Senior Outpatient Coder

Essentia Health•Duluth, MN

6d•Remote

About The Position

This position reviews clinical documentation and assigns ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, CPT/HCPCS procedure codes, and modifiers for complex hospital-based outpatient accounts to support proper reimbursement. The role requires extensive knowledge of coding guidelines, medical terminology, and disease processes and works closely with clinicians and operations to support complete, accurate documentation, coding, and charges. The position adheres to departmental quality and productivity standards.

Requirements

Successful completion of a coding program that included coursework in ICD-10-CM, CPT/HCPCS, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes.
Two years of hospital outpatient coding experience.
Passing score on the Essentia Health senior outpatient coding skills assessment.
Current AHIMA or AAPC certification, with a credential such as RHIA, RHIT, CPC, CCS, and/or CCS-P.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Evaluate health record documentation and ensure diagnostic and procedural codes and modifiers accurately reflect and support hospital-based outpatient encounters and reimbursement.
Identify opportunities for documentation clarification, initiate coding queries, and provide feedback to clinicians.
Review LCD/NCD policies to ensure ICD-10-CM diagnoses support medical necessity for services provided.
Work with the coding denials team on education and denial-prevention solutions.
Code outpatient accounts accurately and in a timely manner.
Maintain coding quality of 95% accuracy and meet productivity expectations.
Assist with training outpatient coders.
Perform related duties as required.