Outpatient Complex Coder

Henry-Ford-Health-2; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Henry Ford Health in Detroit seeks an Outpatient Complex Coder to transform medical records into precise coding, supporting accurate reimbursement and regulatory compliance.

You’ll apply current coding guidelines to complex diagnoses and procedures, abstract data for research and quality initiatives, and ensure submissions meet payer and accreditation standards while driving reimbursement accuracy.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Additional specialty coding certification required or five (5) years coding experience.
• One to two (1-2) years college or additional coursework in Accounting, Business, Healthcare Administration or Medical Record Sciences preferred.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, disease processes, medical terminology, pharmacology, and coding systems.
• Minimum of two (2) years coding experience required. Specialty coding experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex medical records and accurately code diagnostic and procedural information using established coding principles and current guidelines
• Abstract and compile patient data to support medical research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and administrative decision-making
• Ensure all coding submissions comply with established guidelines, third-party payer policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards
• Optimize reimbursement accuracy while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and coding integrity
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying coding trends and supporting process enhancements

Skills

Medical coding

Detail oriented

Healthcare terminology

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Healthcare administration coursework

Job description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.
Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.
Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all.

Job Description

GENERAL SUMMARY:

As an Outpatient Complex Coder, you'll be at the heart of healthcare operations—transforming detailed medical records into accurate, compliant coding that directly impacts patient care and organizational success. You'll apply expert coding principles to analyze and code complex diagnostic and procedural information, ensuring precise reimbursement and billing while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and compliance.

Your work goes beyond data entry. You'll abstract critical information from medical records to build robust patient databases that fuel medical research, drive quality improvement initiatives, and inform strategic healthcare decisions. By serving as a trusted source of accurate health information, you'll help optimize reimbursement, strengthen provider-patient relationships, and ensure your organization meets all regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Analyze complex medical records and accurately code diagnostic and procedural information using established coding principles and current guidelines
• Abstract and compile patient data to support medical research projects, quality improvement initiatives, and administrative decision-making
• Ensure all coding submissions comply with established guidelines, third-party payer policies, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards
• Optimize reimbursement accuracy while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and coding integrity
• Contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by identifying coding trends and supporting process enhancements

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Additional specialty coding certification required or five (5) years coding experience.
• One to two (1-2) years college or additional coursework in Accounting, Business, Healthcare Administration or Medical Record Sciences preferred.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, disease processes, medical terminology, pharmacology, and coding systems.
• Minimum of two (2) years coding experience required. Specialty coding experience preferred.

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), CPC, or CCS certification required.