Inpatient Coder II, HB Coding

Northwestern Medicine

. Assign appropriate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes to complex inpatient acute-care visits .

Posted 10/21/2026full-timeRemote • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $29 - $42 per hourWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding, ensuring compliance with official guidelines and coding conventions. Proficient in utilizing CAC software and collaborating with Clinical Documentation Improvement teams to enhance coding accuracy and quality metrics.

Highest-signal resume keywords

ICD-10-CM CodingICD-10-PCS CodingCAC Software ProficiencyInpatient Coding ExperienceRHIA/RHIT/CCS Credential

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

ICD-10-CM CodingICD-10-PCS CodingMS-DRGs KnowledgeAPR-DRGs KnowledgeAHRQ Elixhauser Risk AdjustmentClinical Documentation ImprovementCoding ConventionsQuality Standards ComplianceMedical TerminologyDisease Process Understanding

Tools & Technologies

CAC Software

Certifications & Qualifications

RHIARHITCCSAHIMA Membership

Industry Keywords

Inpatient CodingAcute Healthcare SettingCoding ClinicsOfficial Guidelines for Coding and ReportingDischarge PlanningNursing DocumentationCoding Validation

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assign appropriate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes to complex inpatient acute-care visits
Assign Present on Admission values to secondary diagnoses for quality metrics and reporting
Review provider notes and Clinical Documentation Improvement findings
Use CAC software to review documentation and select or assign codes
Review discharge planning and nursing documentation to validate discharge disposition
Sequence ICD-10-CM codes within the top 24 fields using MS-DRGs, APR-DRGs, and AHRQ Elixhauser risk adjustment knowledge
Collaborate with CDI on approximately 45% of discharges regarding final MS/APR DRGs and comorbidity diagnoses
Educate CDI on regulatory guidelines, Coding Clinics, and coding conventions
Interpret health record documentation to determine principal diagnosis, secondary diagnoses, and procedures
Follow official ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS guidelines, Coding Clinic guidance, conventions, and instructional notes
Write appeal letters responding to payer DRG downgrade notices
Resolve Nosology Messages/Alerts and Coding Validation warnings/errors
Meet established coding productivity and quality standards
Adhere to Northwestern Medicine’s mission, values, Code of Ethics, Corporate Compliance Program, policies, procedures, regulatory requirements, and accreditation standards

Requirements

What you’ll need

RHIA, RHIT or CCS credential required
AHIMA membership required
3 years of inpatient coding experience in an acute healthcare setting required
Associate’s degree in a related field preferred
RHIA or RHIT with CCS or CDIP/CCDS credential preferred
4 years of inpatient coding experience in a teaching hospital preferred
Strong foundation in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding conventions, instructions, Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and Coding Clinics
Deep understanding of disease process, anatomy/physiology, pharmacology, and medical terminology
Ability to use CAC (Computerized Assisted Coding) software
Knowledge of MS-DRGs, APR-DRGs, and AHRQ Elixhauser risk adjustment
Ability to meet established coding productivity and quality standards
Authorization to complete a criminal background check if offered employment

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive benefits
Tuition reimbursement
Loan forgiveness
401(k) matching
Lifecycle benefits
Employee physical, emotional, and financial well-being resources
Protection for unexpected life events