Hospital Coder II

Appalachian Regional Healthcare System; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 3,864,000 - 5,504,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA option

403(b) with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement/certificationBon

Paid parental leave

Wellness incentives

Childcare assistance

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian in Boone, North Carolina is seeking a Hospital Coder II to accurately code procedures and diagnoses based on clinical documentation. You will review records, apply ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS codes, and work with providers and revenue cycle teams to ensure compliant coding and proper reimbursement.

The role requires 1 year of inpatient coding experience and relevant credentials (CPC-A/CPC/COC/CIC/CCS/CCS-P/CCA).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; Associate degree preferred.
• 1 year inpatient coding experience required.
• At least one of CPC-A, CPC, COC, CIC, CCS, CCS-P, CCS-P, CCA certification required at hire.
• Graduate of, or currently enrolled in, an accredited medical coding program preferred.
• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS and E/M coding essential.

Responsibilities

• Determine correct ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS codes based on documentation.
• Review EMR and paper records to code episodes of care.
• Use encoder and grouper software to select E/M codes.
• Apply NCCI, LCD/NCD, MUEs, and Medicare Teaching Physician Guidelines.
• Collaborate with providers to resolve documentation and establish precise code relationships.
• Handle payer denials and respond to revenue cycle inquiries.
• Navigate software workflows to address electronic rules and improve coding efficiency.
• Participate in coding quality and productivity processes.
• Promote UNC Health Appalachian's mission, vision, and values.

Skills

ICD-10-CM

CPT coding

E/M coding

Encoder software

Grouper software

Communication

Revenue cycle

Education

HS diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Tools

Encoder software

Grouper software

Electronic medical records

Job description

Hospital Coder II

As a Hospital Coder II at UNC Health Appalachian, you'll play an essential role in ensuring the accurate and efficient coding of medical procedures and diagnoses. You'll review clinical documentation, apply ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS codes, and resolve documentation questions while working with providers and our revenue cycle teams. This is an opportunity to support compliance and appropriate reimbursement for the care our community depends on, while working alongside dedicated healthcare professionals in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Compensation: Starting at $34.00/hour, based on education and experience

Schedule: Full-time; 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Benefits: Applicable benefits include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; HSA option; supplemental insurance options; 403(b) retirement plan with employer match; paid time off; tuition reimbursement/certification bonuses; paid parental leave; wellness incentives; may be eligible for childcare assistance; and employee discounts

Benefits Eligibility: Applicable benefits will begin on the first of the month following 60 days of employment.

What You'll Do as a Hospital Coder II

• Determine the appropriate ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS codes for provider and facility services based on clinical documentation.
• Review information in electronic medical records and/or paper records to accurately code the episode of care.
• Use encoder, grouper software, and other coding resources to select the most relevant and accurate codes, including Evaluation and Management (E&M) codes.
• Apply National Correct Coding Initiatives (NCCI), Local and National Coverage Determinations (LCD/NCD), Medically Unlikely Edits (MUEs), and Medicare Teaching Physician Guidelines.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to resolve conflicting documentation and establish precise cause-and-effect relationships between conditions.
• Handle payer denials, respond to revenue cycle team inquiries, and process charge corrections.
• Navigate software workflows to identify and address electronic rules, enhancing coding efficiency.
• Participate in coding quality and productivity processes to support compliance and optimal revenue generation.
• Promote the mission, vision, and values of UNC Health Appalachian.

Qualifications/Licenses

• Education: High school diploma or GED required at time of hire; Associate degree in a related field preferred, but not required
• Experience: 1 year of previous inpatient coding experience required
• Certification: At least one (1) of the following institutionally recognized certifications is required at time of hire:
  • Certified Professional Coder Apprentice (CPC-A)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
  • Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P)
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
• Preferred Qualifications: Graduate of, or currently enrolled in, an accredited medical coding program

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Comprehensive knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS coding and of E&M coding.
• Working knowledge of NCCI, LCD/NCD directives, MUEs, and Medicare Teaching Physician Guidelines.
• Proficiency with encoder and grouper software, electronic medical records, and coding resources.
• Ability to communicate courteously and effectively with providers, staff, and revenue cycle teams, acting within the chain of command.
• Ability to resolve conflicting documentation and work through payer denials and charge corrections.
• Exceptional customer service and collaboration with providers and colleagues.

Physical & Work Environment

• Prolonged sitting and computer work, with periods of standing and walking.
• Speaking, reading, and writing for extended periods; frequent close eye work and near visual acuity.
• Frequent hand, finger, and wrist repetition with moderate dexterity.
• Infrequently lift or carry up to 30 lbs.
• Standard office environment.

What Sets Us Apart

Career Growth: Access ongoing training, certification support, and advancement opportunities through our Career Pathways Program.

Impactful Work: Ensure accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement for the care delivered across our three hospitals, 13 medical practices, and specialty centers.

Community & Lifestyle: Located in Boone, North Carolina, UNC Health Appalachian offers the opportunity to live and work in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with access to year-round outdoor recreation and a welcoming community.

Meaningful Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive insurance coverage, retirement benefits with employer match, paid time off, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and college savings resources, an award-winning wellness program, employee-to-employee financial assistance, and discounts to attractions such as Dollywood and Tweetsie Railroad.

Inclusive Culture: UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and is committed to creating a fair, inclusive hiring process and workplace where every team member is respected and valued.