Outpatient Professional Coder

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

At Henry Ford Health, we're committed to advancing health and improving lives for the millions of people we serve across Michigan and around the world. As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, we provide a comprehensive continuum of care that includes primary and preventive services, specialty and complex care, virtual care, pharmacy, home health, eye care, health insurance, and more. With 12 hospitals and hundreds of ambulatory care locations, including former Ascension Southeast Michigan and Flint Region facilities, our growing network expands access to exceptional care in the communities we serve.

Headquartered in Detroit, Henry Ford Health is helping shape the future of healthcare through the transformative Future of Health: Detroit initiative, a $3 billion investment that is redefining our academic healthcare campus and advancing innovation, research, education, and community impact.

Our work is grounded in purpose, collaboration, and belonging. We empower team members to grow their careers, contribute innovative ideas, and make a meaningful difference every day. Whether you're caring for patients, supporting operations, conducting research, or driving new solutions, you'll be part of a team united by a shared mission: delivering exceptional care, advancing health outcomes, and building healthier communities for all. Job Description

 

GENERAL SUMMARY:

As an Outpatient Professional Coder, you'll play a vital role in our healthcare organization by translating complex medical documentation into accurate diagnostic and procedural codes that drive both reimbursement and quality patient care. Your expertise in coding principles and procedures directly impacts our organization's financial health, data integrity, and ability to support medical research and clinical decision-making. This position ensures compliance with coding guidelines and regulations while optimizing reimbursement and maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.

 

 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Documentation & Analysis

• Conduct thorough reviews of patient medical records to identify all diagnostic and operative procedures requiring coding

• Analyze provider documentation with precision to assign or verify appropriate Evaluation & Management (E&M) CPT codes

• Collaborate with medical staff to clarify documentation and ensure complete, accurate information capture

 

Coding Expertise & Accuracy

• Apply advanced technical coding principles and APC reimbursement expertise to assign appropriate ICD-9-CM diagnoses and CPT procedures

• Assign diagnostic and procedural codes in strict accordance with established coding guidelines and best practices, utilizing encoder software

• Review and assign appropriate charges and facility E/M levels with attention to detail and regulatory compliance

 

Quality Assurance & Compliance

• Verify completeness of medical records within the electronic medical record system and report discrepancies to supervisors

• Request and verify supporting documentation to ensure full compliance with coding standards and third-party reimbursement policies

• Review system-generated error reports to identify, correct, and complete missing data elements

• Review and resolve coding errors, edits, rejections, and disputes with accuracy and professionalism

 

Professional Standards & Compliance

• Maintain current working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and organizational policies

• Uphold the Organizational Integrity Program and Standards of Conduct, demonstrating honest, ethical, and professional behavior in all interactions

• Adhere to Remote Coding Program Policy requirements if participating in remote coding opportunities

• Perform additional related duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• High School Diploma or G.E.D. equivalent required.
• Some college or additional coursework in Accounting, Business, Healthcare Administration or Medical Record Sciences preferred.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, disease processes, medical terminology, pharmacology, and coding systems. Six (6) months prior coding experience preferred, but not required.  

 

CERTIFICATIONS/LICENSURES REQUIRED:

• Certification as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), RHIT Certification eligibility,  or  CPC, CPC-A, CCS, CCP or CCA certification required.
• Must meet or exceed core customer service responsibilities, standards and behaviors as outlined in the HFHS’ Customer Service Policy
• Must practice the customer skills as provided through on-going training and in-services.

Additional Information

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Normal office environment with minimal exposure to noise, dust, or extreme temperatures.