Senior Certified Inpatient Coding Specialist (Remote)

Memorial Hermann Health System; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Memorial Hermann Health System is seeking a remote Coding Specialist to review inpatient records and assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, ensuring accurate data for federal/state reporting and billing. This role reports to the Coding Manager and supports high-quality patient care.

Required are RHIT/RHIA/CCS/CCA/CIC or AHIMA/AAPC certifications, five years inpatient coding experience, plus strong communication and Windows application proficiency. Valid for remote work from eligible states.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associates degree preferred.
• RHIT, RHIA, CCA, CCS, CIC or AHIMA/AAPC coding certification required.
• 5 years inpatient hospital coding experience required.

Responsibilities

• Review medical records to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for inpatient records.
• Ensure data accuracy for reimbursement, research and compliance.
• Query physicians when documentation is unclear or insufficient for coding.

Skills

Oral and written communication

ICD-10-CM/PCS coding

Analytical skills

Anatomy/physiology/terminology

Critical thinking

Decision making

Education

Associates degree in Health Information Management

Tools

Windows-based applications

Job description

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

POSITION IS REMOTE BUT YOU MUST MEET QUALIFICATIONS LISTED IN JOB DESCRIPTION. If you are located outside of the state of Texas -- you must be located in KANSAS, OKLAHOMA, TENNESSEE, LOUISIANA, GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, NORTH CAROLINA, or be willing to relocate to one of the eligible states (including Texas). Responsible for reviewing and abstracting inpatient medical records, as well as, identifying and assigning accurate medical codes for diagnosis, procedures and services in an inpatient setting. The Coding Specialist ensures that all data elements required for federal or state reporting and billing are collected and included in the patient’s demographic record. Typically reports to the Coding Manager.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications

Education

High School Diploma or GED required; Associates degree in Health Information Management or any Healthcare Related Field preferred

Licenses/Certifications

Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Coding Certification(s) from American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) required.

Experience / Knowledge / Skills

• Five (5) years of inpatient hospital coding experience required.
• Experience coding in a level 1 trauma facility/academic teaching facility strongly preferred.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM and PCS coding.
• Analytical skills necessary to interpret data contained in the health records and to assign appropriate codes.
• Strong knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and surgical terminology.
• Critical thinking, good judgment and decision making skills.
• Knowledge of coding compliance policies, official coding guidelines, regulatory requirements and internal policies and procedures affecting the coding process.
• Proficient in navigating a Windows-based application environment.

Principal Accountabilities

• Reviews medical record documentation to identify pertinent diagnosis/procedures that require code assignment for inpatient records and accurately code the diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10 coding conventions for the purpose of reimbursement, research, and compliance with federal regulations.
• Reviews the medical record to assure specificity of diagnoses, procedures, and appropriate reimbursement for hospital and professional charges.
• Queries physicians when code assignments are not straightforward or documentation in the record is inadequate, ambiguous, or unclear for coding purposes.
• Keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reimbursement reporting guidelines and brings identified concerns to manager for resolution.
• Effectively assigns ICD-10 codes and DRGs to inpatient records.
• Responsible in maintaining 92% to 95% in ICD-10 and DRG assignment and consistently meet established productivity standards while keeping abstracting errors to a minimum.
• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to official coding guidelines.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards by providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and colleagues.
• Other duties as assigned.