Hospital Inpatient Coder

Cedars-Sinai; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Cedars-Sinai is seeking a qualified Hospital Inpatient Coder to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes from medical documentation within a busy inpatient setting. You will determine principal diagnoses, comorbidities, and DRG sequencing to ensure accurate hospital reimbursement.

The role requires MS-DRG and APR-DRG knowledge, plus ability to engage with the CDI team to align coding approaches. Strong documentation and data abstraction skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of healthcare coding experience.
• Certification required upon hire.
• High school diploma or GED required.

Responsibilities

• Assign ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes from documentation.
• Identify principal diagnosis and code sequencing for DRG representation.
• Maintain knowledge of MS-DRG and APR-DRG classifications.
• Collaborate with the CDI team on complex coding scenarios.
• Abstract data elements for reporting and statistics in the designated systems.

Skills

ICD-10-CM coding

ICD-10-PCS coding

Healthcare documentation

Collaboration with CDI team

Attention to detail

Tools

EPIC CS-Link

EPIC HB module

EPIC PB module

Solventum 360Encompass

Solventum Standalone Encoder

Select Coder

Job description

Job Description

Align yourself with an organization that has a reputation for excellence. Cedars Sinai was awarded the National Research Corporation’s Consumer Choice Award 19 years in a row for providing the highest-quality medical care in Los Angeles. We were also awarded the Advisory Board Company’s Workplace of the Year. This annual award recognizes hospitals and health systems nationwide that have outstanding levels of employee engagement. We offer an amazing benefits package that includes paid time off, health care and a 403(B). Join us! Discover why U.S. News & World Report has named us one of America’s Best Hospitals.

What you will be doing in this role:

Working under the general direction of a coding supervisor, the Hospital Inpatient Coder is responsible for the assignment of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes by reviewing all appropriate documentation in accordance with standard coding guidelines. The Facility Inpatient Coder identifies the principal diagnosis, comorbidities/complications, present on admission indicators, and determines sequencing of codes to calculate the most appropriate DRG representing the patient stay. The role maintains knowledge of both Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRG) and All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) is required. Additionally, the incumbents maintain knowledge of appropriate capture of codes for statistical purposes such as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Hierarchical Conditions (HCC), and severity impacting conditions.

• Reviews medical documentation/health information within various electronic medical/health system(s) and assigns applicable codes (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS) within productivity and quality standard for area(s) of assignment/specialty (Facility or Professional).
• Abstracts all required data elements for reporting and statistical capture in a timely and accurate manner into the applicable system using the applications appropriate to the work assignment. This may include but not limited to: EPIC (CS-Link), EPIC HB and PB modules, Solventum 360Encompass, Solventum Standalone Encoder, Select Coder, etc.
• Applies basic knowledge of industry requirements of specific category coding and the impact (SDOH, PSI).
• Resolves complex inpatient edits/alerts with consistent accuracy using current guidelines within area(s) of assignment/specialty
• Communicates with Clinical Documentation Integrity Team members regarding complex clinical scenarios to ensure all relevant codes are assigned
• Focuses learning on advanced level concepts
• Translates medical records/health information including diagnoses, procedures and treatment and assigns standardized codes (International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Procedure Coding System (ICD-10-PCS) for patients receiving services within the Cedars Sinai Health System and its affiliates.
• Communicates collaboratively with the Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) team to align both clinical and coding approaches to ensure a complete coding profile. References anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice to support code assignment and contribute to CDI discussions.
• Abstracts data elements to satisfy statistical requests by the health system, medical staff, and enters all coded/abstracted information into the assigned system. Identifies opportunities for documentation improvement and seeks clarity by the physicians.

*Approved Remote States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas*

Qualifications

Requirements:

High school diploma or GED required.

A minimum of 3 years’ work experience doing code assignment in a healthcare setting performing similar coding duties required.

Registered Health Info Tech, Registered Health Info Admin, Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Specialist, or Certified Coding Spec Phys required upon hire.

Why work here?

Beyond outstanding employee benefits including health and dental insurance, paid vacation, and a 403(b), we take pride in hiring the best, most passionate employees. Our accomplished staff reflects the culturally and ethnically diverse community we serve. They are proof of our commitment to creating a dynamic, inclusive environment that fuels innovation.