Certified Hospital Based Surgery Coder

Position Overview

We're looking for a Certified Hospital Based Surgery Coder to join our team at Southern Illinois Hospital Services. This role focuses on reviewing provider documentation and assigning appropriate ICD-10-CM codes and CPT/HCPCS codes following official coding guidelines. You'll work with complex outpatient hospital-based services including Observation, Emergency Department, Wound care, and Ambulatory Surgery, as well as provider-based complex procedural services such as surgery, procedures, and wound care.

What You'll Do

Your day-to-day work will involve following all coding policies, procedures, and standard operating procedures while effectively using encoding software and reference materials to assign appropriate codes. You'll review provider documentation and assign codes based on coding guidelines, handling both provider-driven and non-provider-driven coding scenarios. When you encounter coding edits, you'll research and take appropriate action to resolve them so the encounter can move forward to claims.

Communication is an important part of this role. You'll send clear, respectful communications to providers through inbasket or queries when additional information is needed before finalizing coding. You'll identify and communicate to your Coding Lead, Supervisor, or Manager any issues related to documentation, coding, or systems that may impact quality, compliance, or productivity. You'll also perform work queue duties as assigned and maintain both coding quality and productivity standards.

As part of the team, you'll actively engage in performance improvement initiatives, department meetings, and other required meetings while maintaining your required continuing education units (CEUs).

Requirements

Education and Certification

You'll need at least a High School Diploma. An Associate or Bachelor Degree in Health Information or a healthcare-related discipline is preferred.

Certification requirements depend on your coding focus. If you're working in a hospital-based role, you must hold an RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification. If you're in a provider-based role, you'll need RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, CCA, or CPC certification.

Experience

For hospital-based positions with RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification, no prior experience is required. If you're pursuing a provider-based position with CCS-P, CCA, or CPC certification, you'll need 3 years of procedural coding experience.

Physical Requirements

The role requires intermittent hand manipulation and intermittent lifting and carrying of up to 20 pounds.

Our Standards and Culture

We operate under the standards of Respect, Integrity, Compassion, Collaboration, Stewardship, Accountability, and Quality Education. At Southern Illinois Healthcare, we believe that providing excellent care to our communities begins with providing the same care and appreciation to our employees. We offer rich opportunities to develop and grow professionally in an environment of excellence in patient care.

Compensation and Benefits

Compensation is commensurate with experience, ranging from $24.12 to $37.39 hourly. You'll have access to our comprehensive Benefits Guide and Plan Information through our careers portal.

SIH is an Equal Opportunity Employer that includes individuals with disabilities and protected veterans. SIH and SIH Medical Group campuses are tobacco free.