Remote Physician Pro Fee Coding Specialist - General Surgery

Job Summary The General Surgery 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