Aug 21, 2026

Hospital Surgery Observation Coder

Job Description

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.

Pay Range

$25.50 - $43.26 /hour

We are an equal opportunity employer.