Surgery Coder

BARROW BRAIN AND SPINE

JOB DESCRIPTION

OFFICE MEDICAL CODER

JOB TITLE: Surgery Medical Coder

DEPARTMENT: Business Office

REPORTS TO: Coding Manager and Director of Revenue Cycle

FLSA STATUS: Hourly

JOB SUMMARY: The Surgery Medical Coder is responsible for all Endovascular & Neurosurgery coding, accurately assigning CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes for professional services rendered by neurosurgeons, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with federal, state, and payer-specific guidelines. This role requires a highly skilled and detail-oriented individual with at least 2-3 years of experience in neurosurgical and endovascular coding. The ideal candidate must hold a recognized medical coding certification and demonstrate expertise in coding complex neurosurgical procedures, including but not limited to craniotomies, aneurysm repairs, embolization’s, and spinal surgeries.

JOB DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accurately assign CPT, ICD-10, and HCPCS codes for endovascular and neurosurgical procedures, ensuring proper reimbursement.
• Review and interpret operative reports, procedure notes, and medical records to assign appropriate codes.
• Ensure compliance with CMS, AMA, and payer-specific regulations regarding coding and billing guidelines.
• Identify and resolve coding discrepancies by collaborating with physicians, clinical staff, and revenue cycle team members.
• Apply National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits and payer-specific coding guidelines to ensure clean claim submissions.
• Collaborate with neurosurgeons and endovascular specialists to ensure proper documentation supports coding and billing and resolve any documentation discrepancies.
• Provide education to providers on documentation best practices and coding updates to maximize reimbursement and reduce compliance risks.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of coding procedures and training materials.
• Analyze and resolve coding-related denials and rejections by working with the billing and accounts receivable teams.
• Appeal insurance denials with supporting medical documentation and correct coding guidelines.
• Audit and review coding accuracy to minimize denials and optimize reimbursement. Stay current with coding guidelines, regulations, and updates, ensuring continuous compliance with industry standards.
• Participate in the review of claim denials and provide necessary corrections or explanations.
• Maintain coding productivity and accuracy rates as established by the organization.
• Stay up to date with industry coding changes, including CPT, ICD-10, HCPCS, and payer-specific policies, and apply updates accordingly.
• Notifies supervisor of recurring problems regarding office charges.
• Attends staff meetings and participates in special committees as required
• Work closely with the Managers and Directors and clinical staff to resolve any charge-related issues or discrepancies.
• Other duties and assignments as necessary

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Communicates well and effectively
• Demonstrates acute awareness of insurance company contracts
• Reports to work regularly without undue tardiness
• Maintains positive attitude and demonstrates the utmost in professionalism
• Dresses appropriately and professionally
• Works independently, without supervision
• Completes work accurately and in a timely manner
• Maintains effective working relationships with physicians, administration and other staff members

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Prolonged sitting, standing, some bending, stooping and stretching and/or walking
• Eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard, photocopier, fax machine, telephone, calculator, and other office equipment
• Normal range of hearing and vision to record, prepare, and communicate appropriate reports

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is performed in an office environment, with contact with office staff, physicians, etc.
• Overtime as required

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must be certified, CPC and other applicable credentials, 2-3 years of coding experience minimum.

Proficient with Microsoft Office, Teams, including Outlook and Excel.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $26.00 per hour

Expected hours: 38 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to Commute:

• Phoenix, AZ 85013 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85013: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Phoenix, AZ 85013