Inpatient Surgical Coder – PRN

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

📋 Description

• Evaluates and summarizes clinical documentation from intricate inpatient orthopedic and spine surgical records to assign precise ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, POA, and discharge disposition codes.

• Independently codes high-acuity inpatient orthopedic spine surgical cases, including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar procedures, revisions, fusions, instrumentation, and neuromuscular-related musculoskeletal procedures.

• Offers immediate feedback and training for coding personnel to enhance coding quality and efficiency.

• Applies and verifies accurate MS-DRG assignments while ensuring adherence to CMS, UHDDS, Official Coding Guidelines, and payer-specific regulations.

• Recognizes coding patterns, documentation deficiencies, and reimbursement risks, communicating insights to management.

• Upholds productivity and quality standards while managing a high volume of complex inpatient cases.

• Acts as a coding resource and mentor for less experienced coders, assisting with onboarding and educational initiatives.

• Engages in policy formulation, interpretation of coding guidelines, and execution of regulatory updates.

• Serves as a liaison among coding staff, management, and external stakeholders.

• Aids in coding audits, denial management, appeals, and quality improvement efforts as assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• High school diploma or GED is mandatory.

• An Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or a related field is preferred.

• Must possess at least one of the following certifications: RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CIC, with CCS being strongly preferred.

• A minimum of 4-5 years of inpatient facility/hospital coding experience is required.

• At least 4-5 years of recent experience coding complex inpatient surgical cases is necessary.

• Significant experience with inpatient coding (ICD-10-PCS and DRG assignment) is required.

• Proven expertise in orthopedic surgical coding across various subspecialties.

• Previous experience in auditing, mentoring, or leading coding teams is strongly preferred.

• Familiarity with denial management, appeals, and payer audits is preferred.

• Advanced to expert knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems is essential.

• Comprehensive understanding of DRG and APC reimbursement methodologies, orthopedic anatomy, and spine surgical techniques.

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and implement complex coding guidelines and regulatory updates.

• Strong leadership capabilities with a focus on mentoring and developing coding personnel.

• High level of accuracy, critical thinking, and attention to detail is required.

• Proficiency in coding software, EMR systems, and reporting tools is necessary.

🏝️ Benefits

• Health insurance

• Paid time off

• Professional development opportunities