Medical Coding Specialist - Revenue Cycle

Who We Are:

Neighborhood Health Center is a non-profit organization local to Portland, OR serving underserved patients in the areas of primary care, internal medicine, dental services and more. Our patient-centered approach to care honors the unique needs and circumstances of each individual patient. NHC sees people, not problems, and recognizes that the time spent as a patient in a doctors office is only one factor in a persons overall health. Our leading edge, integrated clinical teams work in partnership with patients, their families, and the communities we serve to provide whole-person care, prevention, and ongoing support.

NHC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate differences in the workplace and do not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, gender (sex), national origin, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

Why work with us?

• We are a non-profit organization, passionate about providing the underserved population with medical and dental services across the greater Portland area, committed to making a difference daily.
• We offer our employees a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes 20 days of PTO (based on full time employment), 9 paid holidays, health/dental/vision insurance, quarterly wellness reimbursements, generous 401k retirement plan with employer match, employer paid disability insurance, EAP and life insurance.
• Our employees voted NHC a Top Workplace in 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023!

Job Title:  Medical Coding Specialist
Department:  Administration
Reports To:  Revenue Cycle Manager
Work Type:  Hybrid
Classification:  Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Language Differential:  Ineligible

SUMMARY

The Medical Coding Specialist uses coding expertise to review charges, educate staff, and improve EHR and billing tools. The coder is essential to our mission to provide leading-edge, integrated clinical teams that provide whole-person care. This position is roughly 80% coding and 20% billing.

Essential Job Duties

• Researches correct coding for complex or innovative services; assists Revenue Cycle Manager during implementation.
• Monitors a variety of complex payer guidelines impacting coding.
• Reviews charges for correct coding and collaborates with staff and providers for corrections when needed.
• Performs regular audits and staff education.
• Responds to staff and patient coding queries.
• Supports Revenue Cycle Team with denial management process.
• Works closely with the Revenue Cycle Manager, Epic, and clinical teams to ensure appropriate and efficient documentation in the EHR.
• Provides professional and courteous customer service to internal and external customers.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience

• A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an Associate Degree is preferred.
• Medical office experience is required.
• At least 1 year experience in a primary-care/FQHC medical billing and coding job is required.
• Proficiency with Electronic Health Records is required, preferably EPIC.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, is required.
• Mastery of ICD-10 and CPT guidelines.

License and/or Certification Requirements

• Regardless of experience, a current coding certification through AAPC or AHIMA is required; CPC or CPC-A is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Behaviors

• Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly in a growing department.
• Ability to work, plan, research, and conduct projects independently.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to manage multiple tasks with exceptional attention to detail.
• Comfortable asking questions and receiving professional feedback.
• Ability to create and update reference materials.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of HIPAA as it relates to medical billing.
• Excellent analytical, problem solving, and communication skills are required.
• Must have reliable transportation and be able to travel locally for meetings, as needed.
• Ability to compassionately work with a diverse patient and staff population.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position will typically work Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and must be present during core business hours.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Regularly sit while working on the computer; use hands and fingers to handle, control or feel objects tools or controls; repeat the same movements when entering data; ability to differentiate between colors, shades, and brightness; read from a computer screen for extended periods of time.
• Frequently stand and walk around the office to gather supplies, required to do filing, use office equipment, or collaborate with employees.
• Occasionally stand, stoop and lift or move objects, equipment and supplies weighing approximately 20-25 pounds up to 40-50 pounds.

Neighborhood Health Center Employment Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference checks, background checks, drug screening for illegal substances, Tuberculosis, and any position specific credentialing or licensure requirements.