Coding Specialist - Outpatient - Non-Exempt

Singing River Health System • Remote Mississippi, MS

3d • Remote

About The Position

The Outpatient Coding Specialist evaluates medical records and charges to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT coding standards. The specialist reviews records to identify diagnosis codes and procedures applicable to each patient encounter, selects the first-listed diagnosis and principal procedure, and assigns other diagnoses and procedures using outpatient coding conventions and guidelines. The role also involves abstracting appropriate information from medical records, seeking physician clarification for ambiguous or conflicting documentation, and querying for medical necessity. The specialist ensures coding follows ethical standards and regulatory requirements, maintains confidentiality and HIPAA compliance, and provides technical guidance and training on medical coding to physicians and staff.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completed coursework in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, disease processes, ICD-9/10-CM coding, and/or CPT coding.
• Certified, or able to become certified within one year of employment, by AHIMA, AAPC, or NHA as a CPC, COC, CCS-P, or equivalent coding certification.
• Once certified, complete all requirements, including continuing education, to maintain certification.
• Knowledge of ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS coding guidelines, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, state and federal Medicare reimbursement guidelines, and English grammar and usage.
• Ability to research and analyze data, draw conclusions, resolve issues, and interpret and apply policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Ability to read and interpret medical procedures and terminology.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing queries and related documents and maintaining working relationships with physicians and staff.
• Proficient computer and keyboard skills, including use of MS Outlook, Word, telephone, fax, and other office technology.
• Ability to demonstrate appropriate clinical judgment and apply professional skills to patients of all ages.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, multitask, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to work assigned schedules, which may change according to hospital needs, including changes to days off, shifts, or weekends.

Nice To Haves

• One year of healthcare-related work experience or coding experience directly applying codes, or an equivalent combination of expertise, education, and training.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate medical records and charges for completeness, accuracy, and coding compliance.
• Identify diagnosis codes and CPT procedures relative to patient encounters.
• Select the first-listed diagnosis and principal procedure, and assign other diagnoses and procedures according to outpatient coding guidelines.
• Abstract appropriate information from medical records.
• Seek clarification from physicians for ambiguous or conflicting documentation and query for medical necessity.
• Ensure coding complies with ethical coding standards, guidelines, and regulatory requirements.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to HIPAA guidelines and regulations.
• Provide technical guidance and training on medical coding to physicians and staff.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED