Outpatient Coder, Ambulatory

Meridian Health, Inc.; North Bergen (NJ); On-site; USD 40,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Hackensack Meridian Health is seeking an Outpatient Coder I to accurately abstract data using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS guidelines across the HMH network. You will input coded data into the EMR and query physicians as needed.

Experience in orthopedics and prior EMR work are preferred. Join a collaborative team in New Jersey, with focus on compliant coding, quality measures, and timely documentation to support accurate reimbursement.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 1 year of coding for professional services.
• Strong understanding of physiology, medical terms and anatomy.
• Proficiency in typing and computer skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with outpatient ICD-10/CPT/E/M coding preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assign codes to clinical services for reimbursement and data collection.
• Abstract encounters including diagnoses, procedures and complications.
• Query physicians when documentation is missing or incomplete.
• Monitor coding quality and productivity per policy.
• Address NCCI/NCD/LCD edits and compliance requirements.
• Maintain compliance with organizational policies and procedures.
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned.

Skills

Medical coding

ICD-10 coding

CPT coding

EMR systems

Communication skills

Typing speed

MS Office & Google Suite

Education

High School diploma / GED

AHIMA/AAPC credential preferred

Job description

Overview

Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.

At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives - and we help one another to succeed. With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members. Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning. It's also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.

Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.

The Outpatient Coder I is responsible for accurately abstracting data following the Official International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10-Clinical Modification (CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Guidelines for Coding and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) directives across the Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) network. Performs data entry of required abstracted patient information into the electronic medical record system. Queries physicians when appropriate.

Orthopedics experience and prior EMR experience are preferred.

Responsibilities

A day in the life of a Outpatient Coder I at Hackensack Meridian Health includes:

• Assigns codes to clinical services performed for use in reimbursement and data collection
• Accountable for coding and abstracting of patient encounters, including diagnostic, surgical, and procedural information, significant reportable elements, and complications.
• Assesses clinical documentation and communicates with physicians and advanced practice nurses for additional information when documentation for proper coding is missing or incomplete
• Analyzes medical records and identifies documentation deficiencies.
• Identifies reportable elements, complications, and other quality measures.
• Daily monitoring of WQ's for billing corrections.
• Assign CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10-CM codes.
• Knowledge of and ability to address National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) and National Coverage Determinations (NCD) / Local coverage determinations (LCD) edits.
• Maintains required productivity and quality requirements,
• Complies with HMH Organizational policies, procedures, and standards of behavior; maintains patient record Reports unusual circumstances, possible risk factors, errors, and discrepancies to management.
• Other duties and/or projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

• High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs.
• Minimum of 1 year of coding for professional services
• Strong understanding of physiology, medical terms and anatomy.
• Proficiency in computer skills including typing speed and accuracy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills including but not limited to Microsoft Office and Google Suite platforms.
• Must be able to achieve and maintain appropriate coding quality and productivity as established by HMH Compliance

Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

• Prior working experience with outpatient hospital ICD10 diagnosis, CPT procedural and E&M coding experience is desired

Licenses and Certifications Required

• Registered Health Information Technician or Registered Health Information Administrator Certification or Certified Coding Specialist or Certified Professional Coder.

Licenses and Certifications Preferred

• An approved American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) coding credential.

Starting Minimum Rate

Minimum rate of $35.17 Hourly

Job Posting Disclosure

HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.

The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate.

Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.

Experience: Years of relevant work experience.

Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.

Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.

Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.

Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.

Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.

Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.

In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.