Inpatient Coder - Hospital

Houston MethodistPosted: 2026-08-08At Houston Methodist, the Inpatient Coder position is responsible for ensuring diagnostic and procedure codes are assigned accurately to inpatient encounters based upon documentation within the electronic medical record while maintaining compliance with established rules and regulatory guidelines.FLSA STATUSNon-exemptQUALIFICATIONSEDUCATIONAssociate’s degree or higher in a CAHIIM accredited program or additional two years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) in lieu of degreeEXPERIENCEOne year of relevant inpatient coding experience or successful completion of the Houston Methodist Coding Apprentice Program or Outpatient to Inpatient Coder Transition ProgramLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONSRequiredMust have one of the following:• RHIT - Certified Health Information Technician (AHIMA)• RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator (AHIMA)• CCS - Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)SKILLS AND ABILITIESDemonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluationsSufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or securityAbility to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principlesKnowledge of coding classification systems, DRG and APC systems, official coding guidelines and coding complianceKnowledge of an electronic medical record and imaging systems preferredWorking knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiologyProficiency with electronic encoder application preferredExtensive PC knowledge - must be able to work effectively in common office software, coding software and abstracting systemsESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSPEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSInteracts and communicates effectively with members of the coding team and the appropriate stakeholders.Participates and provides good feedback during coding section meetings and coding education inservices as well as takes initiative to assist others and shares knowledge with the appropriate stakeholders.SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSResponds promptly to internal and external customer requests. Responds promptly and appropriately to requests to code or review coded accounts for accuracy.QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSMaintains and achieves the highest standards of coding quality by assigning accurate/ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS codes utilizing an electronic encoder application in accordance with hospital policy and regulatory body guidelines.Maintains and achieves department standards of abstracting quality by reviewing accurate discharge disposition entered by nursing and corrects if necessary in order to achieve the highest quality of entered data. Assigns and enters physician identification number and procedure date correctly in the medical record abstracting system.Reviews medical record documentation and abstracts data into the encoder and EPIC/Electronic Health Record (EHR) to determine principal or final diagnosis, co-morbid conditions and complications, secondary conditions and procedures. Complies with the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to official guidelines.Consistently codes and abstracts at departmental standards of productivity while ensuring accuracy of coding.Supports meeting organizational goal for Accounts Receivables (AR) associated with uncoded accounts.Maintains coding timeframes within established departmental standards by ensuring all work items assigned to the coding queues are processed in a timely manner.GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSCritically evaluates her or his own performance, accepts constructive criticism, and looks for ways to improve.Contributes ideas to help improve quality of coding data and abstracting data.YesOther (department approved): NoON-CALL**Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. On Call* NoTRAVEL**Travel specifications may vary by departmentMay require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area YesMay require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area YesQUALIFICATIONSEDUCATIONAssociate’s degree or higher in a CAHIIM accredited program or additional two years of experience (in addition to the minimum experience requirements listed below) in lieu of degreeEXPERIENCEOne year of relevant inpatient coding experience or successful completion of the Houston Methodist Coding Apprentice Program or Outpatient to Inpatient Coder Transition ProgramLICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONSRequiredMust have one of the following:• RHIT - Certified Health Information Technician (AHIMA)• RHIA - Registered Health Information Administrator (AHIMA)• CCS - Certified Coding Specialist (AHIMA)Company Profile:Houston Methodist is one of the nation’s leading health systems and academic medical centers. The health system consists of eight hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital, its flagship academic hospital in the Texas Medical Center, seven community hospitals and one long-term acute care hospital throughout the Greater Houston metropolitan area. international patient services; freestanding comprehensive care clinics, emergency care and imaging centers; and outpatient facilities.