Position OverviewThe Inpatient Coder III at United Health Services (UHS) plays a key role in ensuring the accuracy, integrity, and quality of complex inpatient coding. Using advanced ICD-10-CM/PCS expertise, this position supports compliant coding practices, appropriate reimbursement, and reliable data that informs patient care and organizational performance. Working closely with physicians, HIM partners, and coding colleagues, the Inpatient Coder III contributes to audits, continuous improvement efforts, and team development while helping strengthen healthcare outcomes across the communities UHS serves.
Primary Department, Division, or Unit:Facility Coding, UHS Revenue Cycle Operations
Primary Work Shift:Day
Regular Scheduled Weekly Hours:40
Compensation Range:$33.63 - $50.45 per hour, depending on experience
Job ResponsibilitiesEssential Functions:- Review and code complex inpatient medical records using ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS to ensure accurate clinical representation and compliant reimbursement
- Analyze clinical documentation to identify diagnoses, procedures, comorbidities, and complications impacting DRG assignment and data integrity
- Apply advanced coding knowledge to resolve complex scenarios while meeting established productivity and accuracy standards
- Initiate and respond to provider documentation queries to support complete, clear, and compliant medical records
- Utilize coding systems, encoder tools, and EHR platforms to support timely and accurate inpatient coding workflows
Scope and Impact: - Contribute directly to revenue integrity, compliance, and quality reporting through precise inpatient coding and documentation review
- Exercise independent judgment to resolve non-routine and complex coding issues within established guidelines and escalation pathways
- Support departmental performance through participation in audits, quality assurance activities, and process improvement initiatives
- Provide guidance and informal mentoring to junior coders and new team members, supporting skill development and consistency
Compliance and Professional: - Maintain required certifications and coding credentials in accordance with organizational and regulatory requirements
- Adhere to HIPAA, coding guidelines, payer regulations, and internal policies to ensure confidentiality and compliance
- Complete required training, education, and competency validations within established timelines
- Safeguard sensitive data by following established security policies and procedures, using systems responsibly, and promptly reporting potential security incidents, risks, or policy violations
- As applicable to your role, support cybersecurity and data protection requirements throughout the supplier lifecycle by coordinating vendor risk assessments, monitoring third-party compliance, and promptly reporting identified supply chain or cybersecurity risks
Additional Expectations: - Demonstrate UHS Values of Compassion, Trust, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation in all daily work and interactions
- Execute responsibilities in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and applicable regulations
- Perform additional responsibilities as required to meet department and organizational needs
Position QualificationsRequired: - Associate Degree in Health Information Technology (HIT)
- AHIMA Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification
- AAPC Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) certification OR AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification
- At least 5 years of direct experience performing the exact or very similar duties required by the job within the same role or function
- At least 5 years of healthcare experience working in the healthcare industry in any job function
- At least 5 years of experience in the same work environment or setting (hospital, practice, department/division)
- At least 5 years of technical/systems experience using specialized tools, software, or equipment required for the role
Preferred:- Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management (HIM)
- AHIMA Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) certification
