Senior Inpatient Coder

Job Description:

This position is responsible for reviewing clinical documentation and assigning ICD-10-CM diagnosis, PCS procedure codes, and the DRG to ensure proper reimbursement for complex inpatient accounts. Requires extensive knowledge and understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines, MS-DRG and APR-DRG reimbursement systems, medical terminology, and disease processes. Works closely with Clinical Documentation Integrity and clinicians to ensure complete and accurate documentation, coding, and final DRG assignment. Adheres to the quality and productivity standards set by the department.

Education Qualifications:

Key Responsibilities:

• Evaluates health record documentation and accurate reimbursement by ensuring that ICD-10-CM diagnostic and PCS procedural codes accurately reflect and support the inpatient hospital admission

• Identifies documentation clarification opportunities to ensure that documentation supports the coding and DRG assignment. Initiates coding queries and provides feedback to clinicians

• Reviews Local Coverage Determination (LCD)/National Coverage Determination (NCD) policies for ICD-10-CM diagnoses that support medical necessity for services provided

• Works with the coding denials team for education and assists with DRG denial prevention solutions

• Ensures inpatient accounts are coded accurately and in a timely manner

• Consistently maintains coding quality (95% accuracy) and productivity expectations

• Assists with the training of inpatient coders

• Performs related duties as required

Educational Requirements:

• Successful completion of a coding program, which included coursework in ICD-10-CM/PCS, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology and disease processes

Required Qualifications:

• Two (2) years of hospital inpatient/DRG coding experience

• Passing score on the Essentia Health senior inpatient coding skills assessment

Preferred Qualifications:

• Epic experience

• 3M Encoder experience

• Computer Assisted Coding experience

Licensure/Certification Qualifications:

Certification/Licensure Requirements:

• Current certification with American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or AAPC and credentialed as Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), and/or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)

Employee Benefits at Essentia Health: At Essentia Health, we’re committed to supporting your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Our comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, along with supplemental options to fit your needs. We offer a 401(k) plan with employer contributions to help you plan for the future, and we invest in your professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs. To help you thrive both at work and at home, we provide flexible scheduling, generous time off, and wellness resources focused on your physical, mental, and emotional health. Please note that benefit eligibility may vary. For full details, refer to your benefit summary or contact our HR Service Center at View phone number on click.appcast.io. Job Location: Business Service Center Shift Rotation: Day Rotation (United States of America) Shift Start/End: Days/Days Hours Per Pay Period: 80 Compensation Range: $25.54 - $37.76 / hour Union: DC USWA Main & Neighborhoods (DCUMN) FTE: 1 Weekends: NO