HIM/Coding Director

About Company:

McAlester Regional Health Center is a community-focused healthcare organization committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to southeast Oklahoma. With a strong history of service and growth, MRHC is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the communities we serve while investing in the development of our employees. Guided by values of teamwork, integrity, and excellence, we foster a supportive and inclusive workplace where every team member is valued. At MRHC, employees have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day while building a rewarding career in healthcare.

About the Role:

About the Role:

The HIM/Coding Director plays a critical leadership role in overseeing the Health Information Management and medical coding functions within a healthcare organization. This position ensures the accuracy, compliance, and integrity of patient health records and coding processes, which directly impact reimbursement, regulatory reporting, and quality metrics. The director leads a team of coding professionals and HIM staff, fostering continuous improvement and adherence to industry standards and legal requirements. They collaborate closely with clinical, billing, and compliance departments to optimize documentation and coding practices. Ultimately, the HIM/Coding Director drives operational excellence and supports the organization's financial and clinical objectives through effective management of health information systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) credential.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in health information management and medical coding, including supervisory or management roles.
• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS coding systems, and healthcare regulatory requirements such as HIPAA and CMS guidelines.
• Proven experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification.
• Experience with revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) programs.
• Master’s degree in Health Administration, Public Health, or a related discipline.
• Familiarity with data analytics tools and reporting software.
• Experience working in a multi-facility healthcare system or large hospital environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the Health Information Management and coding departments, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluation of staff.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations related to health information management and medical coding standards.
• Develop, implement, and monitor policies and procedures to maintain data accuracy, security, and confidentiality of patient records.
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative teams to improve documentation quality and coding accuracy to maximize reimbursement and reduce denials.
• Oversee coding audits, data analysis, and reporting to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for process improvement.
• Stay current with changes in coding guidelines, healthcare regulations, and technology advancements to maintain best practices.
• Manage budgets, resources, and technology systems related to HIM and coding operations.

Skills:

The HIM/Coding Director utilizes advanced coding knowledge daily to ensure accurate classification of diagnoses and procedures, which directly affects billing and compliance. Leadership and communication skills are essential for managing teams, coordinating with clinical staff, and driving organizational initiatives. Analytical skills are applied to audit coding accuracy, interpret regulatory changes, and implement process improvements. Proficiency with health information systems and technology enables efficient management of electronic records and reporting. Additionally, problem-solving and strategic planning skills support the director in navigating complex regulatory environments and optimizing departmental performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or a related field.
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) credential.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in health information management and medical coding, with at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS coding systems, and healthcare compliance regulations such as HIPAA.
• Proven experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification.
• Experience with revenue cycle management and clinical documentation improvement (CDI) programs.
• Familiarity with healthcare quality reporting programs such as HEDIS and CMS initiatives.
• Advanced degree in Health Information Management, Business Administration, or related field.
• Experience working in a multi-facility healthcare system or large hospital environment.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the HIM and coding departments, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management of staff.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations related to health information management and medical coding.
• Develop and maintain policies and procedures that support accurate, secure, and confidential management of patient records.
• Partner with clinical, billing, and compliance teams to improve documentation quality, coding accuracy, reimbursement, and denial prevention.
• Oversee coding audits, reporting, and data analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor changes in coding guidelines, healthcare regulations, and industry best practices and implement necessary updates.
• Manage departmental resources, budgets, and technology systems related to HIM and coding operations.

Skills:

The HIM/Coding Director utilizes strong leadership and communication skills daily to manage and motivate a diverse team, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Analytical skills are essential for reviewing coding accuracy, interpreting complex regulations, and implementing process improvements. Proficiency with coding systems and EHR technology enables the director to oversee accurate data capture and reporting. Problem-solving skills are applied to address compliance issues and optimize workflows in collaboration with clinical and administrative partners. Additionally, the ability to stay current with evolving healthcare regulations and coding standards ensures the organization remains compliant and financially sound.