Senior Outpatient Coder

Paradox; Fargo (ND); Remote; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Wellness resources

Flexible scheduling

Job summary

Essentia Health in Fargo is seeking an experienced outpatient coder to review clinical documentation and assign ICD-10-CM diagnoses, CPT/HCPCS procedures, and modifiers for complex accounts, ensuring proper reimbursement.

The role requires two years of hospital outpatient coding experience, completion of a coding program, and AHIMA/AAPC certification. A remote option is available per department guidelines, with standard shift times and collaboration with clinicians and the coding denials team.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of a coding program including ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS coursework.
• Two years hospital outpatient coding experience.
• Passing score on Essentia Health coding skills assessment.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate health record documentation to assign ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS codes.
• Identify documentation gaps and initiate coding queries with clinicians.
• Review LCD/NCD policies to support medical necessity.
• Collaborate with the denials team to reduce coding errors.
• Ensure outpatient accounts are coded accurately and promptly.
• Maintain coding quality of 95% accuracy and productivity targets.
• Assist with training outpatient coders.
• Perform related duties as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication with clinicians

Education

Coding program completion

AHIMA/AAPC certification (RHIA/RHIT/CPC/CCS/CCS-P)

Tools

Epic experience

3M Encoder experience

Computer Assisted Coding

Job description

Building Location:

Fargo Distribution Serv Center

Department:

1006240 HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS

Job Description:

This position is responsible for reviewing clinical documentation and assigning ICD-10-CM diagnosis, CPT/HCPCS procedure codes, and modifiers to ensure proper reimbursement for complex outpatient accounts. Requires extensive knowledge and understanding of ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS coding guidelines, medical terminology, and disease processes. Works closely with clinicians and operations to ensure complete and accurate documentation, coding, and charges for the services provided. 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 CPT/HCPCS procedural codes, and modifiers accurately reflect and support the hospital-based outpatient encounter
• Identifies documentation clarification opportunities to ensure that documentation supports the coding and charges for the services provided. 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 denial prevention solutions
• Ensures outpatient accounts are coded accurately and in a timely manner
• Consistently maintains coding quality (95% accuracy) and productivity expectations
• Assists with the training of outpatient coders
• Performs related duties as required

Educational Requirements:

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

Required Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of hospital outpatient coding experience
• Passing score on the Essentia Health senior outpatient coding skills assessment

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 Coding Specialist-Physician-Based (CCS-P)

FTE:

1

Possible Remote/Hybrid Option:

Remote

Shift Rotation:

Rotating Shift (United States of America)

Shift Start Time:

8:00 AM

Shift End Time:

5:00 PM

Holidays:

No

Call Obligation:

No

Compensation Range:

$23.06 - $34.59

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 your HR Service Center at [phone].