The Coder

Position Title: Coder
Immediate Supervisor: Director of HIM, Manager of Clinical Data, or Coding Supervisor
General Purpose: to apply the appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes to individual patient health information for data retrieval and analysis and claims processing.

Responsibilities: 

• Abstracts pertinent information from patient records. Assigns ICD-9-CM or HCPCS codes, creating APC or DRG group assignments.
• Queries physicians when code assignments are not straightforward or documentation in the record is inadequate, ambiguous, or unclear for coding purposes. 
• Keeps abreast of coding guidelines and reimbursement reporting requirements. Brings identified concerns to supervisor or department manager for resolution.
• Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association and adheres to official coding guidelines.

Qualifications: 

• Minimum of successful completion of a coding certificate program in a program with AHIMA approval status. Certification as RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, CPC or CPC-H preferred.
• Coding certification from AHIMA preferred. 
• Work experience as a coder or strong training background in coding and reimbursement preferred. 

I always encourage anyone that's an RHIA or RHIT to work as a coder for a few years because it gives you options as a fall back career. Plus you can make some pretty decent money as a part-time or PRN coder.