Senior Outpatient Coder

Essentia Health; Fargo (ND); On-site; USD 32,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Essentia Health is seeking a Hospital Coding professional to review clinical documentation and assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis and CPT/HCPCS codes for outpatient encounters. The role requires strong knowledge of coding guidelines and collaboration with clinicians to ensure accurate charges and reimbursement.

Successful completion of a coding program and current AHIMA or AAPC credentials are required. Remote/hybrid options may be available, with standard daytime shifts and no weekend requirements in

Qualifications

• Two years of hospital outpatient coding experience.
• Successful completion of a coding program including ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS.
• Current AHIMA or AAPC certification and credentialing.

Responsibilities

• Review documentation and assign ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS codes and modifiers.
• Query clinicians when documentation is unclear and provide coding feedback.
• Maintain high coding quality and productivity while supporting denial prevention.

Skills

Hospital outpatient coding

AHIMA/AAPC certification

Coding terminology

Education

Coding program diploma

Tools

Epic

3M Encoder

CAC (Computer Assisted Coding)

Job description

Job Title: HOSPITAL CODING - EH SS

Building Location: Fargo Distribution Serv Center

Department: 1006240

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.

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).

Work Details

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. Weekends: No. Holidays: No Call Obligation: No. Union: No.

Compensation Range

$23.06 - $34.59

Employee Benefits

• At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs.
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future.
• Invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs.
• Flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health.

Values

Quality | Hospitality | Respect | Joy | Justice | Stewardship | Teamwork

Equal Opportunity

Essentia Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Essentia Health does not discriminate in employment because of age, color, creed, culture, disability (physical or mental), ethnicity, familial status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, language, local Human Rights Commission activity, national origin, military service, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or public assistance status.

Job offers are contingent upon successful completion of post-offer screenings.

Screenings includes verification of your legal right to work in the United States, a health screening and immunization review, verification of applicable licensure, certifications, education, and experience, and background checks including criminal, urine drug screen and MVR where required.