UMH Sparrow - REMOTE INPATIENT CODER

Sparrow•Lansing, MI

10d•Remote

About The Position

The Inpatient Coding Specialist reviews medical record documentation and assigns ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes, along with the appropriate MS-DRG or APR-DRG based on payer classification. The position codes all types of inpatient records, abstracts required data, and follows official coding guidelines and applicable AHIMA, AHA, CMS, federal, state, facility, and payer requirements. The coder uses Optum CAC according to established workflow and maintains required quality and productivity standards. The role analyzes clinical information and abstracts data for hospital billing, POA and PSI indicators, research, statistics, financial planning, compliance, and marketing. It requires independent judgment to assess case complexity and apply clinical knowledge to coding diagnoses and procedures. The coder collaborates with CDI specialists, providers, and DRG compliance auditors to clarify documentation and support accurate coding, data reporting, and reimbursement. The position also includes ongoing education, participation in meetings and learning programs, and keeping current with coding guidelines and quarterly AHA Coding Clinic updates.

Requirements

Certification as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Registered Health Information Management Technician (RHIT), or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
Membership in AHIMA or AAPC in good standing, including paid dues and completed required continuing education.
Minimum one year of recent facility coding experience.
Per diem candidates must have a minimum of three years of recent inpatient coding experience.
High school diploma or GED.
Must pass departmental coding testing with a score of 80% or better.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Health Information Technology or Health Information Management.
Experience in a major academic medical center and with ICD-10-CM/PCS.
Microsoft Office experience and skills, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent computer skills and previous experience with computer-assisted coding and encoder/grouper tools.

Responsibilities

Extract, review, and analyze clinical information; identify and abstract pertinent information and translate it into appropriate codes for billing, POA and PSI indicators, research, statistics, financial planning, compliance, and marketing.
Review medical record documentation and assign appropriate ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes to support the correct MS-DRG or APR-DRG.
Verify patient discharge disposition and assign appropriate POA indicators to each code.
Abstract required data according to facility specifications.
Use clinical knowledge to assess case complexity and research complex diagnoses or procedures as needed.
Capture the correct principal diagnosis, co-existing conditions, and principal procedure for each inpatient admission.
Collaborate with the CDI team and providers to clarify or improve documentation and ensure accurate coding, data reporting, reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.
Sequence codes to accurately capture severity of illness and risk of mortality.
Work with Clinical Documentation Specialists and DRG Compliance Auditors to query medical staff appropriately and professionally.
Attend in-services, staff meetings, system, hospital, and departmental meetings, and educational sessions; complete required annual learning programs.
Keep current with coding guidelines and quarterly AHA Coding Clinic updates.
Maintain coding accuracy, quality and productivity standards, and key performance indicators.