Inpatient Coder II, HB Coding

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Illinois.

📋 Description

• Assign the correct ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes to complex inpatient acute-care visits.

• Determine Present on Admission values for secondary diagnoses related to quality metrics and reporting.

• Examine provider notes and Clinical Documentation Improvement findings.

• Utilize CAC software to assess documentation and select or assign codes.

• Review discharge planning and nursing documentation to confirm discharge disposition.

• Sequence ICD-10-CM codes within the top 24 fields using knowledge of MS-DRGs, APR-DRGs, and AHRQ Elixhauser risk adjustment.

• Collaborate with CDI on roughly 45% of discharges concerning final MS/APR DRGs and comorbidity diagnoses.

• Provide education to CDI on regulatory guidelines, Coding Clinics, and coding conventions.

• Analyze health record documentation to ascertain principal diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, and procedures.

• Adhere to official ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS guidelines, Coding Clinic guidance, conventions, and instructional notes.

• Draft appeal letters in response to payer DRG downgrade notifications.

• Address Nosology Messages/Alerts and Coding Validation warnings/errors.

• Meet predetermined coding productivity and quality benchmarks.

• Comply with Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards.

⛳️ Requirements

• RHIA, RHIT, or CCS credential is mandatory.

• AHIMA membership is essential.

• Minimum of 3 years of inpatient coding experience in an acute healthcare environment is required.

• An Associate’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.

• RHIA or RHIT with CCS or CDIP/CCDS credential is preferred.

• 4 years of inpatient coding experience in a teaching hospital is preferred.

• Strong grasp of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding conventions, instructions, Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and Coding Clinics is necessary.

• Comprehensive understanding of disease processes, anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology is required.

• Proficiency in using CAC (Computerized Assisted Coding) software is essential.

• Familiarity with MS-DRGs, APR-DRGs, and AHRQ Elixhauser risk adjustment is important.

• Ability to meet established coding productivity and quality standards is crucial.

• Authorization for a criminal background check is required if employment is offered.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive benefits.

• Tuition reimbursement.

• Loan forgiveness.

• 401(k) matching.

• Lifecycle benefits.

• Resources for employee physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

• Protection against unexpected life events.