Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is a hospital dedicated to delivering high-quality healthcare to the Hope, Arkansas community and surrounding areas. We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient diagnostic services, as well as a 24-hour emergency department, an inpatient geriatric behavioral health unit, physical therapy, inpatient pharmacy services, and a Rural Health Clinic.

Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center is in search of an experienced Outpatient Coder. The ideal candidate for Outpatient Coder will be responsible for accurately assigning diagnostic and procedural codes for outpatient hospital services, ensuring compliance with official coding guidelines, payer-specific regulations, and Critical Access Hospital billing requirements. This role directly supports accurate reimbursement, clinical documentation integrity, and quality reporting.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Review outpatient medical records, including clinic visits, emergency department encounters, same-day surgery, ancillary services, and therapy services.
• Assign appropriate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes following national and facility-specific guidelines.
• Ensure coding accuracy to optimize reimbursement while maintaining compliance with Medicare, Medicaid, and other payer requirements.
• Apply Critical Access Hospital-specific billing rules, such as Method II billing (if applicable) and swing-bed outpatient coding.
• Work with providers and clinical staff to clarify documentation and resolve coding discrepancies.
• Maintain coding productivity and accuracy standards as defined by the HIM department.
• Assist with coding audits, denials management, and compliance reviews.
• Participate in coding education, training, and continuing education to remain current with coding updates.
• Protect the confidentiality of patient health information in compliance with HIPAA.
• Collaborate with the billing, revenue cycle, and quality teams to ensure seamless claim processing.

Education & Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Associate degree in Health Information Management or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 1–2 years of coding experience in a hospital setting required.

Certifications:

• Certification required: CPC (AAPC) or CCS/CCA (AHIMA).
• Additional certifications (RHIT, RHIA) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
• Familiarity with Medicare and Medicaid outpatient billing regulations for CAHs.
• Ability to interpret clinical documentation and apply coding guidelines.
• Proficiency with EHR and coding software systems.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet productivity and accuracy standards.
• Excellent communication skills for provider and team interaction.