Medical Coder II

Mercy Medical Center; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy Medical Center in Cedar Rapids, IA seeks an on-site Medical Coder to accurately code principal diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS for reimbursement and reporting. You will ensure documentation supports coding choices and medical necessity across hospital and specialty areas.

The role requires knowledge of coding guidelines, ability to read medical records, and AHIMA or AAPC certification eligibility.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT/HCPCS coding and medical necessity guidelines.
• Ability to read and interpret medical record documentation.
• AHIMA or AAPC coding certification (RHIT, RHIA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC) is required.
• Familiarity with local medical review policies (LMRPs) and payer guidelines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word) and basic typing.

Responsibilities

• Codes the correct principal/primary diagnosis consistent with established coding guidelines (95% or greater accuracy).
• Codes procedures as appropriate and identifies the principal procedure consistent with established coding guidelines.
• Validates outpatient accounts for medical necessity based on LMRPs, NCDs or payer guidelines.
• Applies charge data as appropriate for services provided.
• Completes coding within established production standards for the 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 and may code for an additional area.

Skills

ICD-10-CM/PCS coding

CPT/HCPCS coding

Medical necessity guidelines

Medical record interpretation

Microsoft Office

Detail-oriented

Independent worker

Education

AS/Bachelor in Health Information Technology

Coding certificate program

AHIMA or AAPC certification eligibility

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work ShiftDayScheduled Weekly Hours24SummaryThis 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 DescriptionJob DutiesCodes 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 AbilitiesKnowledge 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 ExperiencePrevious coding experience preferred.EducationAssociate of Applied Science degree or bachelor's degree in health information technology or completion of coding certificate program preferred.Licensure, Certification, RegistrationAHIMA or AAPC coding certification (e.g. RHIT, RHIA, CCA, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, CPC-A) is required.Physical RequirementsSedentary: Exert up to 10 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a minute amount frequentlyPay Rate TypeHourlyMercy 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.