HCC Coding Manager

About IKS Health:

Founded in 2006, IKS Health enables providers to provide better, safe, and more efficient care at scale. With 17,000 employees, including over 1,500 physicians, and technologists, IKS Health provides solutions for over 150,000 providers across some of the largest and most prestigious healthcare provider groups in the country. Through our Provider Enablement Platform, IKS Health provides a strategic blend of technology and expertise with the aim of restoring joy and viability to the practice of medicine by giving providers the tools and resources they need to focus on what matters most - the patient. We offer clinical, financial and administrative healthcare solutions for improved operational efficiency, better patient outcomes, optimized productivity, and revenue.

Job Summary:

The Coding Manager reports to the Director of Coding Services and leads the day-to-day delivery of remote coding services for an assigned portfolio of Value-Based Care (VBC) clients. This seasoned leader brings 5-7 years of hands-on management experience in medical coding operations and is accountable for coder productivity, coding accuracy, client satisfaction, and contractual SLA performance across domestic and global teams. The Coding Manager directs client onboarding, resource scheduling, workload and capacity planning, and the accurate reporting of time and productivity that supports client billing and invoicing. Working closely with the Coding Audit, Capacity Management, and Global Coding Operations teams, the role turns audit findings into corrective action and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is highly organized, excels at managing competing priorities and deadlines, communicates promptly and professionally (responding to all client communications within one business day), and is proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, especially Excel/Google Sheets for metrics and reporting. Occasional travel may be required.

Client Management & Service Delivery

• Ensure IKS Health meets or exceeds all contract requirements, SLAs, and turnaround-time (TAT) commitments for assigned clients

• Uphold the IKS Health mission, vision, and values; drive performance against KLAS metrics, including service, responsiveness, and client loyalty

• Participate in client kick-off calls with Sales/Client Development to ensure a seamless transition from sales to operations

• Review discovery information to assess volume, workload, specialties, and staffing needs; coordinate and oversee onboarding of coding staff, including system access and client-specific training

• Manage the day-to-day client relationship and operations as the primary point of contact for coding delivery

• Monitor work queues, backlogs, DNFB, and productivity metrics daily; identify coverage gaps early and present options for rapid resolution, partnering with the Capacity Management team

• Serve as liaison for client coding questions; coordinate with the Coding Audit team on quality efforts and audit outcomes

• Proactively identify performance or compliance issues that could create an at-risk account; escalate appropriately to leadership with a documented mitigation plan

• Provide coder schedules, weekly productivity and quality metrics, and a formal monthly reporting package with summary findings and improvement action plans

• Lead status calls with client leadership, document action items, and resolve issues within agreed timelines

• Respond to all client communications (email, phone, ticketing) within one business day of receipt

• Deliver project status reports to IKS Health operational leadership

Coding Team Leadership & Performance Management

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of up to 50 direct and indirect reports, including supervisors, domestic coders, and global coders

• Set clear expectations; monitor productivity, accuracy, and schedule adherence daily using IKS Health activity and workforce tools

• Validate the accuracy of productivity and time data that drives client billing and invoicing

• Hold coders accountable to expected schedules (excluding independent contractors); approve and manage time off and coordinate backup coverage for vacation, sick time, holidays, and other leave

• Partner with Global Coding Operations on coverage, access, and training of global coders; while global coders do not report to domestic leadership, the Coding Manager is accountable for their outcomes on assigned clients

• Review coder accuracy rates with the Coding Audit team; deliver targeted education and coaching to close knowledge gaps

• Initiate and manage Corrective Action Plans for coders not meeting performance standards, ensuring each coder understands the plan, timeline, and expectations

• Conduct regular team meetings to address impactful issues, guideline updates, and client expectations

• Support hiring, onboarding, recognition, and retention programs to build an engaged, high-performing team

• Reinforce KLAS objectives, including customer service and client responsiveness, across the team

