Medical Coding Specialist

Independent Contractor for Critical Access Hospital/Rural Health Care Competitive compensation based on experience and productivity Hiring for Multiple Positions/Specialties Hospital Inpatient Hospital Outpatient Surgery Professional Outpatient Surgery Hospital Emergency Department Hospital Observation Professional Clinic (Primary Care and Multiple Specialty Clinics) As an Independent Contractor Medical Coding Specialist, you will enjoy the flexibility and autonomy to manage your own schedule while leveraging your coding expertise in a professional healthcare environment. Key Benefits Include: Flexible work schedule and remote work opportunities Professional autonomy and independence Ability to manage and prioritize your own workload (within the scope of work) Opportunity to work on diverse coding assignments and specialties Competitive compensation based on experience and productivity Ability to expand professional expertise Reduced commuting time and improved work\-life balance Position Summary Seeking a detail\-oriented and highly experienced and skilled Medical Coding Specialist to join our team. This role is responsible for accurately reviewing documentation and assigning ICD\-10\-CM, ICD\-10\-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS codes for hospital and/or professional services in compliance with official coding guidelines, organizational policies, and regulatory agencies. This position ensures coding accuracy and optimal reimbursement while supporting quality and revenue integrity initiatives. This position reports to the HIM Manager/Director of Revenue Cycle. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Review inpatient, outpatient, emergency department, clinic, surgery, and ancillary medical records for completeness. Assign accurate diagnosis and procedure codes using ICD\-10\-CM, ICD\-10\-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level coding systems. Apply official coding guidelines and payer\-specific billing rules. Validate DRG, APC, and modifier assignments. Perform documentation analysis and initiate physician queries as needed. Performs charge data entry as needed. Maintain compliance with CMS, Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payer requirements. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA regulations Support coding audits, quality reviews, and denial management activities. Review medical necessity requirements and National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits. Collaborate with CDI, Revenue Cycle, Compliance, and HIM teams. Assist with education of providers regarding documentation improvement. Meet established productivity and accuracy standards. Participate in department quality improvement initiatives. Required Qualifications High School Diploma or GED required; Associate degree in Health Information Management or related field preferred. Current CCS, CPC, CCS\-P, CIC or COC certification required; RHIT, RHIA, acceptable. Minimum 5 years of hospital coding experience and/or 3 years of clinic professional coding experience. Experience with EHR and coding software platforms. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Expert knowledge of ICD\-10\-CM, ICD\-10\-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS. Knowledge of DRG and APC assignment and reimbursement methodologies. Understanding of Medicare and Medicaid billing requirements and revenue cycle management processes. Strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology. Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills. Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality. Physical Requirements Prolonged Sitting Frequent keyboarding Ability to review computer screens for extended periods Occasional lifting up to 20 pounds. Performance Expectations Maintain coding accuracy of 95% or greater. Meet departmental productivity benchmarks. Maintain active coding certification and continuing education requirements. Positive collaboration with providers and Revenue Cycle Staff. Benefits: * Flexible schedule Work Location: Remote