Health Information Coder 3

UCSF Health, AG; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UCSF Health is seeking a Health Information Coder III for a three-month temporary remote assignment through UCSF's Temporary Employment Program. The role focuses on inpatient coding using ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS, and achieving compliant documentation and coding.

You will work under UCSF Health policies to code, abstract, and ensure data integrity across inpatient services, with a strong emphasis on accuracy, production standards, and confidentiality under HIPAA.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CCS, CIC, RHIT, or RHIA certification required.
• 10+ years inpatient DRG coding and abstracting experience.
• Pass a knowledge assessment with 80%+ or have 6+ months inpatient DRG coding experience with UCSF and 80% accuracy.
• Meet daily production requirements with at least 95% accuracy.
• Proficiency with EHR and encoder systems; strong computer skills.

Responsibilities

• Code inpatient DRGs accurately according to official guidelines.
• Abstract cases in alignment with UCSF Health policies and procedures.
• Collaborate with clinicians, coders, and departments as needed.
• Maintain HIPAA privacy and data confidentiality; pass pre‑hire coding test.

Skills

Inpatient DRG coding

EHR proficiency

Encoder systems

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Time management

Independent judgment

HIPAA compliance

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

CCS, CIC, RHIT, or RHIA certification

Tools

EHR systems

Encoder systems

Windows

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Description

Please note: this is a temporary assignment (3 months) with potential to extend. Fully remote.

UCSF's Temporary Employment Program (TEP) recruits and hires temporary employees for immediate clerical and technical support services to UCSF Departments and various off‑campus locations. UCSF departments deploy temporary employees to work on special projects, fill in for regular employees who are on vacation or leave, or to temporarily fill a vacant position during recruitment. Frequently temporary employees become successful candidates for career and limited appointment positions.

The Health Information Coder III is a senior level inpatient coder with an advance knowledge and skill set to utilize the ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS classification systems. The skill set extends to advanced knowledge and comprehension of code sequences into Diagnoses Related Groups. Cases are coded to comply with the official guidelines for coding and reporting, practice standards and code of ethics for HIMS coder. Cases are abstracted according to UCSF Health policies and procedures. The focus of coding and abstracting is on a range of all primary hospital services.

UCSF’s Health Information Management department maintains health records for all inpatient, outpatient, and same‑day surgery services. These records are protected under HIPPA and California state law, ensuring privacy and confidentiality. The coding department at UCSF is responsible for translating detailed clinical documentation, such as diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized alphanumeric codes that can be understood by all parts of the healthcare system. Its main purpose is to ensure accurate communication, billing, compliance, and data use across hospitals, clinics, insurers, and public health agencies.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• CCS, CIC, RHIT, or RHIA certification.
• 10+ years of experience in inpatient DRG coding and abstracting.
• Must successfully pass the initial knowledge assessment with a score of 80% or higher, or have at least six (6) months of recent inpatient DRG coding experience with UCSF and demonstrate an 80% accuracy rate.
• Ability to meet or exceed daily production requirements while maintaining a minimum 95% accuracy rate.
• Advanced proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) and encoder systems.
• Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Windows, Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills, with the ability to exercise independent judgment.
• Ability to understand and follow written instructions and established procedures.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work and manage time effectively.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform effectively in a fast‑paced environment and under pressure.
• Advanced knowledge of medical terminology, medical abbreviations, disease processes, anatomy, and physiology.
• Advanced knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT classification systems.
• Knowledge of current inpatient DRG coding guidelines, methodologies, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Must pass pre‑hire coding test.

Required Licenses/Certifications

• CCS, CIC, RHIT, or RHIA certification.

Preferred

• Knowledge of HIMS database systems.
• Knowledge of HIMS procedures.
• Academic Medical Center experience.