Sr Clinical Coding Specialist - Inpatient

UT MD Anderson

Houston (TX)

Hybrid

USD 67,000 - 100,000

Full time

2 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Employer-paid medical coverage fromday

PTO and holidays

Tuition Assistance Program

Defined-benefit pension

Job summary

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center seeks a Senior Clinical Coding Specialist to ensure accurate inpatient data, support regulatory compliance, and drive quality initiatives. This remote-allowable Texas role requires extensive experience in ICD-10-CM/PCS, DRG assignment, and physician queries, with leadership in coding accuracy and data integrity.

The ideal candidate holds RHIA/RHIT/CCS credentials, has strong knowledge of 3M, Epic, and AHIMA guidelines, and can collaborate with physicians and

Qualifications

Associate degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field.
5+ years clinical coding experience for complex or multi-specialties.

Responsibilities

Communicate effectively with inpatient coding team, management, peers, business office personnel.
Provide detailed questions and feedback to management regarding coding questions and education needs.
Deliver constructive feedback for internal/external coding corrections and re-review requests.
Report workflow concerns and system issues to management.
Advance professional knowledge through continuing education, coding rounds, and seminars.
Participate in discussions on documentation challenges and coding compliance concerns.
Provide feedback on Coding Clinic updates and coding practice improvements.
Actively participate in team and departmental meetings.

Skills

Inpatient coding

Physician queries

Attention to detail

Regulatory compliance

Communication

Education

Associate degree in HIM/healthcare

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

3M Coding Software

Epic

Job description

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a world-renowned institution dedicated to cancer care, research, education, and prevention. Within the Revenue Operations and Coding department, the Senior Clinical Coding Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of coded clinical data that supports patient care, operational performance, and regulatory requirements. The Senior Clinical Coding Specialist reviews complex inpatient medical records, assigns appropriate codes, and serves as a key resource for coded data interpretation and quality initiatives.

The Senior Clinical Coding Specialist is responsible for analyzing medical records, abstracting clinical data, and assigning diagnosis and procedure codes in accordance with established coding classification systems and regulatory guidelines. The Senior Clinical Coding Specialist collaborates with physicians, coding leadership, and operational teams to ensure documentation accuracy and coding compliance while supporting the mission of UT MD Anderson.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related healthcare field, along with professional coding credentials such as RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification. Candidates should have extensive experience coding complex or multi-specialty clinical records, strong knowledge of inpatient coding methodologies, and expertise in ICD-10-CM/PCS, DRG assignment, compliance standards, and physician query practices.

Minimum $67,000 annually - Midpoint $83,500 annually - Maximum $100,000 annually

Work Location: Remote (within Texas only) -Must come onsite as needed.

Why Us?

At UT MD Anderson, the Senior Clinical Coding Specialist contributes directly to the institution's mission by ensuring the accuracy of clinical data used to support patient care, operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and reimbursement processes. This role offers opportunities for continued professional development through coding education, collaboration with expert healthcare professionals, and meaningful work that supports one of the nation's leading cancer centers, while providing flexibility through a remote work arrangement within Texas.

Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

People/Service

Communicate effectively with members of the inpatient coding team, management, peers, business office personnel, and external customers
Provide detailed questions and supportive feedback to management and coordinators regarding coding questions, quality reviews, and education or training needs
Deliver constructive feedback for internal and external coding corrections, edits, and re-review requests
Promptly report workflow concerns and system issues to management Development/Innovation
Advance professional knowledge through continuing education, coding rounds, seminars, professional literature, and other educational forums
Participate in discussions regarding documentation challenges and coding compliance concerns
Provide feedback regarding potential Coding Clinic updates and coding practice improvements
Actively participate in team meetings and departmental staff meetings

Coding Quality/Protected Health Information

Maintain discharged not final billed thresholds as directed by coding leadership
Apply official coding guidelines, Coding Clinic guidance, and departmental coding policies accurately and consistently
Demonstrate understanding of disease processes, major complications, chronic conditions, and present on admission indicators
Initiate compliant and impactful physician queries when documentation requires clarification
Review and interpret medical record documentation for coding accuracy
Assign accurate MS-DRG, APR-DRG, POA, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and PSI codes for inpatient hospital records
Utilize 3M software, Epic, and coding references to support coding activities
Ensure coding accuracy, completeness, and compliance with applicable standards

Compliance & Data Integrity

Adhere to the Standards of Ethical Coding established by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
Follow official coding conventions and coding guidelines
Maintain compliance with HIPAA regulations and protected health information requirements
Perform additional business-related duties and responsibilities as assigned

EDUCATION

Required: Associate's Degree Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or related healthcare field.
Preferred: Bachelor's Degree Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or related healthcare field.

Work Experience

Required: 5 years Clinical coding experience for complex or multi-specialties. or
Required: 3 years Clinical coding experience for complex or multi-specialties with preferred degree.
May substitute required education degree with additional years of equivalent experience on a one to one basis.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Required: RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or
Required: RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or
Required: CCS-Certified Coding Specialist American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or
Required: CCA - Certified Coding Associate American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or
Required: Certified Coder-AHIMA or AAPC American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon Hire or
Required: CPC-A - Cert Prof Coder-Apprentice American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon Hire or
Required: COC - Certified Outpatient Coding American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Upon Hire
Preferred: RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or
Preferred: RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or
Preferred: CCS-Certified Coding Specialist American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Upon Hire or

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

Must pass pre-employment skills test as required and administered by Human Resources.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law. http://www.mdanderson.org/about-us/legal-and-policy/legal-statements/eeo-affirmative-action.html

Additional Information