UMH Sparrow - REMOTE INPATIENT CODER

Sparrow•Lansing, MI

23h•Remote

About The Position

This advanced coding position reviews inpatient medical records and assigns ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes, along with the appropriate MS-DRG or APR-DRG based on payer classification. It abstracts required data elements and codes all types of inpatient records in accordance with federal regulations, official coding guidelines, AHIMA Coding Ethics, AHA Coding Clinics, CMS directives, and applicable fiscal intermediary communications. The position uses Optum CAC according to established workflows and follows University of Michigan Health–Sparrow policies and procedures while meeting quality and productivity standards. The Inpatient Coding Specialist extracts and analyzes clinical information, identifies pertinent details, and translates documentation into codes used for hospital billing, POA and PSI indicators, research, statistics, financial planning, compliance, and marketing. The specialist verifies discharge disposition and POA indicators, captures principal diagnoses, co-existing conditions, and principal procedures, and sequences codes to accurately reflect severity of illness and risk of mortality. The role exercises independent judgment to assess case complexity and researches complex diagnoses and procedures as needed. The specialist collaborates with the CDI team, Clinical Documentation Specialists, DRG Compliance Auditors, and providers to clarify documentation and support accurate coding, reporting, and reimbursement while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. The role also involves ongoing education through meetings, in-services, annual learning programs, and review of coding guidelines and quarterly AHA Coding Clinic updates.

Requirements

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 completion of required continuing education.
At least one year of recent facility coding experience.
Per diem candidates must have at least 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 skills and experience with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Excellent computer skills and prior experience with computer-assisted coding and encoder/grouper software.

Responsibilities

Extract, review, and analyze clinical information; abstract pertinent data 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, resulting in the correct MS-DRG or APR-DRG assignment.
Verify patient discharge disposition and assign appropriate POA indicators to each code.
Abstract required data according to facility specifications.
Use clinical knowledge and independent judgment to determine case complexity and research complex diagnoses and procedures as needed.
Capture the principal diagnosis, co-existing conditions, and principal procedure for each inpatient admission.
Collaborate with the CDI team and providers to clarify or improve documentation for accurate coding, 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 professionally and appropriately.
Maintain coding knowledge by attending in-services and staff meetings and keeping current with coding guidelines and quarterly AHA Coding Clinic.
Attend required system, hospital, and departmental meetings and educational sessions, and complete required annual learning programs.
Maintain accuracy and established quality, productivity, and key performance standards.