APDRG Coder

Job Description: APDRG Coder

Job Title: APDRG Coder

Department: Medical Coding / Healthcare RCM

Location: Chennai

Joining: Immediate joiners preferred

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced APDRG Coder to review inpatient medical records, analyze clinical documentation, and accurately assign appropriate diagnosis-related group (DRG) classifications in accordance with applicable coding guidelines and payer requirements. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of inpatient coding, medical terminology, clinical documentation, and DRG assignment methodologies.

Key Responsibilities

• Review inpatient medical records, discharge summaries, physician notes, and other clinical documentation.
• Analyze principal diagnoses, secondary diagnoses, comorbidities, complications, and relevant procedures to support accurate DRG assignment.
• Assign appropriate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes, as applicable to the coding scope and client requirements.
• Apply relevant APDRG classification rules and guidelines to determine the appropriate DRG.
• Identify documentation gaps, inconsistencies, and potential coding errors, and seek clarification when required.
• Ensure coding accuracy, compliance, and adherence to applicable coding standards and organizational policies.
• Review clinical documentation to identify factors that may affect DRG assignment, severity, and reimbursement.
• Meet established productivity, quality, and turnaround-time targets.
• Collaborate with coding auditors, clinical documentation teams, and other healthcare RCM stakeholders to resolve coding-related queries.
• Stay updated on changes to coding guidelines, DRG classification systems, and payer-specific requirements.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in inpatient medical coding and DRG classification.
• Strong understanding of APDRG methodology and applicable DRG grouping guidelines.
• Good knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.
• Proficiency in interpreting inpatient medical records and discharge summaries.
• Understanding of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding, where applicable.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to meet quality and productivity targets in a deadline-driven environment.
• Good communication and documentation skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant medical coding certification, such as CCS or an equivalent credential.
• Experience with inpatient coding audits and DRG validation.
• Exposure to clinical documentation improvement (CDI) and coding compliance processes.

Application Details

Interested candidates with relevant APDRG coding experience are encouraged to apply. Please share your updated resume along with your total medical coding experience, APDRG coding experience, current CTC, expected CTC, and notice period.