Medical Billing & Coding Specialist I

The University of Alabama; Tuscaloosa (AL); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alabama seeks a Medical Billing Coder I to process and correct charges for multiple specialties, using CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes within an academic environment.

The role includes follow-up on unpaid claims, denial corrections, and responding to patient inquiries while maintaining HIPAA compliance and confidentiality. Preference for CPC/AHIMA credentials and Excel/Word skills.

Qualifications

• Experience processing charges submitted in an electronic health record system.
• Excellent organizational and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Process and correct charges submitted from clinics and hospitals using CPT/HCPCS/ICD-10.
• Follow up with accounts receivable on unpaid insurance claims and appeals.
• Respond to patient inquiries and ensure HIPAA compliance.
• Advise faculty and staff on proper documentation and coding practices.

Skills

Medical billing

HIPAA knowledge

Detail oriented

Time management

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's degree or medical coding certificate

Bachelor's degree with some medical coding experience

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

Pay Grade/Pay Range:Minimum: $21.44 - Midpoint: $26.83 (Hourly N6)

Department/Organization:208411 - UMC Business Office

Normal Work Schedule:Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm; some evenings & weekends

Job Summary:The Medical Billing Coder I provides timely and accurate processing of multi-specialty physician office visits, I/P and surgical hospital visits, and procedural coding in an academic environment. Reviews and corrects charges submitted from the clinic and hospital electronic health record using CPT, HCPCS, ICD-10 and insurance payer standards. Follows-up with accounts receivable on unpaid insurance claims. Corrects denials and audit trails. Responds to patient statement inquiries.

Additional Department Summary:Supports medical billing services for the College of Community Health Sciences (CCHS). Prepares and submits clean claims to various insurance companies either electronically or by paper. Reviews and verifies that documentation supports diagnoses, procedures and treatment results. Trends problems in billing and coding and provides timely feedback to Supervisor. Advises Faculty, Residents, other learners, and clinical staff regarding proper documentation and coding services. Resolves coding edits at the time of charge entry to ensure timely claim submission.

Answers questions from patients, clinicians, clerical staff and insurance companies. Identifies and resolves patient billing inquiries. Evaluates patient’s financial status and establishes budget payment plans. Identifies and flags delinquent accounts for submission to the collection agency. Completes worklog tasks and outstanding accounts receivable reports by contacting insurance companies to resolve denials; submits appeals and calls patients to resolve COB issues. Processes payments from patients and prepares End of Day reports. Maintains strictest confidentiality; adheres to all HIPAA guidelines/regulations.

Required Minimum Qualifications:High school diploma or GED and four (4) years of medical bill coding experience; OR associate's degree or medical coding certificate and two (2) years of medical bill coding experience; OR bachelor's degree and some medical bill coding experience.

Skills and Knowledge:Experience processing charges submitted in an electronic health record system. Excellent organizational and effective written and verbal communication skills. Detailed oriented. Excellent customer service skills, with respect, cultural awareness, and sensitivity. Ability to work independently and problem-solving skills. Time management skills. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

Preferred Qualifications:Demonstrated knowledge and skill in working with Excel spreadsheets and Word documents. Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by American Association of Professional coders (AAPC). Certified Coding Specialist by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). ICD-10 training/experience.

Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.

Equal Employment Opportunity:The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’sKnow Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegalposter.

The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.