Lead VHA Contract Coder

Job Summary

Job Summary

Lead VHA Contract Coder

Location: Remote

Serves as working lead responsible for outpatient and/or inpatient facility coding, audits, and coding team oversight in support of the VA Portland Health Care System (VAPORHCS). This position is part-time with flexible hours, ideal for a credentialed VHA coder seeking supplemental work.

Primary Responsibilities

• Perform outpatient and/or inpatient facility coding including ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS, DRG, and E&M for all encounters assigned by VAPORHCS
• Access and review health record documentation in VA's VistA/CPRS system; enter codes into the approved coding application
• Apply modifiers, CCI bundling guidelines, and Reason Not Billable (RNB) designations as appropriate
• Code all standard cases within 7 calendar days of receipt/discharge; priority cases within one business day
• Clarify conflicting, ambiguous, or nonspecific documentation; consult VHA coding guidance as appropriate.
• Comply with all HIPAA, VA/VHA privacy, security, and records management directives, and complete all required VA training prior to system access and annually thereafter
• Comply with AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding
• Conduct coding audits covering not less than 5% of coded services; provide written feedback to team members, track quality trends, and report metrics to Arrow ARC PM on a weekly cadence
• Ensure team coding production meets contract and program office standards, including a minimum of 70 outpatient or 13 inpatient encounters per coder per 8-hour day, and a 95% accuracy rate per HIMS program office requirements
• Serve as primary point of contact for contract team coding questions and VA coding-related inquiries, including documentation clarification, VHA policy, and contract compliance matters
• Mentor and support coders transitioning into VA/VHA coding environments; assist with onboarding and ongoing education as needed
• Participate in VA-directed coding reviews, pre-bill re-reviews, or RAC/MAC audits as applicable

Minimum Qualifications

• Active coding credential from AHIMA (RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CCS-P) or AAPC (CPC or CPC-H); credential must be maintained for the duration of the contract
• Proficiency with ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT/HCPCS, DRG assignment, and E&M guidelines
• Experience working within VA systems (e.g., VistA/CPRS, VIRR) and complying with HIPAA/VA directives
• Minimum 3 years of VHA facility coding experience, including current or recent experience (within the past 12 months) in a lead, supervisory, or senior coding role
• Experience conducting coding audits and delivering feedback
• Experience mentoring or training other coders

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing or delivering coding education or training materials for team members or peers
• 5+ years of VHA facility coding experience, including lead or supervisory responsibility

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for extended periods, use a computer keyboard and mouse, and communicate verbally and in writing. The employee may occasionally need to stand, walk, bend, or lift up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

About Aptive

About Aptive. Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class. Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply. About Aptive: Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. Founded: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.