Role Description
Working under the general direction of a coding supervisor, the Hospital Inpatient Coder is responsible for the assignment of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes by reviewing all appropriate documentation in accordance with standard coding guidelines. The Facility Inpatient Coder identifies the principal diagnosis, comorbidities/complications, present on admission indicators, and determines sequencing of codes to calculate the most appropriate DRG representing the patient stay. The role maintains knowledge of both Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Groups (MS-DRG) and All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) is required. Additionally, the incumbents maintain knowledge of appropriate capture of codes for statistical purposes such as Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), Hierarchical Conditions (HCC), and severity impacting conditions.
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Reviews medical documentation/health information within various electronic medical/health system(s) and assigns applicable codes (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS) within productivity and quality standard for area(s) of assignment/specialty (Facility or Professional).
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Abstracts all required data elements for reporting and statistical capture in a timely and accurate manner into the applicable system using the applications appropriate to the work assignment. This may include but not limited to: EPIC (CS-Link), EPIC HB and PB modules, Solventum 360Encompass, Solventum Standalone Encoder, Select Coder, etc.
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Applies basic knowledge of industry requirements of specific category coding and the impact (SDOH, PSI).
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Resolves complex inpatient edits/alerts with consistent accuracy using current guidelines within area(s) of assignment/specialty.
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Communicates with Clinical Documentation Integrity Team members regarding complex clinical scenarios to ensure all relevant codes are assigned.
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Focuses learning on advanced level concepts.
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Translates medical records/health information including diagnoses, procedures and treatment and assigns standardized codes (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS) for patients receiving services within the Cedars Sinai Health System and its affiliates.
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Communicates collaboratively with the Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) team to align both clinical and coding approaches to ensure a complete coding profile. References anatomy, physiology, and clinical practice to support code assignment and contribute to CDI discussions.
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Abstracts data elements to satisfy statistical requests by the health system, medical staff, and enters all coded/abstracted information into the assigned system. Identifies opportunities for documentation improvement and seeks clarity by the physicians.
Approved Remote States:
Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Minnesota, Nevada, Oregon, Texas
Qualifications
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High school diploma or GED required.
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A minimum of 3 yearsβ work experience doing code assignment in a healthcare setting performing similar coding duties required.
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Registered Health Info Tech, Registered Health Info Admin, Certified Professional Coder, Certified Coding Specialist, or Certified Coding Spec Phys required upon hire.
Benefits
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Outstanding employee benefits including health and dental insurance.
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Paid vacation.
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403(b) retirement plan.