Inpatient Coder: Denial Appeals Expert

Stryker Corporation; Towson (MD); Hybrid; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

Stryker Corporation is seeking an experienced Inpatient Hospital Coder – Denial Appeals Specialist to review, analyze, and write compelling appeals for DRG-related denials. The role requires a strong grasp of inpatient coding guidelines, MS-DRG assignment, clinical documentation, payer policies, and reimbursement principles.

You will collaborate with CDI and revenue cycle teams, ensure accurate documentation, and help educate on denial trends to improve coding accuracy and outcomes.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of inpatient hospital coding experience or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and MS-DRG methodology.
• Experience reviewing and interpreting inpatient medical records.
• Demonstrated experience with coding and/or DRG denial appeals.
• Strong understanding of inpatient coding guidelines and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent written communication skills to develop clear, logical, persuasive appeal arguments.
• Analytical and critical-thinking skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to independently research coding and reimbursement issues.

Responsibilities

• Review inpatient coding and DRG denial cases to identify the reason for denial and determine the appropriate appeal strategy.
• Analyze medical records, coding, clinical documentation, and payer denial rationale.
• Write detailed, persuasive appeals addressing coding, sequencing, diagnosis/procedure assignment, and DRG-related denials.
• Apply ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting and other applicable coding standards.
• Evaluate MS-DRG assignments and identify discrepancies between the documented clinical circumstances and the payer's determination.
• Research and reference applicable coding guidelines, CMS regulations, payer policies, and other authoritative sources to support appeals.
• Clearly explain the clinical and coding rationale supporting the original code or DRG assignment.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen appeals through additional documentation, coding guidance, or regulatory support.
• Collaborate with clinical documentation specialists, coding leadership, utilization review, and other revenue cycle professionals as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation of appeal activity, outcomes, and supporting rationale.
• Monitor denial trends and identify recurring coding or DRG issues that may require education or process improvement.
• Meet established productivity, quality, accuracy, and turnaround-time standards.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and organizational policies.

Skills

Inpatient coding

MS-DRG methodology

Documentation review

Persuasive communication

Research reimbursement issues

Job description

Stryker Corporation is seeking an experienced Inpatient Hospital Coder – Denial Appeals Specialist to review, analyze, and write compelling appeals for DRG-related denials. The role requires a strong grasp of inpatient coding guidelines, MS-DRG assignment, clinical documentation, payer policies, and reimbursement principles.

You will collaborate with CDI and revenue cycle teams, ensure accurate documentation, and help educate on denial trends to improve coding accuracy and outcomes.