Surgical Spine Coder (Healthcare)
Come join our thriving team!
*This is a hybrid position*
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Medical Coder to join our thriving orthopedic practice. The ideal candidate will have advanced knowledge of orthopedic surgical coding including spine procedures. In this role, you will be responsible for reviewing, interpreting, and coding complex surgical medical records for accurate reimbursement using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS standards. You will review operative reports to ensure the completeness and accuracy of clinical data, as well as ensure compliance with all federal and state regulations.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Spine and Surgical Coding Expertise: Perform detailed coding for spine surgeries and other orthopedic procedures, ensuring accurate documentation and appropriate use of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes.
- Code Accuracy and Compliance: Review and audit ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, and CPT codes for surgical procedures, E&M services, and other treatments, ensuring they are correctly applied prior to claim submission.
- Operative Report Analysis: Thoroughly analyze operative reports to ensure comprehensive documentation and correct coding for surgical and spine procedures.
- Evaluation & Management (E&M) Coding: Analyze provider documentation to ensure accurate assignment of the correct E&M levels, using appropriate CPT codes.
- Hospital Billing: Review hospital information to accurately bill for provider services for hospital patients, including inpatient and outpatient procedures.
- Medical Record Audits: Audit medical records for accurate coding, ensuring proper documentation for reimbursement and compliance with state and federal regulations.
- Training & Communication: Collaborate with providers to ensure they are informed about correct coding practices, offering training and updates as necessary.
- Stay Current with Coding Updates: Attend coding seminars and in-services to maintain knowledge of the latest coding guidelines, regulatory changes, and compliance requirements.
- Ensure Documentation Consistency: Conduct both quantitative and qualitative analysis of medical records to ensure all necessary components are present, including proper patient identification, signatures, and consistency with established treatment protocols.
- Performs other related duties, which may be inclusive, but not listed in the job description.
Requirements and Qualifications
Required Experience:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in medical coding with a strong emphasis on spine and surgical coding.
- Extensive experience in coding for orthopedic procedures, spine surgeries, and pain management is highly preferred.
- Prior experience with podiatry or physiatry coding is a plus.
Certifications:
- Current Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification required.
- Additional certification in surgical coding or spine coding is highly desirable
Technical Skills:
- Proficiency in EMR and practice management systems. Experience with Medent EMR is preferred.
- Knowledge of orthopedic, spine, podiatry, and/or pain management medical terminology.
Attention to Detail: Must demonstrate excellent accuracy in coding complex surgical procedures and spine cases to ensure optimal reimbursement and compliance.
Commitment to Compliance: Strong understanding of coding guidelines and legal requirements to ensure adherence to federal and state regulatory bodies.
Ability to Work Independently: Able to self-manage tasks and priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Physical Demands
- Position requires manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
- Involves standing, walking, and occasional lifting of up to 30 pounds.
- Normal visual acuity and hearing are required.
