Senior Inpatient Coder

Essentia Health; United States; Remote; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) with employer contributions

Tuition reimbursement and training

Flexible scheduling and generous time‑

Wellness resources and work‑life focus

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a skilled inpatient coder to review clinical documentation, assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes and final DRG determinations for complex stays. You will collaborate with Clinical Documentation Integrity and clinicians to ensure accurate coding and reimbursement.

The role emphasizes maintaining high quality coding, supporting denial prevention, and participating in coder training. Remote work is possible with day shifts in the United States.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a coding program, including ICD-10-CM/PCS and medical terminology.
• Two years of hospital inpatient/DRG coding experience.
• AHIMA or AAPC certification preferred and credentialed in RHIA/RHIT/CPC/CCS/CIC.
• Knowledge of LCD/NCD policies and medical necessity guidance.

Responsibilities

• Review clinical documentation and assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis and PCS procedures.
• Determine DRG for complex inpatient accounts to support proper reimbursement.
• Query clinicians for documentation clarifications to support coding.
• Ensure inpatient accounts are coded accurately and timely with high quality (95% accuracy).
• Assist in training inpatient coders and collaborate with the denial prevention team.

Skills

Inpatient DRG coding experience

Education

Coding program completion (ICD-10-CM/PCS, anatomy & physiology)

Tools

Epic

3M Encoder

Computer Assisted Coding

Job description

Building Location:

Business Service Center

Department:

1006240 HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS

Job Description:

This position is responsible for reviewing clinical documentation and assigning ICD-10-CM diagnosis, PCS procedure codes, and the DRG to ensure proper reimbursement for complex inpatient accounts. Requires extensive knowledge and understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines, MS-DRG and APR-DRG reimbursement systems, medical terminology, and disease processes. Works closely with Clinical Documentation Integrity and clinicians to ensure complete and accurate documentation, coding, and final DRG assignment. Adheres to the quality and productivity standards set by the department.

Education Qualifications:

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluates health record documentation and accurate reimbursement by ensuring that ICD-10-CM diagnostic and PCS procedural codes accurately reflect and support the inpatient hospital admission
• Identifies documentation clarification opportunities to ensure that documentation supports the coding and DRG assignment. Initiates coding queries and provides feedback to clinicians
• Reviews Local Coverage Determination (LCD)/National Coverage Determination (NCD) policies for ICD-10-CM diagnoses that support medical necessity for services provided
• Works with the coding denials team for education and assists with DRG denial prevention solutions
• Ensures inpatient accounts are coded accurately and in a timely manner
• Consistently maintains coding quality (95% accuracy) and productivity expectations
• Assists with the training of inpatient coders
• Performs related duties as required

Educational Requirements:

• Successful completion of a coding program, which included coursework in ICD-10-CM/PCS, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and disease processes

Required Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of hospital inpatient/DRG coding experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Epic experience
• 3M Encoder experience
• Computer Assisted Coding experience

Licensure/Certification Qualifications:

Certification/Licensure Requirements:

• Current certification with American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or AAPC and credentialed as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and/or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

FTE:

1

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Remote

Shift Rotation:

Day Rotation (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

8:00AM

Shift End Time:

4:30PM

Holidays:

No

Call Obligation:

No

Union:

DC USWA Main & Neighborhoods (DCUMN)

Union Posting Deadline:

10/26/2026

Compensation Range:

$25.54 - $37.76

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health:

At Essentia Health, we're committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at [phone].