auditing.
• Successful completion of college courses in Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and a certified coding course.
• Must obtain Fire Life Safety Training within 30 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Conducts internal coding audits to evaluate coding accuracy.
• Collaborates with staff to ensure optimal assignment of diagnosis and procedure codes.
• Adheres to coding policies and participates in performance improvement activities.

Skills

ICD-10 coding

CPT coding

HCPCS coding

Data analytics

Medical terminology

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Professional Coder – CPC

Certified Coding Specialist – Physician (CCS-P)

Job description

In accordance with current federal coding compliance regulations and guidelines, the Coding Compliance Auditor performs 2nd level review of previously coded accounts to ensure appropriate CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS assignments and accuracy and completeness of all codes assigned by professional revenue coders and providers. All assigned codes must be supported by professional documentation contained within the medical record and must be in compliance with federal coding compliance regulations, Official Coding Guidelines, AHA Coding Clinic, and CPT Assistant. The Coding Compliance Auditor will also provide detailed reports, Excel spreadsheets, coding audit summary analysis, and data analytics regarding coding accuracy rates, compliance rates, denial analytics, etc. The auditor recommends education topics based on audit findings and assists in the continuing education of professional coders and providers. They understand coding/billing computer systems such as Cerner, MediTech, Epic, and Athena IDX in a manner to assure clean claims release for billing in a timely manner. The auditor participates in response to inquiries regarding coding and documentation from coders, providers, and all other hospital staff. The auditor performs other coding department related duties as assigned by Coding management.

CODING AUDITING

• Performs monthly internal coding audits to evaluate accuracy of coding staff to ensure a required coding accuracy rate.
• Develops monitoring/education plans for coding staff who do not meet the required accuracy rate.
• Recognizes education needs of staff based on monthly reviews and conducts related in‑services, as needed.
• Acts as a resource to coding staff, USC Care staff, and providers on coding issues and questions.
• Achieves a 95% accuracy rate as determined by an annual external review of coding.

UNDER GENERAL SUPERVISION, RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Professional coding of all diagnostic and procedural information from the medical records using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, and modifier classification systems and abstracting patient information as established and required by official coding laws, regulations, rules, guidelines, and conventions.
• Cooperatively works with Coding Support and/or CBO in obtaining documentation to complete medical records and ensure optimal and accurate assignment of diagnosis and procedure codes.
• Maintains attendance, punctuality, and professionalism in all coding and work‑related activities.
• Assumes responsibility for completion of tasks, duties, communications, and actions through reliable and timely performance.
• Performs other duties as requested or assigned by Director, Manager, Supervisor, or designee.

TIMELINESS OF AUDITING/CODING & PRODUCTIVITY

• Maintains at minimum expected productivity standards and strives to maintain a steady level of productivity.
• Works coding queues/task lists to ensure charges are released within defined timelines.
• Assists other coders in performance of duties, including answering questions and providing guidance, as necessary.
• Assists Billing department, USC Care coding department, and other departments in addressing coding issues or providing information so that charges can be generated.
• Assists physicians, APPs, physician office staff, and hospital ancillary department staff with diagnostic or procedural coding issues or questions, as needed.
• Assists in monitoring unbilled accounts to ensure that oldest records are coded or given priority.

POLICY & PROCEDURES; PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT

• Consistently adheres to coding policies and procedures as directed by Coding management.
• Demonstrates an understanding of policies and procedures and seeks clarification as needed.
• Participates in continuously assessing and improving departmental performance.
• Communicates changes to improve processes to the director, as needed.
• Assists in department and section quality improvement activities and processes.

COMMUNICATION

• Works and communicates in a positive manner with management and supervisory staff, medical staff, co‑workers, and other healthcare personnel.
• Communicates effectively intra‑departmentally and inter‑departmentally.
• Communicates effectively with external customers.
• Provides timely follow‑up with both written and verbal requests for information, including voice mail and email.

PERFORMS OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Successful completion of college courses in Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and a certified coding course.
• Combined education and experience can substitute for completion of specialized/technical training courses.
• Five (5) years of experience in ICD‑9 & ICD‑10 (combined) coding and auditing of professional charges, E/M, surgical, and multispecialty medical records in clinic and hospital setting and experience researching CMS regulations and guidance for documentation and coding.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Certified Professional Coder – CPC (AAPC) or AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist – Physician (CCS‑P).
• Successful completion of the professional specific coding test with a passing score of ≥85%. (The coding test may be waived for former USC or agency/contract Coding Dept. coders who historically met the ≥90% internal/external audit standards of the previously held USC Job Code.)
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City). If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date (required only within LA City).

The hourly rate range for this position is $33.00 – $54.02.

Job ID: REQ20168803 | Posted Date: 10/31/2025