Hospital Coder 2 (Experienced) - Health Information Management - Full Time

Concord Hospital • Concord, NH

69d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Hospital Coder 2 (Experienced) position involves reviewing a variety of reports for clinical and demographic information, assigning appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and/or CPT/HCPC procedure codes, and entering this information into the electronic system to maintain a complete and accurate clinical data base. The role is primarily responsible for performing advanced coding of outpatient hospital services, including Emergency Department/Urgent Care encounters, Observation/IV administration, Outpatient in a Bed, Ambulatory Surgery, and Ancillary/Recurring accounts. This position ensures accurate, complete, and compliant assignment of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes in accordance with AMA, CMS, and official coding guidelines. The coder audits provider documentation to ensure compliance with documentation and coding guidelines and utilizes both manual and AI-assisted coding platforms to optimize accuracy, compliance, and throughput. Additionally, the role ensures data integrity for quality reporting, population health, and financial reimbursement purposes, and queries providers for clarifying documentation as needed.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of recent hospital coding experience required.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist Physician (CCS-P), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), or Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) (AHIMA or AAPC) required.
• Familiarity with outpatient reimbursement methodologies, including the Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) and associated regulations.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Health Information Technology or related field preferred.
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) preferred.
• CPC credentialed coders with hospital-based experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Analyze electronic medical records to identify all episodes of care, extract demographic and clinical documentation, and apply accurate codes based on ICD-10-CM/AMA guidelines.
• Process work to meet or exceed departmental productivity and quality targets, consistent with industry standards.
• Demonstrate competency to perform the role by completing yearly competency testing related to organizational compliance education, departmental operations, and regulatory coding standards.
• Use encoder (3M) with Coders Desk Reference, CPT Assistant, and AHA Coding Clinics reference tools to enhance standardization, quality, and consistency.
• Query physicians when documentation is incomplete, unclear, or inconsistent, following CDI and query compliance guidelines.
• Prioritize and manage daily work queues to support DNFB reduction and timely billing.
• Protect patient privacy and ensure data integrity in compliance with HIPAA and facility policies.
• Participate in internal/external audits and respond to coding denials or compliance reviews with appropriate documentation to support code assignment.
• Maintain continuing education and credentials by completing required CEU education focused on current knowledge of coding updates, regulatory guidance (CMS, AMA), and Coding Clinic releases.
• Review claim edits and front-end billing rejections in real-time to resolve coding issues and minimize delays in billing.
• Attend and contribute to coder education huddles, team meetings, coding update reviews, and training sessions via online platforms.
• Present a professional image in all virtual communications, meet deadlines, and maintain availability during scheduled working hours.
• Ensure workstations and remote systems function properly for virtual meetings, screen sharing, and communication platforms.
• Promptly follow established IT protocols to report and resolve any technical issues or software malfunctions.
• Demonstrate flexibility by coding in multiple outpatient areas based on department needs.
• Collaborate with Management, Coding Resource team, and IT to resolve coding/documentation-related workflow issues or barriers to work completion.
• Demonstrate a commitment to ethical coding practices, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Hospitals
• Education Level: High school or GED