Freelance Remote Inpatient Coding Jobs in Illinois

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.

As our Revenue Cycle Coder III-Inpatient Coding, you will leverage your expert knowledge in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT-4 coding to drive excellence in our health information management (HIM) department. This critical role focuses on elevating coding accuracy, enhancing Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) practices, and ensuring system-wide compliance with evolving regulatory standards. You will be instrumental in fostering a culture of continuous learning and precision, directly impacting our revenue cycle integrity and healthcare data quality.

Every day you will serve as a primary resource for complex coding and billing inquiries, providing authoritative guidance and problem-solving expertise. You will design, develop, and deliver comprehensive coding and CDI education programs, onboarding new staff, and conducting targeted training sessions across the health system. A key part of your role involves performing rigorous coding and DRG validation audits, identifying areas for improvement, and facilitating follow-up education. You'll actively monitor and communicate regulatory coding and billing changes, translating them into actionable implementation plans, and promoting standardization of best practices. Furthermore, you will act as a vital liaison, fostering collaborative relationships with CDI specialists, physicians, clinical quality, and patient financial services to uphold the accuracy and integrity of all inpatient medical records.

To be successful in this advanced role, you will possess expert-level knowledge of current coding classification systems (ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT-4) and a deep understanding of CDI methodologies. You must have a proven track record in adult education and curriculum development, with an ability to present complex information clearly and engagingly. Strong analytical skills for conducting coding audits and identifying educational needs are essential. Exceptional communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills are crucial for building effective working relationships across various departments and influencing positive change in coding compliance and documentation improvement practices. Relevant coding certifications (e.g., CCS, RHIA, CDIP) are expected.

• Accurately assigns codes from the current ICD classification systems for inpatient accounts, creates MS-DRG/APR-DRG assignments while adhering to coding guidelines, regulations and compliance plan
• Abstract additional data elements as identified by enterprise, such as administrative codes
• Must be able to code all service lines of inpatient accounts
• Ability to communicate effectively, stay organized, and demonstrate effective time management skills
• Adhere to the ethical standards of coding as established by AAPC and/or AHIMA
• Adhere to and maintain required levels of performance in both coding quality and productivity

Required

• Education & Certification: High School Diploma/GED required with 3+years of recent acute care coding experience, OR an Associate's Degree in HIM/RHIT. Must possess CCS, RHIA, or RHIT certification.
• Acute Care Coding Expertise: Minimum of 3+ years recent coding experience in an acute care setting, ideally within a large multi-facility organization.
• Complex Case Mastery: Proven expertise in coding complex conditions and procedures, including major trauma, CV, orthopedic, and neurosurgery, preferably in a Level I/II trauma or teaching hospital.

Preferred

• 4-6 years 5  (five) years of recent inpatient medical coding experience (hospital, large multi-facility organization, etc.)
• Bachelors Other in HIM 
• Remote Work Proficiency: Demonstrated success with 3+ years of experience working effectively in a remote environment.
• Technical Acumen: Proficient with 3+ years of experience utilizing various encoder and EMR systems such as Meditech, Epic, and Cerner.
• Advanced Coding Knowledge: Expert-level understanding of ICD (diagnostic and procedural) and CPT-4 coding classification systems.