Remote Physician Profee Coder - NICU

Job Summary 

The Physician Coder is responsible for reviewing, analyzing, and assigning accurate CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes for professional fee services documented in the medical record. This role ensures proper sequencing, modifier use, and place-of-service coding in compliance with governmental regulations, third-party payer policies, and corporate standards. The Physician Coder plays a key role in revenue cycle accuracy by identifying documentation gaps, ensuring coding integrity, and working collaboratively with internal teams to support physician coding compliance and reimbursement. 

Essential Functions

• Assigns accurate CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 codes for professional services, procedures, diagnoses, and treatments based on provider documentation.
• Ensures compliance with governmental regulations, third-party payer policies, and corporate coding protocols, following National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs), and National Coverage Determinations (NCDs).
• Performs coding audits and quality reviews, verifying accuracy of documentation and identifying areas for provider education.
• Works coding-related claim edits, holds, and scrubs in the electronic billing system (e.g., Athena Collector), ensuring timely claim resolution and reimbursement.
• Collaborates with physicians, revenue cycle teams, and coding education staff, requesting clarification when necessary to ensure optimal documentation and compliance.
• Performs edit checks on coded data before transmittal, identifying and correcting errors as needed.
• Maintains strict confidentiality of patient records, provider information, and financial data, adhering to HIPAA and corporate compliance policies.
• Escalates documentation or coding issues to the coding education team for provider training and improved documentation practices.
• Assists in coding-related special projects, ensuring accurate reporting and analysis of coding data for operational improvement.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• H.S. Diploma or GED required
• Associate Degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related field preferred
• 2-4 years of experience in physician coding, professional fee coding, or medical billing required
• Experience with multiple specialties, surgical coding, or high-volume professional fee coding preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems for physician/professional fee services.
• Understanding of modifier usage, place-of-service coding, and payer billing guidelines.
• Experience with electronic health records (EHR), coding software, and claim processing systems.
• Ability to identify documentation deficiencies and escalate for provider education.
• Familiarity with NCCI edits, LCD/NCD guidelines, and medical necessity requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, ensuring accurate coding and optimal reimbursement.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, working with providers, revenue cycle teams, and compliance staff.

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Coder-AHIMA or AAPC (CPC) required or
• CCS-Certified Coding Specialist (CCS-P) required
• Additional certifications such as Certified Evaluation and Management Coder (CEMC) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) preferred