Medical Records Coder II (Open and Promotional)

Overview

San Mateo County Health

is seeking experienced individuals for the position of Medical Records Coder II for Correctional Health to provide coding for CalAIM billable services including, ancillary services and clinic visits.

Medical Records Coder II

is the journey level class of this series, fully competent to independently code ICD-10 and CPT Procedural coding or perform coding audits, provide physician education on coding issues or EM levels, and analyze and resolve billing edits.

The successful candidate will be responsible for performing billing functions related to the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) justice-involved CalAIM initiative. This initiative allows eligible incarcerated individuals to enroll in Medi-Cal and receive reimbursement for health care services provided within the 90 days prior to their release, supporting their successful reentry into the community.

The vacant position for coding will be focused on professional fee (profee) coding. Majority of work for these positions will be coding of clinic visits with possible profee coding of other chart types. Understanding of code combinations and coding guidelines is crucial for candidates to be successful in this position. Some initial training will be onsite in the Health Information Management Department in San Mateo after which the assignment will be in the adult correctional facilities in Redwood City and / or the youth detention facility in San Mateo with remote options.

The ideal candidate for the position will be familiar with most or all of the following :

ICD-10 diagnosis and procedures, CPT procedures, HCPCS procedures, CCI edits, APC, HCC coding, and modifiers.

Has at least one year experience in facility and / or physician coding.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision using sound independent judgement within established guidelines.

Embraces change.

Able to organize work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines.

Can communicate effectively (both verbal and written) and establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

CalAIM and Medi-Cal policy frameworks, especially as they relate to the Justice-Involved Reentry Initiative is highly preferred.

Electronic Health Records (EHR) and data systems used for tracking and submitting claims related to substance use treatment, mental health services, and care management is also highly preferred.

Additionally the

ideal candidate

is detail-oriented, enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, proven problem solver and is a team player.

IMPORTANT :

Candidates for position(s) in Correctional Health will be required to complete an extensive security clearance conducted by the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office and undergo a thorough background check prior to being offered a position.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following :

Assign or verify correct ICD-10-CM / ICD-10-CPT codes to outpatient or inpatient medical records.

Utilize technical coding principles and APC reimbursement expertise to assign appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnoses and ICD-10-CM / CPT procedures.

Review narrative records of patient treatments and surgical procedures to determine what information is appropriate for coding purposes and prepare case abstracts.

Enter coded medical records data on computer terminal; select diagnosis and operations codes from computer designated abstracting system.

Assist in implementing solutions to reduce back-end billing errors.

Track weekly and follow up on all accounts that cannot be coded.

Contact doctors, nurses, laboratory and other auxiliary personnel for information needed to complete, correct or clarify medical records and to resolve discrepancies.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Licensure / Certification :

Possession of at least one of the following certifications : Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Professional Coder-Hospital (CPC-H), or Certified Professional Coder (CPC).

Knowledge of :

ICD-10 and CPT classification coding systems.

Fundamentals of anatomy, physiology, and the study of diseases.

Extensive medical terminology, and hospital accreditation and regulatory standards.

ICD-10 coding guidelines and Ethical Coding standards.

NCCI edits and hospital modifiers (for the journey level Coders).

Standard clerical office procedures and equipment including Windows-based software use.

Skill / Ability to :

Competently select ICD-10 to code diagnoses, treatments and procedures for outpatient or inpatient services either by use of coding books or encoder product.

Competently code procedures using CPT logic.

Adhere to the standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by AHIMA and official coding guidelines.

Maintain Continuing Education for certifications.

Abstract pertinent information from medical records.

Follow oral and written instructions.

Operate computer and appropriate coding software and abstract package.

Effectively communicate technical information to medical and administrative personnel.

Maintain effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience :

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is : I Level : Completion of the RHIT / RHIA program or 6 months experience in coding hospital related services. II level : Three years of experience in coding hospital related services.

Open and Promotional.

Anyone may apply. Current San Mateo County Health employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, SEIU or AFSCME represented extra-help / term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.

Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the

Apply

button. If you are not on the County's website, please visit the County jobs site to apply :

https : / / jobs.smcgov.org .

The supplemental application form must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight : pass / fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a performance exam (weight : 100%). All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination process. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date : Tuesday, September 30, 2025, by 11 : 59PM PST

Application Screening : Week of October 13, 2025

Panel Interviews : Week of November 3, 2025

About the County

San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer. We seek to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community.

Analyst : Ximena Burns (011322) (Medical Records Coder II - E306)

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