Senior Coder

CommonSpirit Health; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CommonSpirit Health is seeking a Senior Coder to lead a coding team in Phoenix, AZ. This role involves training staff, auditing code assignments, and ensuring adherence to coding standards. The ideal candidate will have substantial coding experience and relevant certifications, contributing to efficient operations and optimal reimbursement strategies.

Qualifications

• 3 years of coding experience in hospital facilities or physician clinics.
• In-depth knowledge of CPT, ICD, and HCPCS coding guidelines.
• Basic computer literacy; proficiency in EMR and coding applications.

Responsibilities

• Leads coding team and trains staff on coding requirements.
• Audits coding work and ensures compliance with guidelines.
• Consults physicians for coding clarifications.

Skills

ICD coding

CPT coding

Analysis of APCs

Team collaboration

Education

High School Diploma/GED and Completion of AHIMA/AAPC Accredited Coding Education

Registration/Certification (AHIMA: CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT or RHIA OR AAPC: CPC, CPC-A, COC)

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR)

Cerner

EHR System

Encoder System

Microsoft Suite

Google Workspace

Job description

Responsibilities

The Senior Coder (Sr. Coder) acts as a lead coder for their designated team. This position will train staff on department policies, procedures, systems and correct coding requirements. The Sr. Coder additionally will audit Coders, fill in for out-of- office Coders, and make recommendations to Coding Leadership to help improve the efficiency of the team.

1.1 Employee will comply with all laws, rules, and regulations relating to the position.
1.2 The employee has a duty to report any suspected violations of the law to his/her immediate supervisor,
compliance officer, or CEO.
1.3 Employee will follow the coding guidelines set by AHIMA (American Health Information Management
Association,) NCCI (National Correct Coding Initiative) edits, CMS (Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services,) and
the Standards of Coding Ethics.
1.4 Selects appropriate assignments for coding from assigned work queues.
1.5 Assigns codes by encounter:
-Selecting the accurate principal diagnosis and procedure code;
-Sequencing codes to optimize reimbursement in conformance with policies;
-Coding only diagnoses and procedures which can be substantiated by documentation with the medical record; -
Following coding guidelines;
-Distinguishing cases which require additional information from physicians and contacting the physician for
clarification using either direct contact or the physician query form.

CODER SR Job Description Page 2
1.6 Where defined in policy: Verifies charges entered for the encounter match the documentation contained within
the record.
1.7 Routes to department when charges do not agree.
1.8 Correctly utilizes coding applications & systems to appropriately code and abstract all assigned encounters.
1.9 Analyzes APCs and Modifier assignment to ensure all data has been considered to ensure accurate and
compliant coding and charging.
1.10 HIM Coders shall use their skills, their knowledge of ICD and CPT rules, guidelines and requirements and any
available resources to select appropriate diagnosis and procedural codes.
1.11 HIM Coders shall not change codes or narrative of codes so that the meanings are misrepresented, nor should
diagnosis or procedures be included or excluded because the payment may be affected. Statistical clinical data is an
important result of coding and maintaining a quality database shall be a conscientious goal.
1.12 Physicians will be consulted for clarification when conflicting or ambiguous documentation is noted in the
record.
1.13 The HIM Coder is a member of the healthcare team and, as such, shall assist physicians who are unfamiliar
with ICD, CPT or DRG methodology.
1.14 The HIM Coder is expected to strive for optimal payment to which the facility is legally entitled and will not
engage in unethical and illegal practices to maximize payments by means that contradict regulatory guidelines.
1.15 Reviews unbilled to assure records are all coded within department timeframes.
1.16 Maintains patient, medical record, department, and employee confidentiality at all times.
1.17 Consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and fosters teamwork by offering assistance to others as needed.
1.18 Effectively uses tools provided to monitor coding backlog and coding errors needing correction.
1.19 Works with other departments to correct inaccurate clinical or demographic information regardless of the
source of the information.
1.20 Reviews the APC grouper edit and assists in clearing the edits related to coding and compliance.

1.21 Assists with the orientation and training of new employees.
1.21 Assists with the orientation and training of new employees.
1.22 Provides input to supervisor regarding coding policies and procedures.
1.23 Fulfills yearly continuing education requirements of the department and the hospital, to include safety and
mandatory in services. Responsible for maintaining credentials.
1.24 Attends and participates in department or section meetings.
1.25 Contributes to the overall operation of the department by performing other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications

• 3 years Coding Experience (Hospital Facility, Professional Fee, Physician Clinic) using ICD and CPT coding and/or knowledge of APC’s,DRG’s, modifiers, and other payment methodologies. Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Cerner experience.
• High School Diploma/GED and Completion of AHIMA/AAPC Accredited Coding Education
• Registration/Certification as a AHIMA: CCA, CCS, CCS-P, RHIT or RHIA OR AAPC: CPC, CPC-A, COC
• Must have and maintain an in- depth knowledge of CPT, ICD, and HCPCS coding guidelines.
• Basic computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft and/or Google Workspace.
• Knowledge of EHR and Encoder System(s).

Overview

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2300 clinics care sites and 137 hospital-based locations in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157000 employees 45000 nurses and 25000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients physicians partners and communities we are creating a more just equitable and innovative healthcare delivery system.