Medical Records Technician (Coder)

Provide accurate impatient and specialty medical coding by reviewing clinical documentation. Assign accurate diagnostic and procedural codes in accordance with coding guidelines for billing, quality reporting and reimbursement.

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

Incentive authorized up to 25% of base pay

• Recruitment Incentive - New appointees
• Relocation Incentive - Current federal employees

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

• Perform accurate inpatient and specialty medical coding procedures.
• Review clinical documentation for quality, analyze records for compliant billing.
• Identify documentation deficiencies and initiate clarification request.
• Assist providers in identifying missing diagnoses, specificity to clinical linkages and supporting indicators.

REQUIREMENTS
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.

The selected individual is required to obtain and maintain medical staff clinical privileges, including any licensure requirements. If privileges are not obtained or maintained during employment, the employee will be subject to adverse actions, up to and including removal from Federal service.

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.

To qualify for this position, your resume must state sufficient experience 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:

GS-08: One (1) year of specialized experience comparable in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-08 grade level with the knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of this position. Examples include: Identify medical record code issues and correct sequencing properties. Use of excellent customer service to collaborate with medical providers to ensure diagnostic terminology meets medical nomenclature. Use medical coding principles for accurate submittal, billing, and tracking. Operate a variety of office automated systems to submit coding transactions.

Condition of Employment:
In order to meet the condition of employment, you must possess or obtain coding certification within one year of initial appointment to this position.

• Certification as a Certified Coding Specialist by American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and/or by American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

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).

You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of the announcement.

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

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.