Medical Records Technician (Coder)

Indian Health Service; McLaughlin (SD); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Indian Health Service in McLaughlin, SD seeks a Medical Records Technician to support accurate coding and documentation for patient care. This role emphasizes reviewing records for completeness, ensuring diagnoses reflect care provided, and coding using ICD, CPT, HCPCS, CDT, and DSM.

The position requires knowledge of coding guidelines, privacy regulations, and collaboration with providers to clarify documentation. A CPC certification is preferred; U.S.

Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-06 level supporting diagnoses, treatments and services.
• Initiated documentation clarification requests to obtain diagnosis specificity and procedure details.
• Guided providers on documentation requirements, coding guidelines, and common deficiencies affecting reimbursement.
• Participated in coding reviews, compliance audits, and improvement activities.

Responsibilities

• Review medical records for completeness, identifiers, signatures, dates and reports.
• Evaluate documentation for accuracy, medical necessity and correct CPT coding.
• Review provider notes to ensure appropriate E/M levels and code assignment.
• Assign ICD, CPT, HCPCS, CDT, and DSM codes based on documented diagnoses and procedures.
• Ensure terminology aligns with current guidelines and coding standards.

Skills

Medical coding

CPC certification

HIPAA compliance

Attention to detail

Documentation guidance

Job description

Overview

Join the Indian Health Service and make a meaningful impact in Native communities. In this role, you will support vital healthcare operations that ensure patients receive timely, high-quality care. If you’re looking for a rewarding career where your work directly supports patient services and community well‑being, we encourage you to apply.

Real ID Requirement

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

Responsibilities

• Reviews medical records for completeness, including required identifiers, signatures, dates, and reports associated with services rendered.
• Evaluates documentation for accuracy, consistency, medical necessity, and appropriate modifier usage; verifies that final diagnoses accurately reflect care provided.
• Reviews provider documentation to ensure appropriate Evaluation and Management (E/M) levels and correct CPT code assignment.
• Assigns and sequences ICD, CPT, HCPCS, CDT, and DSM codes based on documented diagnoses and procedures.
• Ensures diagnostic and procedural terminology aligns with current medical nomenclature and official coding guidelines.

Total Compensation Package

Check out IHS’s outstanding total compensation package for this job: Medical Records Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov).

Requirements

• Selectee may be subject to a probationary period.
• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• Successful completion of an E‑Verify employment verification check.
• Set up direct deposit for payment.
• All Federal entitlements, time served, and benefits remain unchanged for current civil service employees receiving a new appointment.

Background Investigation Requirement

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. Applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays or a determination of unsuitability.

Financial Suitability Requirement

Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations. Significant delinquent or unresolved financial obligations may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service.

Education

None.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to GS‑06 grade level: Verified documentation supporting diagnoses, treatments, procedures, and services rendered while maintaining compliance with coding standards, privacy regulations, and organizational policies.
• Initiated and monitored documentation clarification requests to obtain diagnosis specificity, procedure details, and supporting clinical information necessary for accurate coding and reporting.
• Assisted providers and clinical staff by providing guidance on documentation requirements, coding guidelines, and common deficiencies affecting reimbursement and quality measures.
• Participated in coding reviews, compliance audits, and performance improvement activities to evaluate documentation quality, coding accuracy, and reimbursement outcomes.
• Assisted with analysis of coding trends, denial patterns, and documentation issues and recommended process improvements to improve efficiency and coding accuracy.

Certified Professional Coder (CPC) preferred.

Additional Information

Reasonable Accommodation requests for disability-related assessments will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Employees must comply with the IHS Employee Immunization Policy for vaccine‑preventable diseases. Vaccine exemption requests may be available as outlined in the policy.

This position is designated under Public Law 101‑630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Applicants must not have been found guilty of certain crimes.

Additional selections may be possible within 240 days from the date the certificate of eligibles was issued. This position may be covered by a bargaining unit.

As part of the application process, applicants may be asked to provide short essay responses (200 words or less each) to four questions about commitment to the Constitution, improving government efficiency, supporting executive orders, and work ethic. Responses are optional and will not be scored but may be reviewed by hiring managers.

Benefits

A federal employee receives a comprehensive benefits package designed to be rewarding. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.