PB Coder (Interventional Radiology Focused)

Wolcott, Wood and Taylor Inc.•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The PB Coder reviews, analyzes, and accurately codes Neurointerventional Radiology and Interventional Radiology procedures. The role requires advanced knowledge of vascular anatomy, component coding, and specialized interventional techniques across head and neck, visceral (abdominal and pelvic), and peripheral vascular systems. The coder performs initial charge review and coding validation for complex procedures in Radiology and Neurosurgery, translating diagnostic and therapeutic services into CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and modifier codes for physician professional-service reporting to third-party payers. The role promotes accurate and complete coding and compliant charge capture by applying coding guidelines, regulatory requirements, payer reimbursement policies, and industry practices. The PB Coder serves as a subject matter expert in Neurointerventional and Interventional Radiology coding, provides feedback to providers, helps resolve payer denials, and collaborates with coding management and other departments on assigned projects.

Requirements

CCS-P, CPC, RHIT, or RHIA certification through AAPC or AHIMA.
3–5 years of dedicated medical coding experience specifically in Interventional Radiology; specialized experience in Interventional Radiology and Neuro-IR is required.
Strong knowledge of vascular anatomy, catheterization hierarchies, component coding methodologies, RS&I coding, and payer-specific reimbursement.
Ability to extract details from multi-page operative reports, including access sites, catheter pathways, final device placement, and additional therapeutic steps.
Clear and concise verbal and written communication skills.
Persistence in pursuing, rebutting, and escalating issues as appropriate.
Goal-oriented approach and accountability for shared professional and personal goals.
Ability to establish and maintain customer relationships and effective working relationships with employees and external parties.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Microsoft Excel, and other PC skills as required.
Advanced writing skills, including the ability to present a compelling argument, punctuate and spell correctly, and transcribe accurately.
Maintain certification credentials and complete continuing education requirements established by AAPC, AHIMA, or other applicable credentialing organizations.
Clear understanding of medical office protocols and procedures, including health information management, confidentiality, and safety.
Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities while remaining flexible to changing demands.
Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
Ability to establish priorities and work independently.
High level of discretion and judgment.

Responsibilities

Review and analyze clinical documentation, including operative reports, procedural notes, consultation reports, diagnostic imaging results, and medical records for neurovascular, head and neck, visceral, peripheral vascular, and non-vascular interventional procedures.
Assign and sequence CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, and modifier codes for diagnostic and therapeutic interventional radiology and neurointerventional procedures.
Apply vascular anatomy and component coding principles to capture catheter placements, vascular access, imaging guidance, diagnostic angiography, intervention services, and Radiological Supervision and Interpretation components.
Interpret consultation notes, office visits, hospital encounters, and inpatient consultation services to determine and code the professional services rendered.
Evaluate documentation for completeness, consistency, coding specificity, and support for diagnoses, procedures, and medical necessity.
Apply modifiers and follow NCCI edits, CMS regulations, Official Coding Guidelines, specialty-specific guidance, and payer-specific billing and reimbursement policies.
Research and resolve complex coding scenarios involving bundled services, component coding, vascular families, hierarchical catheterization rules, and changing interventional radiology guidance.
Follow WWT policies, including the Coding Audit Policy and Physician Coding Query In-Basket Policy.
Provide providers with real-time feedback about coding changes and trends through EPIC In Basket messages.
Participate in coding and ad hoc meetings and coordinate with members of physician offices and departments as needed.
Collaborate with the Coding Management Team on assigned coding and billing projects.
Resolve assigned payer coding denials and work with management and other departments as needed.
Maintain active coding credentials and required continuing education units.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned.