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Director Hospital Coding & HIM
Job Code: 28107
Position Summary
The Director of Coding & Health Information Management (HIM) provides strategic, operational, and regulatory leadership for all hospital coding, clinical documentation integrity (CDI) alignment, and health information functions. This position ensures accurate, timely, and compliant coding, complete medical records, data integrity, and optimal reimbursement while supporting organizational quality, compliance, and revenue cycle performance. The Director partners closely with Revenue Cycle, Finance, Compliance, Quality, CDI, Case Management, and Medical Staff leadership to optimize performance in an Epic electronic health record environment.
Responsibilities
• Directs and oversees HIM and hospital coding operations including inpatient, outpatient, emergency services, observation, and surgery
• Works in conjunction with the professional coding director to ensure correctly and timely coding for PBB and HOD clinics
• Develops departmental strategy aligned with organizational financial and quality goals
• Leads workforce planning, staffing models, productivity standards, and performance management
• Drives continuous improvement initiatives and operational efficiency
• Serves as subject matter expert for coding, documentation, and record management regulations, supporting and monitoring coding operations, quality, accuracy, productivity, and turnaround times
• Provides executive-level reporting to senior leadership and committees
• Ensures accurate and compliant ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS coding
• Oversees case mix index (CMI) performance and reimbursement integrity
• Manages coding DNFB and ensures alignment with goals
• Coordinates coding audits and education for the coding teams
• Maintains compliance with CMS, OIG, and payer regulations
• Supports DRG validation and appeals processes
• Oversees HIM functions including medical record completion, deficiency management, and record integrity
• Ensures Joint Commission, CMS Conditions of Participation, and state regulation compliance
• Manages release of information (ROI) operations and privacy compliance
• Maintains document management, scanning, indexing, and record retention processes
• Ensures data governance and master patient index integrity
• Serves as operational owner for Epic HIM modules and workflows, partnering with IT/Epic teams to optimize coding tools, work queues, and automation
• Oversees implementation of Epic upgrades and enhancements impacting HIM/coding, supporting best-practice adoption
• Partners with CDI leadership to optimize documentation quality and CMI
• Aligns coding practices with CDI query processes
• Collaborates with Revenue Cycle Operational Leaders on denials management and AR reduction; participates in payer audits and recovery activities
• Supports front-end documentation initiatives impacting reimbursement
• Maintains effective coding compliance programs, overseeing internal and external coding audits
• Responds to RAC, MAC, OIG, and commercial payer reviews and implements corrective action plans as needed
• Ensures HIPAA privacy and security compliance within HIM operations
• Collaborates with Medical Staff leadership on documentation improvement
• Provides education to providers regarding coding and documentation requirements, supporting clinical departments in regulatory readiness
• Serves as liaison between HIM and clinical operations
• Performs other related duties as assigned
• Familiar with standard concepts, practices and procedures within the field
• Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals
• Regular and predictable attendance is an essential job function
• Competent to meet age specific needs of the unit assigned
Requirements and Minimum Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management, Health Administration, or related field required; Master's degree preferred
• Minimum 7 years' progressively responsible HIM and coding leadership experience
• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and/or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) required within 1 year of hire
• Coding Certification (CCS/COC/CIC) required
• Previous inpatient coding oversight experience, preferably in an acute care hospital
• Experience in an Epic EHR environment
• Experience in a Meditech EHR environment, preferred
• Demonstrated success managing large teams and complex operations
• Strong knowledge of DRG reimbursement methodologies
Working Conditions
• Must be able to lift and move up to 10lbs
• Must be able to maintain a sitting position
• Typical equipment used in an office job
• Repetitive movements
About Kootenai Health:
Kootenai Health is a highly esteemed healthcare organization serving patients throughout northern Idaho and the Inland Northwest. We have been recognized with many accolades and distinctions, including being a Gallup Great Workplace, No. 1 Best Place to Work in Large Healthcare Organizations, and Magnet™ Status for Nursing Excellence. We pride ourselves on our outstanding reputation as an employer and a healthcare provider.
As your next employer, we are excited to offer you:

• Kootenai Health offers comprehensive medical plan options, including options for fully paid employer premiums for our full-time employees. For part-time employees, we offer the same plan options with affordable part-time premiums. In addition to medical insurance, we offer many voluntary benefits ranging from dental and vision to life and pet insurance. Kootenai Health also offers well-being resources and telemedicine service options to all employees, regardless of benefit eligibility. Benefits begin on the 1st of the month following 30 days of employment.
• Kootenai Health's tuition assistance program is available after 90 days. If you want to further your education, we'll help you pay for it
• Kootenai Health sponsors retirement plans for employees that enable you to save money on a pre-tax and Roth after tax basis for your retirement. Kootenai Health will match your contributions based on years of service ranging from 3-6 percent.
• An award-winning and incentive-driven wellness program. Including a MyHealth corporate team, onsite financial seminars, and coaching
• Robust and interactive employee referral program
• Competitive salaries with night, weekend, and PRN shift differentials
• Employees receive discounts at The Wellness Bar, PEAK Fitness, and more!
• And much more

Kootenai Health provides exceptional support for extraordinary careers. If you want to work on a high-quality, person-centered healthcare team, we can't wait to meet you!
Apply today! Please contact Lindsay Buchanan at lbuchanan@kh.org or the HR Front Desk at 208-625-4620 or email careers@kh.org with any questions.
Kootenai Health complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex. Kootenai Health does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sex.
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