Job Purpose
The
Inpatient Medical Coding Operations Supervisor is responsible for managing day-to-day operations of the inpatient coding team to ensure timely, accurate, and compliant coding delivery. This role focuses on productivity oversight, workflow optimization, coder performance management, and operational alignment with client expectations and organizational goals. The Supervisor acts as the primary liaison between coders, QA, and Training teams to maintain high-quality output and operational efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Oversight
- Supervise inpatient coding team to meet daily/weekly productivity and accuracy targets.
- Monitor work queues, turnaround times (TAT), and ensure adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
- Allocate workloads based on coder capacity and account priorities; manage escalations effectively.
- Ensure compliance with ICD-10-CM/PCS guidelines, UHDDS standards, and client-specific requirements.
Performance Management
- Track coder performance metrics (productivity, accuracy, attendance) and provide timely feedback.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and implement corrective action plans for underperforming coders.
- Collaborate with QA team to address error trends and support coder remediation plans.
Workflow & Process Improvement
- Identify bottlenecks and implement process enhancements to improve efficiency and reduce rework.
- Support automation initiatives and ensure coders are trained on updated workflows and tools.
- Maintain operational dashboards and provide data-driven insights to leadership.
Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner with QA Supervisors and Educators to align audit findings, glidepaths, and training interventions.
- Coordinate with client teams for operational updates, reporting, and compliance requirements.
- Participate in leadership meetings to discuss operational performance and strategic initiatives.
Compliance & Standards
- Ensure coders adhere to HIPAA-equivalent privacy and organizational security protocols.
- Stay updated on coding guideline changes and cascade updates to the team promptly.
Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in health information management, Nursing, or related field.
- Certifications: Must have CCS/CIC certification
- Experience:
- 3 years solid Inpatient DRG supervisory experience (ICD-10-CM/PCS, MS-DRG).
- Strong understanding of DRG validation, POA reporting, and UHDDS standards.
Preferred Skills & Competencies
- Operational Expertise: Workflow management, SLA adherence, productivity optimization.
- Technical Knowledge: ICD-10-CM/PCS coding, DRG grouping, encoder tools.
- Leadership: Team supervision, coaching, conflict resolution, performance management.
- Analytical Skills: KPI tracking, trend analysis, reporting.
- Communication: Clear and professional verbal/written communication; ability to interact with cross-functional teams.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Timely completion of coding assignments within SLA.
- Productivity and accuracy compliance across accounts.
- Reduction in error recurrence and DRG shifts.
- Effective coordination with QA and Training teams.
- Positive coder engagement and retention.
Working Conditions
- Schedule: Standard business hours with flexibility for cross-geo collaboration.
- Work Mode: Hybrid
- Data Security: Strict adherence to HIPAA-equivalent privacy and organizational confidentiality policies.
