Coding Specialist III – Inpatient

UTSW; Town of Texas (WI); On-site; USD 68,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PPO medical plan day one

Paid time off from day one

Retirement programs

Job summary

UT Southwestern Medical Center is seeking a Coding Specialist III to review and code inpatient and outpatient records. This role requires expertise in ICD-10 CM/PCS and adherence to official coding guidelines, with responsibilities spanning data abstraction, DRG accuracy, and QA compliance.

The Coding Specialist III may mentor staff and handle complex coding assignments, ensuring high-quality outcomes while supporting departmental productivity targets.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years acute hospital-based coding experience.
• Remote work experience required for PRN Coders.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Code inpatient and outpatient records using ICD-10 CM/PCS per guidelines and standards.
• Identify Admit/Principal Diagnoses and Procedures to reflect DRGs and POA status.
• Abstract data elements like discharge disposition and destinations.
• Determine when physician queries are needed for clarification.
• Maintain coding quality and productivity standards set by UT Southwestern HIM Coding.
• Mentor/train on designated coding service lines as requested.
• Maintain expert knowledge of coding guidelines and practices.

Skills

Acute hospital coding

Remote work experience

Education and experience equivalence

Education

Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management

Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management

Job description

WHY UT SOUTHWESTERN?

With over 75 years of excellence in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, UT Southwestern is committed to excellence, innovation, teamwork, and compassion. As a world-renowned medical and research center, we strive to provide the best possible care, resources, and benefits for our valued employees. Ranked as the number 1 hospital in Dallas-Fort Worth according to U.S. News & World Report, we invest in you with opportunities for career growth and development to align with your future goals. Our highly competitive benefits package offers healthcare, PTO and paid holidays, on-site childcare, wage, merit increases and so much more. We invite you to be a part of the UT Southwestern team where you’ll discover a culture of teamwork, professionalism, and a rewarding career!

JOB SUMMARY

The Coding Specialist III is responsible to review and code inpatient and outpatient University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) medical records. The UTSW medical records are maintained in electronic format and will be coded according to current coding guidelines, and in compliance with organizational, departmental, and regulatory requirements. The Coding Specialist III is identified as the highest level coding subject matter expert due to education, training, and experience and as such will receive coding assignments in accordance with that level of expertise. Additionally, the Coding Specialist III may be asked to mentor and proctor employees at the Coding Specialist I and II levels.

BENEFITS

UT Southwestern is proud to offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. Our benefits are designed to support your overall wellbeing, and include:

• PPO medical plan, available day one at no cost for full-time employee-only coverage
• 100% coverage for preventive healthcare-no copay
• Paid Time Off, available day one
• Retirement Programs through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)
• Paid Parental Leave Benefit
• Wellness programs
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer
• Learn more about these and other UTSW employee benefits!

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Required

• 3 years to 5 years acute hospital based coding experience.
• Experience working in a remote environment required for PRN Coders.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Licenses and Certifications

• (RHIA) REGD HEALTH INFO ADMINIST Upon Hire or
• (RHIT) REGD HEALTH INFO TECHNOLO Upon Hire or
• (CCS) CERT CODING SPECIALIST Upon Hire

Preferred

Education

• Associate’s Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field or
• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management and/or closely related field

Experience

• Experience working in a remote environment preferred.

JOB DUTIES

• Responsible for coding concurrent or retrospective inpatient accounts using ICD-10 CM/PCS, in compliance with the Official Coding Guidelines and conventions.
• Accurately identifies most appropriate Admit Diagnosis, Principal Diagnosis, and Procedure for the DRG, and all secondary diagnoses to accurately reflect all CC/MCC’s, POA status, and Severity of Illness and Risk of Mortality.
• Accurately abstracts required data elements including, discharge disposition, discharge destination, procedure dates and physician(s), and other designated data.
• a) Identifies when a physician query is appropriate for further clarification. b) Recognizes when the documentation is missing or incomplete and routes appropriately. c) Completes review and final coding when query and/or documentation is available.
• Maintain the Quality Standards set by UTSW/HIM Coding.
• Maintain the Productivity Standards set by UTSW/HIM Coding.
• Mentor/train on designated coding service lines as requested to ensure quality.
• Maintains an expert level of knowledge of coding related guidelines and practices.
• Other duties as assigned

SECURITY AND EEO STATEMENT

Security

This position is security-sensitive and subject to Texas Education Code 51.215, which authorizes UT Southwestern to obtain criminal history record information.

EEO

UT Southwestern Medical Center is committed to an educational and working environment that provides equal opportunity to all members of the University community. As an equal opportunity employer, UT Southwestern prohibits unlawful discrimination, including discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or veteran status.