Business Analytics & Reporting

• Gather and analyze data for the monthly Coding Business Unit meeting, including capacity and utilization modeling, benchmarking, and trend analysis
• Build and maintain productivity, quality, and staffing trackers and dashboards in Excel and Google Sheets
• Use data to forecast staffing needs, identify process improvement opportunities, and support P&L objectives

Coding Expertise & Regulatory Compliance

• Serve as the subject-matter expert for ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, HCPCS, and HCC/risk adjustment coding guidelines relevant to assigned clients
• Stay current on official coding guidelines, CMS regulations, payer policies, and industry changes; communicate updates to the team promptly
• Ensure IKS Health compliance with all regulatory and accreditation requirements, HIPAA privacy and security, and the AHIMA Standards of Ethical Coding
• Maintain all required CEUs and active certifications/credentials

Operational Excellence, Organization & Communication

• Manage multiple clients, priorities, and deadlines at once in a fast-paced remote environment while maintaining attention to detail
• Plan and prioritize work effectively; manage time and calendars to meet reporting deadlines, client meetings, and SLA commitment
• Manage a high volume of email and messaging professionally and promptly; keep clear, organized records of client and team communications
• Create, maintain, and distribute policies, procedures, workflows, and process documents to domestic and global team leaders and members; store and update all documentation on Google Drive
• Use Microsoft Office and Google Workspace tools daily to produce reports, presentations, schedules, and correspondence

IKS Health Excellence

• Demonstrate a commitment to excellence in serving the client
• Model the IKS Health Core Values: Integrity, Quality, Team, Continuous Improvement, Expertise, and Innovation

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management, Health Administration, or a related field preferred
• Equivalent combination of coding-focused experience and leadership will be considered in lieu of a degree

Experience:

• 5-7 years of progressive management experience leading medical coding teams (coding manager, coding supervisor, or HIM management role)
• 7+ years of total medical coding experience; outpatient, professional fee, inpatient, and/or risk adjustment (HCC) coding preferred
• Experience managing remote and/or offshore coding teams of 20+ staff
• Client-facing experience in a coding services, revenue cycle, or healthcare consulting organization preferred
• Experience supporting Value-Based Care, Medicare Advantage, or risk adjustment programs a plus

Coding & Business Knowledge

• Expert knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, HCPCS, E/M guidelines, and HCC/risk adjustment methodology
• Working knowledge of coding compliance, CMS regulations, HIPAA, and coding audit processes
• Business analytics, including P&L awareness, capacity and utilization models, productivity standards, and benchmarking
• Ability to adapt quickly to multiple HIM/EHR platforms (e.g., Epic, Cerner/Oracle Health, Meditech) and encoder/CAC tools (e.g., 3M, Optum)
• Proactive identification of unusual client practices that may affect production, process, workflow, quality, or compliance

Technology Proficiency

• Advanced Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets skills: formulas, pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, conditional formatting, charts, and data validation
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook) and Google Workspace (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet)
• Comfortable with virtual collaboration tools (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Slack), ticketing systems, and workforce/productivity tracking tools
• Strong document management practices, including version control and organized shared drives

Core Competencies

• Exceptional multitasking ability; manages competing priorities across multiple clients while maintaining focus and accuracy
• Strong time management and organizational skills; consistently meets deadlines with minimal supervision
• Responsive, professional written and verbal communication, including timely, well-organized email management
• Exceptional customer service; able to troubleshoot client concerns and resolve them quickly
• Accountable, dependable leader who coaches with clarity and holds teams to high standards
• Analytical problem solver with strong attention to detail

Licenses / Certifications

• At least one active AHIMA or AAPC credential required: RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, or COC
• CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder) preferred for VBC/risk adjustment clients
• Must maintain all credentials and CEUs in good standing

The base salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000k/Year. Pay is based on several factors, including but not limited to current market conditions, location, education, work experience, certifications, etc. IKS Health offers a competitive benefits package, including healthcare, 401k, and paid time off (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements for full-time employees). IKS Health is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status.