Overview
The Abstractor/Coder II performs complex, specialty‑specific coding in support of orthopedic practices across multiple locations. This role applies advanced knowledge of CPT, ICD‑10, and HCPCS coding systems, along with payer and regulatory requirements, to ensure accurate, compliant charge capture and documentation.
Working with minimal supervision, the Abstractor/Coder II codes highly complex services, resolves coding edits, denials, and rejections, and partners with providers to improve documentation and optimize reimbursement. The role serves as a subject matter expert to clinical staff and supports revenue integrity through issue resolution and education.
This position also contributes to quality and compliance efforts by identifying coding trends and risks, conducting reviews, and supporting training initiatives. The Abstractor/Coder II mentors less experienced coders and adheres to all HIPAA and organizational standards.
Responsibilities
Maintain 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.
Code highly complex orthopedic services, maintaining departmental standards for productivity and accuracy.
Work under minimal supervision, applying specialized subject‑matter expertise.
Ensure all services documented in the patient’s medical record are coded with appropriate diagnoses and procedure codes; when documentation is incomplete, obtain proper documentation in a timely manner following established protocols.
Research and resolve coding‑related system edits, payer rejections, and insurance denials.
Act as a knowledge resource to clinical staff on billing code matters; provide feedback to providers on documentation and charge capture to optimize revenue.
Identify risk areas and error trends across providers, procedures, facilities, and coders.
Understand and uphold HIPAA regulations, treating all patient information with confidentiality and securing it appropriately.
Escalate issues as appropriate (e.g., to Director of Revenue or Compliance Office).
Serve as a mentor and trainer to less experienced coders and answer questions as needed.
Collaborate with Director or Associate Director to implement training plans for new coders and coders learning new specialties.
Perform quality reviews.
Execute other duties as assigned.
Competencies
Work well with other members of the coding and billing team to ensure maximum efficiency and reimbursement of properly documented services.
Communicate in a professional and collaborative manner.
Maintain a calm and courteous demeanor while working with less experienced staff.
Work in a fast‑paced department and handle multiple tasks.
Education & Experience
High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
5 years of coding experience with at least 3 years coding highly complex services in a specialty required.
4 years of experience coding physician services or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelor’s program with an RHIA required.
Prior experience with electronic billing and medical record systems (e.g., Epic, Last Word, IDX) is required.
Prior experience in an academic medical center or large, complex hospital‑physician billing group preferred.
Prior experience working with medicine primary and sub‑specialty physician and procedure coding strongly preferred.
Prior experience with Epic Professional Billing preferred.
Prior experience coding in an academic medical center setting preferred.
Licenses & Certifications
Must have one of the following: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist‑Physician‑Based (CCS‑P), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Specialty certification preferred.
Technical Knowledge
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required.
Knowledge and experience of billing and coding practices required.
Working Conditions
Standard Office Environment: Remote.
Use standard office equipment.
Sit for 4 hours or more.
Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options for coders in good standing.
Pay Range
$29.97 – $45.59 hourly
Benefits
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
Job Status & Additional Information
Union: 024‑Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical
Job is Exempt: No
Drug Test Required: No
Health Screen Required: No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required: No
Equal Opportunity Employer
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
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.
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.
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