Medical Coder

Specialty-Orthopedic-Group-2; Tupelo (MS); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Specialty Orthopedic Group is seeking a detail-oriented Medical Coder to translate clinical documentation into standardized codes for billing and reporting. The ideal candidate will code using ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS, while ensuring compliance and high accuracy in a fast-paced orthopedic setting.

This role emphasizes independent work, physician queries, and collaboration with the billing team to resolve denials and optimize revenue cycles.

Qualifications

• Must have 2+ years of medical coding experience (orthopedics highly preferred).
• Strong CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS knowledge and modifier usage.
• Experience with CAC and auditing processes.
• Familiarity with payer policies (Medicare/Medicaid).
• Excellent written and verbal communication; detail-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Code assignment: ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS Level II per guidelines.
• Review documentation for accuracy and medical necessity.
• Communicate with physicians via queries to clarify documentation.
• Assist with audits, denials, and claim edits (NCCI, MUEs).
• Meet production targets while maintaining high quality and accuracy.

Skills

ICD-10-CM coding

CPT coding

EHR/EMR

CAC software

Microsoft Excel

HIPAA compliance

Communication

Education

High school diploma

Accredited medical coding program

RHIT/RHIA/CCS/CCST (preferred)

Tools

EHR/EMR systems

Practice management systems

Job description

Position Overview

Specialty Orthopedic Group is seeking a detail-oriented and knowledgeable Medical Coder to review clinical documentation and translate healthcare services, procedures, and diagnoses into standardized medical codes. The ideal candidate ensures accurate code assignment for billing, statistical reporting, and compliance while working collaboratively with physicians, clinical staff, and the billing team. The main challenge of this role centers around the ability to work quickly, accurately, and independently. Coders need to meet daily production goals, and a quality 95 % accuracy rate every month. Extensive use of electronic medical records in an ICD-10 environment is also required.

Key Responsibilities

• Code Assignment: Review patient medical records and accurately assign ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes according to official coding guidelines.
• Documentation Review: Analyze clinical charts, operative notes, and provider documentation to verify medical necessity and identify documentation gaps.
• Query Management: Communicate professionally with physicians and clinical staff through formal physician queries to clarify ambiguous, conflicting, or incomplete documentation.
• Compliance & Auditing: Maintain strict adherence to official coding rules, HIPAA regulations, CMS standards, and internal billing policies; participate in routine internal coding audits.
• Denials & Edits: Review and resolve claim edits (e.g., NCCI, MUEs) and assist the revenue cycle team in investigating and appealing coding-related denials.
• Production & Quality Standards: Consistently meet or exceed organizational productivity targets (e.g., 10 charts/hour surgical cases, 4 charts/hour in A/R and Denials) while maintaining an audit accuracy rate of , 95% or higher.

Qualifications & Requirements

Required:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited medical coding or health information program. (RHIT, RHIA, CCST, CCS)
  • Strong knowledge of CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS, and modifier usage.
  • Experience with EHR and practice management systems.
  • Familiarity with Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer policies.
• Experience: Minimum of 2+ years of medical coding experience (orthopedics highly preferred).
• Technical Proficiency: Hands-on experience with electronic health records (EHR/EMR) systems and computer-assisted coding (CAC) software.
• Knowledge Base: Strong working knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology, and reimbursement methodologies.
• Job Quality:
  • Must display sophisticated writing and interpersonal communication skills and very good attention to detail.
  • Ability to apply written instructions and standardized work practices.
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills.
  • Ability to work independently and as a team member for successful outcomes.
  • Must be efficient in Microsoft Excel and Word.

Preferred:

• Orthopedic coding experience strongly preferred.
• Certified Orthopedic Coder (COSC) preferred.
• Strong billing and collection experience with knowledge of health insurance plans, policies.
• Prior experience working in a remote or hybrid production environment.