Coding Specialist - 1.0FTE

Our take on this role

About this role

Assign medical codes for clinic and hospital encounters in Epic, and resolve coding-related claim edits and denials. A current Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential is required.

What could you bring from clinical work?

• Nurses: Your experience interpreting clinical documentation and medical terminology could help when reviewing medical records for completeness and accuracy.

Full job description from LADD MEMORIAL HOSPITAL

OMC Core Behavior Standards:
Create Teamwork● Lead with Honesty & Integrity● Convey Compassion● Show Respect● Pursue Quality
Osceola Medical Center is committed to implementing these behavior standards as a foundation for how we hire, develop, and retain our team members. By intentionally selecting candidates whose values and behaviors align with these standards, we ensure that our mission is lived out every day, creating an environment where patients feel valued, respected, and confident that OMC is the place for all their healthcare needs.
Schedule
Monday-Friday 40 hours/week
Job Summary:
The Coding Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely assignment of professional (PB) and hospital (HB) medical codes for clinic and hospital encounters using the Epic EMR system. This role ensures compliance with coding guidelines and regulatory requirements while supporting optimal reimbursement and data integrity.

The Coding Specialist reviews clinical documentation, assigns appropriate CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes, and takes ownership of coding-related edits and denials. This includes researching, correcting, and appealing coding-related claim denials, as well as collaborating with providers and revenue cycle teams to resolve documentation and coding discrepancies.

The Coding Specialist applies strong critical thinking and real-time problem-solving skills to interpret complex clinical documentation, resolve coding edits and denials, and make sound coding decisions in a fast-paced environment

Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED required; associate degree in Health Information Management or related field preferred.
Current Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential required (through AAPC or equivalent) Experience with hospital, clinic, or CAH/RHC coding preferred.
Strong knowledge of CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS coding systems, and official coding guidelines.
Familiarity with Epic EMR or comparable electronic medical record systems preferred.
Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills

Responsibilities include:
Assign accurate CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes for both PB and HB encounters based on clinical documentation
Apply critical thinking to interpret documentation and select appropriate codes when guidelines are complex or ambiguous
Independently manage and resolve coding-related claim edits and denials in real time, including researching root causes, correcting codes, and submitting appeals as appropriate
Review medical records to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with coding and billing requirements, including identification of denial risk
Query providers for clarification or additional documentation to support accurate coding, denial prevention, and reimbursement
Ensure compliance with federal, state, and payer-specific regulations and guidelines to minimize denials and support audit readiness
Identify trends in coding errors, edits, and denials; analyze root causes and take proactive steps to prevent recurrence
Collaborate with providers, billing, and revenue cycle teams to resolve coding-related claim issues and denial trends
Track, monitor, and follow up on coding-related denials to ensure timely resolution and appropriate reimbursement
Maintain established productivity and quality benchmarks while effectively managing denial-related workload
Stay current with coding updates, regulatory changes, and payer requirements impacting coding and denials
Document coding actions, rationale, and denial research, corrections, and resolutions within the system

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
In-depth knowledge of PB and HB coding methodologies, guidelines, and regulatory requirements
Demonstrate critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze complex clinical scenarios and apply appropriate coding logic
Strong real-time problem-solving ability, including prioritizing work, resolving edits/denials efficiently, and making sound decisions under time constraints
Understanding of Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer coding and reimbursement policies
Familiarity with clinical documentation standards and medical terminology
Proficiency with EMR systems (Epic preferred) and coder tools
Strong attention to detail and commitment to coding accuracy and compliance
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including provider query best practices
Ability to prioritize workload, manage denials, and meet productivity standards
Ability to maintain HIPAA compliance and safeguard confidential information
Ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams

Physical Requirements for the Role:
Prolonged sitting and computer use
Manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and standard office equipment
Ability to review detailed electronic medical records for extended periods

Work Environment:
Hybrid office-based and remote work environment
Limited direct patient interaction; frequent collaboration with providers and revenue cycle teams
Standard work hours with overtime as needed.

Why Join OMC?
At OMC, we don’t just hire for skills—we hire for behaviors that align with our mission. We invest in team members who are committed to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients and in the communities we serve.

Osceola Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.