Coding Specialist 3-Cardiology/Cardiac/Vascular/Thoracic Surgery

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Charlottesville (VA); Remote; USD 36,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

UVA Health is seeking an experienced Coding Specialist 3 to support professional fee coding and quality reviews for complex cardiology and related procedures within an academic medical center. This remote role emphasizes independence, regulatory compliance, and collaboration with providers and clinical teams.

The position involves coding inpatient and specialty services, applying CPT/ICD-10-CM codes and modifiers, and performing coding quality reviews to improve documentation integrity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant coding experience.
• CPC or CCS-P certification required.
• Experience with cardiology, thoracic, vascular surgery E/M and procedures preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and code inpatient and specialty physician services across cardiology and related areas.
• Assign CPT, ICD-10-CM codes and modifiers with regulatory compliance.
• Identify documentation improvements and collaborate with providers for accuracy.
• Perform coding quality reviews, audits, and education to improve performance.
• Mentor lower-level staff and support coding education initiatives.

Skills

Advanced medical coding

CPC/CCS-P certification

Regulatory compliance

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

If you are an experienced medical coder who thrives in a complex academic medicine environment, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact behind the scenes of world‑class patient care. Your expertise will help support accurate reimbursement, documentation integrity, regulatory compliance, and the financial health of a nationally recognized academic health system.

As a Coding Specialist 3, you will leverage advanced coding expertise in cardiology services, cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgical procedures, catheter‑based procedures, diagnostic testing, and evaluation & management services. This remote role offers the opportunity to work with highly specialized physician services while partnering with providers and operational teams to ensure coding accuracy, compliance, and excellence across the revenue cycle.

The Role

In this highly specialized coding position, you will perform professional fee coding and quality review functions for complex physician services within an academic medical center. Working with a high degree of independence, you will analyze documentation, apply coding regulations, and serve as a trusted resource for coding quality and compliance.

A typical day may include:

• Reviewing and coding inpatient and specialty physician services across cardiology and related procedural areas.
• Assigning accurate CPT, ICD-10-CM, and modifier coding while maintaining compliance with payer and regulatory requirements.
• Coding complex cardiac, thoracic, vascular, and catheter‑based procedures, diagnostic testing, and associated E/M services.
• Identifying documentation improvement opportunities and collaborating with providers to support coding specificity and accuracy.
• Performing coding quality reviews, audits, and educational activities to improve coding performance.
• Interpreting and applying coding guidelines related to:
• NCCI edits
• Modifiers
• Split/shared services
• Resident teaching physician documentation
• APP billing requirements
• Medical necessity and diagnostic specificity
• Assisting and mentoring lower‑level coding staff while serving as a subject matter resource.
• Managing complex coding scenarios that require analysis, critical thinking, and independent problem‑solving.
• Supporting compliance initiatives, documentation integrity efforts, and revenue cycle optimization.

This role is especially appealing for coding professionals who enjoy complex cases, continuous learning, regulatory interpretation, and collaboration with highly specialized clinical teams.

Why UVA Health

UVA Health is an integrated academic health system known for advancing patient care, research, education, and innovation. As a Coding Specialist 3, your work directly supports physicians caring for some of the most medically complex patients in the region while contributing to the integrity of the organization's clinical and financial operations.

What makes this opportunity stand out:

• Remote work flexibility while remaining connected to a nationally recognized academic health system.
• The opportunity to support physicians practicing within a world‑class academic medical center.
• Exposure to highly specialized and high‑acuity patient populations that expand and strengthen your coding expertise.
• Involvement with services associated with a Level I Trauma Center, Level IV NICU, nationally recognized pediatric programs, and leading specialty care services.
• Experience with complex teaching physician documentation, resident involvement, advanced procedural services, and evolving coding regulations.
• A collaborative environment focused on continuous improvement, innovation, quality, and professional growth.
• Opportunities to share expertise, support education initiatives, and influence coding quality across multiple specialties.
• The chance to work at the top of your profession alongside experts dedicated to improving healthcare outcomes.

Professionals with CPC or CCS-P certification and strong professional fee coding experience will find an environment that values expertise, encourages lifelong learning, and supports ongoing professional development.

Why People Love Living in Charlottesville

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers an exceptional quality of life that blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and a strong sense of community. Residents enjoy access to scenic hiking trails, award‑winning wineries, local breweries, vibrant arts and music venues, and an acclaimed culinary scene. The area is known for outstanding schools, historic charm, and a welcoming atmosphere that appeals to both individuals and families. While this position can be performed remotely, Charlottesville continues to attract healthcare professionals seeking a balance of career opportunity, outdoor recreation, and personal well‑being in one of Virginia's most desirable communities.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education: High School Diploma or GED required.

Experience: 5+ years of relevant coding experience required. Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Surgery E&M and procedure experience preferred.

Licensure: Certified Professional Coder (CPC) required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

This is primarily a sedentary job involving extensive use of desktop computers. The job does occasionally requires traveling some distance to attend meetings, and programs.

The pay range for this role is $26.00 - $40.57 hourly. Individual compensation will be determined by the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Paid Time Off, Long‑term and Short‑term Disability, Retirement Savings
• Health Saving Plans, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Certification and education support
• Generous Paid Time Off

UVA Health is a world‑class Magnet Recognized academic medical center and health system with a level 1 trauma center. 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report “Best Hospitals” guide rates UVA Health University Medical Center as “High Performing” in 5 adult specialties and 14 conditions/procedures. We are one of 70 National Cancer Institute designated cancer centers. UVA Health Children’s is named by 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report as the best children's hospital in Virginia with 9 specialties ranked among the best in the nation. Our footprint also encompasses 3 community hospitals and an integrated network of primary and specialty care clinics throughout Charlottesville, Culpeper, Northern Virginia, and beyond.

The University of Virginia is an equal opportunity employer. All interested persons are encouraged to apply, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Learn more about UVA’s commitment to non‑discrimination and equal opportunity employment.