Inpatient Coder I

BJC HealthCare • St. Louis, MO

7d • Remote

About The Position

The Inpatient Coder I assigns diagnosis and procedure codes for inpatient encounters while adhering to regulatory guidelines. The role reviews and analyzes patient encounters for compliant coding, abstracts required data, interprets provider documentation, and assigns appropriate codes and DRGs. The coder may query providers for clarification or additional information and collaborates with leadership, colleagues, CDI, HIM Operations, and other departments to support medical-record integrity and coding compliance.

This is an entry-level role. Remote work is available to employees in the listed states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin.

BJC HealthCare is a large nonprofit health care organization serving communities primarily in the greater St. Louis, southern Illinois, and southeast Missouri regions. It operates 14 hospitals and multiple community health locations and provides a range of inpatient, outpatient, and community health services.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• No experience required.
• Certification or license in the area of expertise: CCS, CCA, RHIA, or RHIT.

Nice To Haves

• 2–5 years of experience.

Responsibilities

• Accurately abstract required data elements.
• Stay current on coding conventions, regulatory guidelines, code updates, and BJC coding guidance.
• Review and analyze patient encounters thoroughly for compliant coding; query providers for clarification or additional information as required.
• Accurately assign codes in a timely manner and interpret, assess, and evaluate provider documentation for appropriate DRG assignment.
• Collaborate with leadership, colleagues, and customers, including CDI, HIM Operations, and other departments, to ensure medical-record integrity and coding compliance.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and legal services available the first day of the month after hire.
• Disability insurance paid for by BJC.
• Annual 4% BJC Automatic Retirement Contribution.
• 401(k) plan with BJC match.
• Tuition assistance available on the first day.
• BJC Institute for Learning and Development.
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Paid Time Off combining vacation, sick days, holidays, and personal time.
• Adoption assistance.

What This Job Offers

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