Medical Records Technician (Inpatient Coder)

This position is located within IHS at the Shiprock Service Unit, Medical Records, in Shiprock, NM. The primary purpose is to perform accurate inpatient and specialty medical coding in accordance with official guidelines, supporting compliant billing, quality reporting, reimbursement, documentation accuracy, and data integrity through coding reviews and analysis.

A REAL ID will be required beginning May 7, 2025, in accordance with 6 C.F.R. 37.5 (2021).

• Performs inpatient medical coding and auditing, reviewing records for completeness, accuracy, medical necessity, appropriate modifiers, evaluation and management levels, and correct diagnostic and procedural code assignment.
• Ensures diagnoses and procedures are accurately documented and sequenced to support appropriate diagnosis-related group assignment, billing, reimbursement, and quality reporting.
• Conducts quality reviews, identifies documentation deficiencies, initiates provider clarifications, and provides coding and documentation feedback to support compliance and data integrity.
• Reviews coding and documentation, identifies deficiencies, coordinates clarifications, and provides education to support compliance.
• Analyzes coding trends, prepares Case Mix Index reports, assists with audits, and supports accurate reimbursement.

Total Compensation Package - Check out IHS's outstanding total compensation package for this job:
Medical Records Technician Total Compensation | Pay (ihs.gov)

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience and/or education, to perform the duties of the specific position for which you are applying.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer and part time experience. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Your resume must demonstrate at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the Federal service obtained in either the private or public sector performing the following type of work and/or tasks below:

GS-08: Performing inpatient medical coding and auditing; interpreting extensive clinical medical documentation to determine accurate diagnoses, procedures, medical necessity, and code assignment; independently resolving coding and documentation discrepancies; initiating and tracking provider clarification requests; conducting comprehensive quality assurance reviews and compliance audits; analyzing coding, billing, and reimbursement data to identify trends and systemic deficiencies; and providing technical guidance and education to providers and staff regarding documentation, coding requirements, and regulatory standards.

Preferred not required:
Certification through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-Based (CCS-P), or certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC),

Condition of Employment:
The incumbent must obtain and maintain the applicable certification within two (2) years of appointment, complete all required continuing education, and provide annual verification of certification.

Time In Grade
Federal employees in the competitive service are also subject to the Time-In-Grade Requirements: Merit Promotion (status) candidates must have completed one year of service at the next lower grade level. Time-In-Grade provisions do not apply under the Excepted Service Examining Plan (ESEP).

There are no education requirements.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period
ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period
U.S. Citizenship is required
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959

This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes.

On-call hours or standby duty may be required.

Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/.

You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you.

Background Investigation Requirement:

This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment.

A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service.

Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process.

Financial Suitability Requirement:

This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying.

Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS).

Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.