Operating since 1927 on a strong foundation of multidisciplinary clinical and academic excellence, the University of Chicago Department of Surgery's mission is to meet the most challenging and complex health problems on both a local and global scale. Many of our faculty members are known for their contributions to the advancement of groundbreaking surgical procedures and techniques, including minimally invasive surgery. In addition to our department's clinical work, our scientists pursue a diverse range of basic, translational, and clinical research projects, including studies on the gut microbiome, tissue bioengineering, stem cell research, cancer, and immunotolerance. This ongoing work and achievement would not be possible without the cohesive effort and commitment of the faculty and staff. We are looking for high energy, collaborative individuals who share our commitment to improving the health of patients in the community and beyond.Job Summary:
The Abstractor/Coder II for the Department of Surgery performs a full range of complex specialty coding in support of multiple surgical practices in multiple locations.
Responsibilities:
Maintains an expert level of knowledge of CPT, ICD-10 and HCPCS coding principles, modifier usage, medical terminology, HIPAA compliance, governmental regulations and third-party payer requirements pertaining to billing, coding and documentation.
Codes highly complex services in two or more surgical specialties, maintaining departmental standards for productivity and accuracy.
Works under minimal supervision using specialized expertise in the subject matter.
Ensures all services documented in the patient’s medical record are coded with appropriate diagnoses and procedure codes. When services are not documented appropriately, seeks to attain proper documentation in a timely manner based upon established protocols.
Researches and resolves coding related system edits, payer rejections, and insurance denials.
Acts as a knowledge resource to clinical staff in billing code matters. Provides feedback to providers on how to improve documentation and charge capture to ensure revenue optimization.
Identifies risk areas and error trends for providers, procedures, facilities and/or coders.
Understands HIPPA regulations, treats all patient information and data with complete confidentiality and takes all precaution to secure this information.
Escalates issues as appropriate (e.g., to Director of Revenue or Compliance Office).
Serves as a mentor and trainer to less experienced coders and answers questions as needed.
Works with Director or Associate Director to implement training plans for new coders and coders learning new specialties.
Performs quality reviews.
Other duties as assigned.
Competencies:
Ability to work well with other members of the coding and billing team to ensure maximum efficiency and reimbursement of properly documented services.
Ability to communicate in a professional and collaborative manner.
Maintain calm and courteous demeanor while working with less experienced staff.
Ability to work in a fast-paced department and handle multiple tasks.
Education, Experience, or Certifications:
Education:
High school diploma or GED required.
Experience:
5 years of coding experience with 3 or more years coding highly complex services in 2 of the following specialties required: General/Colorectal Surgery, Transplant, Cardiac Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Urology, Orthopaedics, Trauma, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology.
Licenses and Certifications:
Coding certification through a nationally accredited body (AAPC or AHIMA) or degree (RIA or RHIT) required.
Specialty certification preferred.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
Standard Office Environment.
Use Standard Office Equipment.
Sit for 4 hours or more.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options for coders in good standing.
Pay Range:
$26.95 - $41.00 hourly
Required Documents:
Resume
Cover Letter
When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.