Hospital Coder II

UNC Health Appalachian; Boone (NC); On-site; USD 39,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision coverage

HSA option

403(b) retirement with employer match

Paid time off

Tuition reimbursement/certification

Parental leave

Wellness incentives

Employee discounts

Job summary

UNC Health Appalachian seeks a Hospital Coder II to translate clinical documentation into accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS codes, supporting compliant reimbursement. You’ll review records, apply coding conventions, and collaborate with providers and revenue cycle teams.

You'll work full-time in Boone, NC, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with benefits including medical, dental, vision, HSA, retirement with company match, PTO and tuition reimbursement.

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, or CCA at hire.

Responsibilities

• Determine ICD-10-CM, CPT, CDT, and HCPCS codes from clinical documentation.
• Review EMR or paper records to code episodes of care accurately.
• Use encoder and grouper software to select accurate codes and E/M codes.
• Apply NCCI, LCD/NCD, MUEs, and Medicare Teaching Physician Guidelines.
• Collaborate with providers to resolve documentation conflicts and ensure precise coding.
• Handle payer denials and assist revenue cycle inquiries.

Skills

ICD-10-CM/CPT/CDT/HCPCS

E/M coding

NCCI & LCD/NCD

Encoder/grouper software

Documentation review

Provider collaboration

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate degree preferred

Medical coding certification (CPC, CIC, CCS, CCS-P, COC, CCA)

Tools

Encoder software

Grouper software

Job description

Hospital Coder II

Location: Boone, North Carolina | Full-time | Non-Exempt

Why You'll Love Working Here

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.

Ready to Put Your Coding Expertise to Work?

Apply today to join UNC Health Appalachian as a Hospital Coder II and help ensure accurate coding and appropriate reimbursement for the care we provide.

About UNC Health Appalachian

UNC Health Appalachian, the leader for healthcare in the High Country, comprises three hospitals, 13 medical practices, Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center, The Rehabilitation Center, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare Foundation. UNC Health Appalachian stays committed to promoting health in the High Country, enhancing quality of life, and simply "making life better."

About UNC Health

UNC Health is a state entity and an affiliated enterprise of the University of North Carolina system, comprised of 14 hospitals, 18 hospital campuses and more than 500 clinics along with the clinical patient care programs of the UNC School of Medicine (SOM). It exists to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others we serve and to further the teaching mission of the University of North Carolina SOM. Over the past three years, UNC Health has provided more than $400 million in uncompensated or charity care to the citizens of North Carolina. Our hospitals have received numerous awards and recognition for quality care, patient safety and the overall patient experience. For more information, please visit unchealth.org.

UNC Health Appalachian embraces diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected status. We value a workforce that reflects a variety of backgrounds and perspectives, as it enhances our ability to provide outstanding care. We welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences. UNC Health Appalachian is committed to providing a fair and inclusive hiring process and a workplace where all team members feel respected and empowered. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us.

Employment at UNC Health Appalachian is contingent upon successful completion of a background and drug screen. For accommodations or additional information, contact [e-mail].