Billing and Coding Assistant

Billing and Coding Assistant

The Department of Anesthesiology is seeking a Billing and Coding Assistant to serve as a key resource in the oversight and optimization of professional fee coding and compliance activities. Reporting to the Coding Manager, this role is responsible for independently reviewing complex clinical documentation, interpreting coding and payer regulations, and ensuring accurate and compliant charge capture across multiple service lines.

This position exercises independent judgment in the application of coding standards, proactively identifies compliance risks, and partners with providers and leadership to resolve documentation and coding issues that impact regulatory adherence and revenue integrity. The individual in this role serves as a subject matter expert and plays a critical role in supporting departmental financial and compliance objectives.

Responsibilities

• Independently review and interpret clinical documentation to ensure accurate, compliant, and complete charge capture across pain medicine and related specialties
• Apply advanced knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, and modifier usage, including evaluation and management, procedural, and behavioral health coding
• Analyze and interpret government and commercial payer policies; determine appropriate coding approaches in complex or ambiguous scenarios
• Identify coding trends, discrepancies, and potential compliance risks; take appropriate action to resolve issues and mitigate risk
• Serve as a subject matter expert for providers and staff, providing guidance on documentation requirements, coding standards, and regulatory changes
• Collaborate directly with physicians, advanced practice providers, and clinical staff to resolve complex documentation issues and improve coding accuracy
• Exercise independent judgment in determining when documentation supports billing, when clarification is required, and when escalation is necessary
• Conduct ongoing review of charge sessions and coding work queues to ensure accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with departmental standards
• Monitor and analyze reports to identify patterns, gaps, and opportunities for process improvement and revenue optimization
• Support internal audits and compliance initiatives; assist in the development and implementation of corrective actions as needed
• Contribute to process improvement efforts, including recommending enhancements to workflows, systems, and coding practices
• Stay current on regulatory updates, coding changes, and industry best practices; apply this knowledge to departmental operations
• Provide cross-coverage and support for other coding areas, including anesthesia services and subspecialty procedures, as needed
• Perform additional duties and participate in special projects as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in education and experience
• Minimum of four (4) years of professional coding experience in a healthcare setting, including complex specialty coding

Preferred Qualifications

• AAPC CPC, CANPC, or equivalent certification required (non-apprentice designation strongly preferred)
• Demonstrated expertise in professional services coding, including evaluation and management (inpatient and outpatient)
• Strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology
• Experience interpreting payer policies and applying regulatory guidance in complex scenarios
• Epic or similar electronic health record experience preferred

Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

Columbia University is committed to the hiring of qualified local residents.