[Hiring] Lead Coder @University of Southern California

Role Description

The Lead Outpatient (OP) Medical Coder assists the HIM OP Coding Manager with administrative functions specific to all outpatient coding operations. Duties may include:

• Assisting the OP Coding Manager to organize work schedules and create work assignments.
• Reviewing timecards for accuracy.
• Conducting quality assurance audits of production-coder performance.
• Developing and implementing quality improvement activities.
• Training and mentoring staff.
• Providing feedback on coding error findings and developmental needs.
• Collecting, analyzing, and reporting on data.
• Preparing reports on performance and metrics.
• Serving as a subject matter expert in coding processes.
• Providing advanced technical guidance and ensuring coding accuracy, compliance, and productivity standards are met.
• Supporting coders and auditors through consultation, mentoring, and expertise on complex coding scenarios.
• Assisting the OP Coding manager with the quality of coding outpatient data in accordance with all medical coding laws, rules, and regulations.
• Providing coding liaison functionalities between HIM Coding and other Revenue Cycle Departments.
• Performing assorted OP coding auditing functions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Health Information Management (HIM), Health Information Technology (HIT), or Health Information Systems (HIS).
• Successful completion of college courses in Medical Terminology, Anatomy & Physiology, and a certified coding course.
• 5-10 years of experience in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS coding of inpatient & outpatient medical records in an acute care facility.
• Experience in using a computerized coding & abstracting database software and encoding/code-finder systems.
• Working knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS, MS-DRG, APR-DRG coding principles.
• Excellent customer service behavior.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to function independently and as a member of a team.

Requirements

• 1-2 years of leadership experience (preferred).
• Certified Coding Specialist - CCS (AHIMA) or one of the following credentials:
• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) with CCS, or CCS-P, or CPC.
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) with CCS, or CCS-P, or CPC.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) only.
• Certified Coding Specialist- Physician Based Coding (CCS-P) only.
• Certified Procedural Coder (CPC) only.
• Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) if no card upon hire, must be obtained within 30 days of hire.

Benefits

• The hourly rate range for this position is $39.00 - $63.95.
• Consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy.
• Reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities.