Inpatient Coder III - Per Diem: Remote

Hours: Up to 30 hours per week. Flexible scheduling for month-end, vacation coverage, and other needs. Weekend coverage strongly preferred. Start and end times are flexible.

Schedule

• Virtual orientation on start date (Monday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM EST)
• Ability to conduct training during 6 AM – 6 PM EST, Monday through Friday
• 100% remote

About the Role

This position reviews medical records to ensure accurate specificity of diagnoses and procedures for inpatient admissions. The role involves effective utilization of ICD-10 CM and PCS codes according to coding guidelines, communication with providers and staff regarding missing documentation, and management of deficiencies in Epic. You will work with leadership to review denial reports, participate in audits, and ensure accurate documentation, code capture, and billing.

Responsibilities

• Verifies and abstracts clinical and demographic data from patient records.
• Performs chart audits prior to coding to ensure required documentation is complete and signed.
• Queries providers or departments when deficiencies prevent coding.
• Accurately assigns ICD-10 CM and ICD-10 PCS codes based on medical record documentation.
• Reviews reports with leadership to identify discrepancies and denial reports.
• Identifies and evaluates coding issues, summarizes findings, and recommends corrective actions.
• Works with physicians to resolve discrepancies in coding and documentation.
• Ensures timely and accurate submission of all accounts.
• Collaborates with Compliance, Educators, and Auditors.
• Codes and abstracts medical records within 72 hours of patient discharge.
• Follows up on assigned discharges for final coding.
• Acts as a resource for coding questions from interdepartmental staff.
• Documents results of special projects and provides recommendations.
• Attends meetings and participates in projects to ensure accurate code capture.
• Maintains strong relationships with providers and office personnel to facilitate communication.
• Promotes excellent customer service and identifies process improvement opportunities.
• Participates in coding audits to maintain quality standards and provides feedback.
• Works closely with the DRG Validator to uphold high coding standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT).
• Three (3) years of ICD-10-CM and PCS coding experience.
• EMR experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s degree.
• Five (5) years of inpatient ICD-10-CM and PCS coding experience within a Teaching hospital or Level One Trauma Center.
• Epic and CAC experience.

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle intense workloads.
• Proficiency in Excel and basic computer skills.
• Working knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT coding systems, DRG, APG, government and commercial payor policies, Coding Clinic, disease processes, medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology.
• Ability to read and write in English.

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary role requiring sitting for extended periods; occasional standing and walking.
• Intense mental focus, especially when managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Manual dexterity for computer keyboard operation.
• Ability to view computer screens and reports.

Pay

Base pay range: $31.92 – $39.90 per hour.