Aug 19, 2026

Hospital Surgery Observation Coder

Job Description

Hospital Surgery Observation Coder

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 2,300 clinics, care sites and 158 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings.

The posted compensation range of $25.50 - $43.26/hour is a reasonable estimate that extends from the lowest to the highest pay CommonSpirit in good faith believes it might pay for this particular job, based on the circumstances at the time of posting. CommonSpirit may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range as permitted by law.

Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Hospital Surgery Observation Coder, you will code and abstract outpatient records for data retrieval, analysis, reimbursement, and research, bringing your unique talents to our supportive team.

Every day you will meticulously code and enter diagnostic and procedure codes into a designated system using the 3M encoder, navigate the EMR efficiently, and ensure all coding meets quality and productivity standards across all facilities.

To be successful in this role, you will possess advanced coding expertise, a strong understanding of diagnostic and procedure codes (especially for surgery/observation), meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to meet high productivity and quality standards while working collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

  • Primary coding consists of Hospital OP Surgeries and/or Observation services.
  • Accurately assigns codes from the current Coding and Indexing systems for surgical and observations accounts, creates APC assignments while adhering to coding guidelines, regulations and compliance plan.
  • Coding of multiple body systems surgical procedures or multiple length of stay observation services that may consist of surgical procedures.
  • Accurately abstracts pertinent information from outpatient records into the designated computer system and utilizes reports/work queues effectively for follow up.
  • Understanding of coding edits and accurately resolves edits pre/post coding.
  • Accurately assigns appropriate coding modifiers.

Along with CO, KS and NM, this position is open to remote/out of state candidates residing in only these states:

  • Alabama- Arizona- Arkansas- Colorado
  • Florida- Georgia- Idaho- Indiana
  • Iowa- Kansas - Kentucky- Louisiana
  • Missouri- Mississippi- Nebraska- New Mexico
  • North Carolina- Ohio- Oklahoma- South Carolina
  • South Dakota- Tennessee- Texas- Utah
  • Virginia- West Virginia- Wyoming

Job Requirements

Required

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Current AHIMA credentials (i.e. RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCSP) or AAPC credential (COC, CIC, CPCH, CPC), must be certified within one (1) year of hire
  • Minimum of three (3) years of experience in an acute care setting
  • Must demonstrate competency of outpatient coding guidelines and APC assignment
  • Demonstrate intermediate to advanced technical coding competency in ICD10 CM, CPT4, HCPCS and coding modifiers
  • Knowledge of disease management, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology and coding systems (i.e. 3M)
  • Basic knowledge of computer applications and emails

Preferred

  • Associate's Degree
  • Experience successfully working in a remote environment

Where You'll Work

With more than 700 care sites across the U.S. from clinics and hospitals to home-based care and virtual care services CommonSpirit is accessible to nearly one out of every four U.S. residents. Our world needs compassion like never before. Our communities need caring and our families need protection. With our combined resources CommonSpirit is committed to building healthy communities advocating for those who are poor and vulnerable and innovating how and where healing can happen both inside our hospitals and out in the community.

Total Rewards

Depending on the position offered, CommonSpirit Health offers a generous benefit package, including but not limited to medical, prescription drug, dental, vision plans, life insurance, paid time off (full-time benefit eligible team members may receive a minimum of 14 paid time off days, including holidays annually), tuition reimbursement, retirement plan benefit(s) including, but not limited to, 401(k), 403(b), and other defined benefits offerings, as may be amended from time to time. For more information, please visit our Total Rewards.

Unless directed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement, applications for this position will be considered on a rolling basis. CommonSpirit Health cannot anticipate the date by which a successful candidate may be identified.