Coding Specialist III - Inpatient

The Coding Specialist III reviews and codes inpatient and outpatient medical records for UT Southwestern Medical Center. Records are maintained electronically and must be coded in accordance with current coding guidelines and organizational, departmental, and regulatory requirements. This role is considered the highest-level coding subject matter expert and may also mentor and proctor Coding Specialist I and II staff.

Key responsibilities include:

• Coding concurrent or retrospective inpatient accounts using ICD-10-CM/PCS
• Identifying the admit diagnosis, principal diagnosis, procedures for DRG assignment, and secondary diagnoses
• Capturing CC/MCCs, POA status, severity of illness, and risk of mortality accurately
• Abstracting required data elements such as discharge disposition, discharge destination, procedure dates, and physician information
• Determining when physician queries are needed and routing incomplete documentation appropriately
• Maintaining quality and productivity standards
• Mentoring and training staff on designated coding service lines
• Maintaining expert-level knowledge of coding guidelines and practices