Lead Coder – Hospital Outpatient

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

3d•$26 - $46•Remote

About The Position

The Clinical Coding Coordinator (Lead Coder) for Hospital Outpatient Coding serves as a senior coding resource and subject matter expert supporting coding professionals across multiple outpatient specialties. The role focuses on guidance for complex coding questions, quality reviews, accurate code assignment, charge capture, and regulatory compliance rather than primarily on production coding. The outpatient services covered include emergency department, observation, same-day surgery, interventional radiology, cardiac catheterization, infusion services, and other hospital-based outpatient care. This is a fully remote position with UVA Health. The coordinator researches and resolves challenging CPT, HCPCS, modifier, and regulatory issues; provides education, mentoring, and feedback; supports charge capture and reimbursement; assists with coding updates and regulatory changes; and partners with coding leadership to identify trends and improvement opportunities. The role involves extensive desktop computer use and occasional travel some distance to attend meetings and programs. The position offers an hourly pay range of $26.00–$45.68. Individual compensation depends on the selected candidate's qualifications, previous work experience, and/or education. UVA Health describes itself as a nationally recognized academic medical center and health system committed to patient care, innovation, professional growth, coding quality, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
At least 5 years of relevant hospital coding experience.
Significant experience with complex cases.
Active professional coding certification through AHIMA or AAPC, including RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CPC, or COC.
Advanced critical thinking skills and ability to interpret complex clinical documentation.
Strong communication skills and ability to provide clear, accurate guidance on coding standards and documentation requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate's degree.
Recent hospital outpatient coding experience in a major academic medical center, with expertise in complex coding and new technologies.
Experience in coding quality reviews, auditing, or lead/educator roles.
AHIMA credentials of RHIA or RHIT with CCS.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary resource for complex outpatient coding and charging questions.
Perform coding audits and quality reviews to promote coding accuracy and consistency.
Research and resolve challenging CPT, HCPCS, modifier, and regulatory issues.
Provide education, mentoring, and feedback to coding professionals.
Support accurate charge capture and reimbursement through coding guidance and review.
Assist with implementation of coding updates and regulatory changes.
Partner with coding leadership to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.