Medical Coder - Emergency Department

UnitedHealth Group•Eden Prairie, MN

2d•$20 - $36•Remote

About The Position

Optum is hiring a full-time Medical Coder to handle facility outpatient coding for Emergency Department services. The role identifies appropriate ICD-10 codes, CPT codes, and modifiers in accordance with official coding guidelines and facility-specific client guidelines. It also requires adherence to AAPC and/or AHIMA ethical standards and Optum's quality and productivity expectations. The coder must understand Medicare Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) codes, query physicians and use query forms when appropriate, and maintain current coding knowledge through recommended materials and department education. This position is full-time at 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday during normal business hours, with occasional overtime potentially required. It is telecommute-eligible from anywhere in the U.S., subject to the stated telecommuting requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Professional coder certification from AHIMA and/or AAPC, such as CCA, CCS, RHIA, RHIT, CPC-H/COC, CIC, CCS-P, or CPC; certification must be maintained annually.
At least 2 years of experience with ICD-10, CPT, facility charging, and modifiers.
At least 2 years of Emergency Room coding experience.
Intermediate PC skills in a Windows environment, including the ability to create and edit spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel and work with various EMR systems.
Intermediate attention to detail, accuracy, and communication skills.
For telecommuting, a dedicated work area separated from other living areas that provides information privacy.
Ability to keep company-sensitive documents secure, if applicable.
Residence in a location with a UnitedHealth Group-approved high-speed internet connection or access to an existing high-speed internet service.
Adherence to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pass a drug test before beginning employment.

Responsibilities

Apply expert knowledge of facility outpatient Emergency Department coding.
Assign appropriate ICD-10 codes, CPT codes, and modifiers for facility services according to official coding guidelines and the assigned facility's client coding guidelines.
Adhere to AAPC and/or AHIMA coding ethics.
Meet Optum's established coding quality and productivity requirements.
Understand Medicare Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) codes.
Query physicians and use forms when appropriate.
Maintain up-to-date coding knowledge using materials recommended or disseminated by the QM Manager, Coding Operations Managers, and Director of Coding / Quality Management, among others.
Participate in coding department meetings and educational events.
Perform additional responsibilities as identified by the manager.