HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT CODER - HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 48,216 - 55,104; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Basic term life insurance

Pension plan

Deferred compensation program

Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time

Job summary

Cook County Health is seeking a Health Information Management Coder to abstract clinical information accurately for reimbursement and compliance. The role requires coding using ICD-10-CM, CPT-4, and ensuring quality standards are met.

Candidates should possess a high school diploma or G.E.D. and have coding experience, with preferred certifications such as RHIA or CCS. The position offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical coverage and paid time off.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma or G.E.D., is required.
• One (1) year of coding experience within the last two (2) years, is required.
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) (AHIMA).
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) (AHIMA).
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) (AHIMA).
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) (AAPC).

Responsibilities

• Identify and code the principal and secondary diagnosis and procedures using ICD-10-CM and PCS.
• Abstract specific data and enter it into the clinical abstracting database.
• Attend departmental required in-service and training programs.

Skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel

Knowledge of ICD-9-CM and PCS

Knowledge of ICD-10-CM and PCS

Knowledge of CPT-4

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Education

High school diploma or G.E.D.

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Job description

Location

John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital

Department

Health Information Management

Shift

7:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Pay Range

$37.658 hourly

Job Summary

Under the supervision of a Coding Supervisor, the Health Information Management (HIM) Coder abstracts relevant clinical and demographic information from the medical record to identify the care rendered to the patient for the purpose of reimbursement, research and compliance. The HIM Coder ensures that the medical record reflects accurate attending physician documentation for coding of physician and facility encounters. Assigns ICD-10-CM and PCS codes, CPT-4, and HCPCS Level II codes in accordance with coding and reimbursement guidelines for physician and facility encounters. Abstracts into a group and assigns Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) on inpatient accounts and applies Ambulatory Payment Classifications (APC) to outpatient accounts. With minimal errors, identifies principal and secondary diagnosis and procedures based upon federally mandated requirements, corporate requirements, and hospital policy. Maintains productivity standards and quality accuracy of 95% or above.

Typical Duties

• Identify and code the principal and secondary diagnosis and procedures using ICD-10-CM and PCS, E/M, CPT-4, and HCPCS Level II codes with minimal errors as needed.
• Sequence diagnoses and procedures in accordance.
• Abstract specific data and enter it into the clinical abstracting database.
• Utilize the encoder and other related databases and references to minimize coding errors.
• Attend departmental required in-service and training programs.
• Attend the hospital's annual in-service and training programs.
• Adhere to section/departmental procedures for work assignments.
• Meet quality and productivity standards.
• Adhere to the departmental standard practices guidelines.
• Adhere to hospital attendance policies.
• Adhere to environmental requirements.
• Meet the standard for compliance of continuing education (CE) as defined by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or other licensing/certification agencies.
• Perform assignments as scheduled with or without supervision.
• Maintain the confidentiality of information.
• Maintain a cooperative working relationship with the Health Information Management team.
• Work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and various shifts.
• Perform other duties as assigned, as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• A high school diploma or G.E.D., is required.
• One (1) year of coding experience within the last two (2) years, is required.
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) (AHIMA).
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) (AHIMA).
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) (AHIMA).
• Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CCS-P) (AHIMA).
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) (AAPC).
• Must be able to work flexible hours, including weekends, holidays, and various shifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Excel and Word.
• Working knowledge of ICD-9-CM and PCS, ICD-10-CM and PCS.
• Working knowledge of CPT-4.
• Working knowledge of HCPCS Level II codes.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills necessary to communicate with all levels of staff and a patient population composed of diverse cultures and age groups.
• Ability to code utilizing a computerized encoder/abstracting system.
• Ability to operate a PC in a Windows environment.
• Ability to multi‑task and meet deadlines in a fast‑paced and stressful environment.
• Ability to adhere to department policies and standards using best practices.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor and composure when challenged.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends.
• Ability to maintain a high level of discretion and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate attention to detail, accuracy and precision.

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position functions within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department-specific safety requirements, including personal protective equipment, hand washing and sanitizing practices, engineering and work practice controls, and any other safety precautions specified by hospital-wide policy and departmental procedures. The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required of the personnel classified under this title. For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

Benefits Package

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Basic term life insurance.
• Pension plan.
• Deferred compensation program.
• Paid holidays, vacation, and sick time.
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).

Veteran Preference

When applying for employment with the Cook County Health & Hospitals System, preference is given to honorably discharged veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces for not less than six months of continuous service. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications for the position and identify themselves as veterans on the application. Veterans must provide original discharge papers or a state ID card or driver’s license indicating veteran status at the time of interview. All applicants are required to submit satisfactory references, background checks, licensure and certification confirmations, and a physical and pre‑employment drug screen.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Cook County Health & Hospitals System is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics.