Medical Coder - Observation

Outpatient Coding Specialist

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

This position is full-time (40 hours/week) Monday-Friday, normal business hours. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Expert knowledge in all facility outpatient coding types: Observation
• Identify appropriate assignment of ICD-10 Codes, CPT and modifiers for facility services while adhering to the official coding guidelines and established client coding guidelines of the assigned facility
• Adhere to the ethical standards of coding as established by AAPC and/or AHIMA
• Adhere to and maintain required levels of performance in both coding quality and productivity as established by Optum
• Understand the Medicare Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) codes
• Query physicians and forms when appropriate
• Knowledge of ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS coding systems, strong medical terminology
• Knowledge of NCCI edit policies, Medicare LCD and NCD policies
• Maintain up-to-date coding knowledge by reviewing materials disseminated / recommended by the QM Manager, Coding Operations Managers, and Director of Coding / Quality Management, among others
• Participate in coding department meetings and educational events
• Additional responsibilities as identified by manager

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED
• Professional coder certification with credentialing from AHIMA and/or AAPC (CCA, CCS, RHIA, RHIT, CPC-H/COC, CIC, CCS-P, CPC) to be maintained annually
• 2+ years of experience with ICD-10, CPT, and modifiers
• 2+ years of experience in observation coding
• Intermediate level of experience working with a PC in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Excel (create and edit spreadsheets) and various EMR systems with ease
• Intermediate level of attention to detail, accuracy and communication

Telecommuting Requirements:

• Required to have a dedicated work area established that is separated from other living areas and provides information privacy
• Ability to keep all company sensitive documents secure (if applicable)
• Must live in a location where there is a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The hourly pay for this role will range from $20 to $36 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.