Medical Coder II

Mercycare; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Cedar Rapids is seeking a skilled medical coder to ensure precise coding of hospital and professional services using ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS. This role supports patient-centered care and compliance with federal regulations.

Responsibilities include coding diagnoses and procedures with high accuracy, validating medical necessity, and collaborating with teams. AAS or higher in health information technology with AHIMA or AAPC certification is preferred.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT/HCPCS coding and medical necessity guidelines.
• Ability to read and interpret medical record documentation.
• Familiarity with coding groupers used for payers and encounters.

Responsibilities

• Codes the correct principal/primary diagnoses with high accuracy.
• Identifies significant diagnoses (HCCs) and assigns appropriate codes.
• Codes procedures and principal procedures per guidelines.
• Ensures codes reflect clinical severity and grouping.
• Follows coding guidelines and payer directives for compliance.
• Validates outpatient accounts for medical necessity according to policies.
• Applies charge data as appropriate for services.
• Completes coding within established production standards.
• Assists with student internship coding training.
• Codes accounts for assigned hospital areas as needed.

Skills

ICD-10-CM/PCS knowledge

CPT/HCPCS knowledge

Medical record interpretation

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Typing speed

Education

Associate of Applied Science in health information technology

Bachelor's degree in health information technology

Coding certificate program

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word)

Job description

Work Shift Day Scheduled Weekly Hours 24 Summary This position supports Mercy's philosophy of patient centered care by the timely and accurate coding of hospital or professional services using ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS classification systems for the purpose of reimbursement, research, and statistics in compliance with federal regulations.

Job Duties

• Codes the correct principal/primary diagnosis consistent with established coding guidelines (95% or greater accuracy).
• Identifies all significant diagnoses (HCCs) relevant to the type of visit and assigned appropriate codes.
• Codes procedures as appropriate and identifies the principal procedure consistent with established coding guidelines.
• Ensures all conditions coded adequately reflect the appropriate clinical severity and grouping assignment in accordance with documentation.
• Follows official coding guidelines and directives and uses reference materials to ensure codes assigned are in compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Validates outpatient accounts for medical necessity based on local medical review policies (LMRPs), national coverage determinations (NCDs) or payer guidelines.
• Applies charge data as appropriate for services provided.
• Completes coding consistent with established production standards for type of service.
• Verifies and corrects all abstract data captured.
• Assists with student internship coding training.
• Codes accounts for assigned area(s) within hospital or specialty.
• In addition, hospital coders will have provide coding for one additional area.
• Follows Mercy's safety guidelines, carries out job-specific safety duties and responsibilities, and promptly reports any unsafe conditions, situations, incidents and injuries.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of ICD-910CM/PCS, CPT/HCPCS coding and medical necessity guidelines.
• Knowledge of various coding groupers used for various payers and types of encounters.
• Ability to read and interpret medical record documentation including laboratory and pharmacology data.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools (excel, outlook, word).
• Strong computer background with basic typing and keyboarding skills.
• Work prioritization skills needed.
• Ability to concentrate on detail tasks for long periods of time.
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively.

Professional Experience

Previous coding experience preferred.

Education

Associate of Applied Science degree or bachelor's degree in health information technology or completion of coding certificate program preferred.

Licensure, Certification, Registration

AHIMA or AAPC coding certification (e.g. RHIT, RHIA, CCA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-A) is required.

Physical Requirements

Sedentary: Exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a minute amount frequently

Pay Rate Type Hourly

About Mercy

Mercy is an independent, community-based organization supporting the Cedar Rapids area for over 120 years.

Mercy is an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity, equity, and inclusion and therefore evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.

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