Senior Inpatient Coder

Essentia Health • Duluth, MN

2h • Remote

About The Position

This position reviews clinical documentation and assigns ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, PCS procedure codes, and DRGs for complex inpatient accounts to ensure proper reimbursement. The role requires extensive knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines, MS-DRG and APR-DRG reimbursement systems, medical terminology, and disease processes. The coder works closely with Clinical Documentation Integrity and clinicians to support complete and accurate documentation, coding, and final DRG assignment, while meeting department quality and productivity standards.

Requirements

• Successful completion of a coding program that included coursework in ICD-10-CM/PCS, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes.
• Two years of hospital inpatient/DRG coding experience.
• Current AHIMA or AAPC certification and credentialing as one or more of the following: RHIA, RHIT, CPC, CCS, and/or CIC.
• Extensive knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines, MS-DRG and APR-DRG reimbursement systems, medical terminology, and disease processes.

Nice To Haves

• Epic experience.
• 3M Encoder experience.
• Computer Assisted Coding experience.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate health record documentation and ensure ICD-10-CM diagnostic and PCS procedural codes accurately reflect and support the inpatient hospital admission and reimbursement.
• Identify documentation clarification opportunities and initiate coding queries; provide feedback to clinicians.
• Review Local Coverage Determination (LCD) and National Coverage Determination (NCD) policies for ICD-10-CM diagnoses supporting medical necessity for services provided.
• Work with the coding denials team on education and DRG denial prevention solutions.
• Code inpatient accounts accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain coding quality of 95% accuracy and meet productivity expectations.
• Assist with training inpatient coders.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, with supplemental options.
• 401(k) plan with employer contributions.
• Professional development through training, tuition reimbursement, and educational programs.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Generous time off.
• Wellness resources focused on physical, mental, and emotional health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed