Medical Records Coder III - San Mateo Medical Center (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo; California; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

San Mateo County Health is seeking a Medical Records Coder III to provide coding for various services at the San Mateo Medical Center. This remote position requires expertise in ICD-10 and CPT coding, with responsibilities including coding inpatient and outpatient records. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to work independently while meeting deadlines. Join a diverse team committed to serving the community.

Qualifications

• At least three years’ experience in inpatient facility coding.
• Familiar with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding.

Responsibilities

• Assign or verify ICD-10/CPT codes to medical records.
• Review patient treatments to determine coding information.
• Track accounts that cannot be coded.

Skills

ICD-10 coding

CPT procedures

HCPCS procedures

medical terminology

Epic experience

Education

RHIT/RHIA program

Three years of coding inpatient records

Job description

Note: This recruitment schedule was amended on April 8, 2025 to extend the Final Filing Date. This recruitment has been changed to "Continuous."

San Mateo County Health is seeking a Medical Records Coder IIIfor the San Mateo Medical Center to provide coding of inpatient services. Services provided at San Mateo County Health which require coding include inpatient, outpatient facility, emergency room, long term care, psychiatric, ancillary services, and clinic visits.

The Medical Records Coder III is responsible for reviewing medical records and accurately coding encounters within established timeframes, following national, state, and local coding guidelines. This is a remote position; however, work must be performed within the State of California. The incumbent may be required to report on-site occasionally with reasonable notice. As a public employee, the incumbent is designated as a Disaster Service Worker and may be required to respond to emergencies as needed. In such events, they must be prepared to report for duty on short notice.

The ideal candidate for the position will be familiar with most or all of the following: ICD-10 diagnosis and procedures, CPT procedures, HCPCS procedures, CCI edits, DRG, APC, MCC/CC, HCC coding, and modifiers; has at least three years’ experience in inpatient facility coding; ability to work independently with minimal supervision using sound independent judgement within established guidelines; embraces change; able to organize work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines; can communicate effectively (both verbal and written) and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Additionally, the ideal candidate has Epic experience, is detail-oriented, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, and is a team player.

The current vacancy is afull-time, regular vacancy.

NOTE:The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Assign or verify correct International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification System and Current Procedural Terminology (ICD10/CPT) codes to outpatient or inpatient medical records.
• Utilize technical coding principles and APC reimbursement expertise to assign appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnoses and ICD-10-CM/CPT procedures.
• Review narrative records of patient treatments and surgical procedures to determine what information is appropriate for coding purposes, and prepares case abstracts.
• Enter coded medical records data on computer terminal; select diagnosis and operations codes from computer designated abstracting system.
• Assist in implementing solutions to reduce back-end billing errors.
• Track weekly and follow up on all accounts that cannot be coded.
• Contact doctors, nurses, laboratory and other auxiliary personnel for information needed to complete, correct or clarify medical records and to resolve discrepancies.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Note:The level and scope of the knowledge and skills listed below are related to job duties as defined under Distinguishing Characteristics.

Licensure/Certification:

All LevelsPossession of at least one of the following certifications:

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) issued by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
• Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H) issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) issued by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

Knowledge of:

• ICD10 and CPT classification coding systems.
• Fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and the study of diseases.
• Extensive medical terminology, and hospital accreditation and regulatory standards.
• ICD10 coding guidelines and Ethical Coding standards.
• NCCI edits and hospital modifiers (for the journey level Coders)
• Standard clerical office procedures and equipment including Windows-based software use.

If working at the Medical Coder III level, must also have knowledge of:

• Impact of severity of illness on CC/MCC assignments.
• MS-DRG assignment and complex comorbidities.
• Governmental regulations pertaining to billing and coding.

Skill/Ability to:

• Competently select ICD10 to code diagnoses, treatments and procedures for outpatient or inpatient services either by use of coding books or encoder product.
• Competently code procedure using CPT logic.
• Abide by the standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to official coding guidelines.
• Maintain Continuing Education for certifications
• Abstract pertinent information from medical records.
• Follow oral and written instructions.
• Operate computer and appropriate coding software and abstract package.
• Effectively communicate technical information to medical and administrative personnel.
• Maintain effective working relationships with others.

If working at the Medical Coder III level, must also have the skills and ability to:

• Assign appropriate evaluation/management level for professional services.
• Analyze and resolve billing edits.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

I Level:Completion of the RHIT/RHIA program or 6 months experience in coding hospital related services.
II Level:Three years of experience in coding hospital related services.
III Level:Three years of coding inpatient records.

Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, extra-help/limited term positions prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT:Applications for this position will only be accepted online.If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the"Apply"button. If you are not on the County's website, please go tohttps://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and/or supplemental questionnaire.Online applications must be received by the Human Resources Department before midnight on the final filing date.

This is a continuous recruitment which may close at any time. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the County of San Mateo Human Resources Department.

Apply immediately. This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process.

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.

Analyst: Debbie Kong (03242025) (Medical Records Coder II - E306)