The Director of Professional Coding provides strategic and operational leadership for all professional coding activities across a multi-hospital integrated health system. This role ensures consistency, standardization, regulatory compliance, and high-quality outcomes in professional coding functions within the Revenue Cycle, aligning operations with the health system's mission and values.

The Director leverages data-driven insights, industry best practices, and team leadership to drive continuous improvement, maximize net revenue, ensure regulatory adherence, and support operational growth across the enterprise.

Michigan Medicine improves the health of patients, populations and communities through excellence in education, patient care, community service, research and technology development, and through leadership activities in Michigan, nationally and internationally.  Our mission is guided by our Strategic Principles and has three critical components; patient care, education and research that together enhance our contribution to society.

Characteristics, Duties, & Responsibilities:

LEADERSHIP

• Leads and develops a regional team of skilled coders, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and ongoing growth.
• Build a high-performing environment aligned with the organization's core values and strategic goals.
• Develops collaborative relationships with leadership, clinical staff, and revenue cycle teams to meet established objectives.
• Establishes clear expectations, provides performance feedback, and supports ongoing professional development.
• Champions strategies to retain, reward, and promote staff, supporting training and career advancement.
• Maintains personal competency and knowledge in professional coding, actively participating in relevant professional organizations.
• Represents the professional coding division on institutional committees as appropriate.

OPERATIONS AND PROCESS IMPROVEMENT

• Oversee all aspects of professional coding operations, ensuring accurate and compliant assignment of ICD-10, CPT, and modifier codes for provider services.
• Develops, implements, and refines policies, workflows, and procedures for professional coding to ensure regulatory compliance and performance metrics.
• Monitors and reports on coding quality, productivity, accuracy, and other key performance indicators, using data to guide decision-making.
• Collaborate with IT and other stakeholders to enhance EHR and coding support systems.
• Leads process improvement initiatives to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance in professional coding, reducing denials and improving revenue capture.
• Manages vendor relationships related to coding services and guarantees compliance with service-level agreements.
• Communicates and effectively implements program and process changes, leading change management as needed.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

• Build collaborative relationships with physicians, clinical documentation improvement (CDI) teams, revenue cycle partners, and operational leaders to enhance documentation and coding outcomes. 
• Provides guidance and consultation on documentation and coding to boost reimbursement and data integrity. 
• Works with stakeholders to resolve coding issues that impact quality, reimbursement, and compliance.

PROBLEM SOLVING & STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT

• Identifies barriers and opportunities for improvement within the coding function, leading solutions through Lean methodology and project management best practices.
• Manages and prioritizes multiple projects and initiatives, ensuring they support organizational goals.
• Anticipates risks or concerns related to coding quality, regulatory changes, or payer requirements, and implements actions to address them.

• Exceptional leadership, change management, and staff development capabilities.
• In-depth knowledge of CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS Level II coding systems.
• Excellent analytical, auditing, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication; able to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a matrixed organization.
• High attention to detail and confidentiality.

• Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management, Healthcare Administration, or related field required.
• Active certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based (CCS-P), or equivalent required.
• Minimum 7 years of professional coding experience in a multi-specialty or academic medical center environment.

• Advanced degree (MBA, MHA, or equivalent) preferred.
• Additional credentials (such as RHIA, RHIT, or specialty coding certifications) are desired.
• 5+ years of leadership experience overseeing professional coding within an academic medical center setting.
• Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software.
• Proven knowledge of federal and state coding, billing regulations, and compliance best practices.

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Michigan Medicine conducts background screening and pre-employment drug testing on job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent job offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background screenings.  Background screenings are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Report Act. Pre-employment drug testing applies to all selected candidates, including new or additional faculty and staff appointments, as well as transfers from other U-M campuses.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days.  The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.