Professional Type: Medical Coder
Specialty: Coder III
Contract Type: Long-Term Assignment (13 Weeks)
Shift: Day Shift
Schedule: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (40 hours/week)
Flexible start time between 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM
Compensation: - Hourly Rate: $25.00 - $30.00/hr
Position Overview: Inpatient Coder III - Remote Position (Temp-to-Hire Potential)
The Coder III is responsible for reviewing inpatient clinical documentation to accurately assign ICD-10-CM diagnosis and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes, along with appropriate Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs). This role supports internal and external statistical reporting, regulatory compliance, research, and reimbursement.
The ideal candidate will be skilled in coding complex, high-dollar cases and will serve as a mentor to less experienced coders.
Key Responsibilities: - Review inpatient clinical documentation to assign diagnosis/procedure codes and DRGs
- Code complex and high-dollar accounts including:
- Interventional radiology and cardiology
- Cardiovascular surgeries
- Major organ transplants
- Neurovascular surgeries
- Spinal fusions
- Level 1 trauma (multi-system) cases
- Analyze medical records using UHDDS guidelines
- Utilize CAC/encoder software and reference materials for accurate code assignment
- Ensure adherence to coding procedures, quality standards, and ethical guidelines
- Collaborate with Clinical Documentation Specialists (CDS) to ensure accurate DRG assignment
- Work with departments such as Quality Management, Billing, and Registration as needed
- Seek clarification from attending physicians when documentation is unclear
- Resolve coding edits and complete assigned cases daily
- Meet productivity and revenue cycle Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Requirements: - 2-3 years of progressive on-the-job inpatient coding experience
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) - Required and must be maintained
- Associate's Degree or equivalent experience
- Extensive knowledge of:
- ICD-10-CM diagnostic and ICD-10-PCS procedure coding
- UHDDS guidelines
- DRG assignment for complex inpatient cases
- Computer-Assisted Coding (CAC) tools and encoders
- Adherence to AHIMA/AAPC coding standards and ethical guidelines