Job Details

Director, Medical Coding Operations

Position Number: 7206223
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Health - Healthcare Administration

Director, Medical Coding Operations

Job Summary

University Medical Billing (UMB) is a fully remote department that is viewed as the premier billing office for the University of Utah School of Medicine, serving over 1,800 providers and 30 different specialties across Utah and surrounding states. We strive to be a great place to work while providing the best service to our customers. Our leaders and employees value collaboration, innovation, and accountability, and believe a successful candidate will exemplify these attributes too.

Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Medical Coding Operations Director to join our leadership team. As the Medical Coding Operations Director, you will be responsible for directing the revenue cycle operations for an organization that provides healthcare patient services. Working with senior leadership to develop revenue cycle strategies that maximize process efficiency and reimbursement. Leading process improvement across the functional teams that contribute to the revenue cycle, such as claims, billing, and payment posting. Monitoring the effectiveness of activities contributing to the revenue cycle to identifying and reducing missed revenue opportunities. Remaining knowledgeable of insurance policy and governmental regulations affecting billing practices to ensure organizational compliance.

First-level director. Assists executives and/or senior directors in defining organizational goals and strategic plans. Extensive business knowledge with comprehensive understanding of the organization and functional area.

Employment is contingent on the successful completion of a background check and the adherence to departmental policies, including UMB's Telecommuting Agreement which requires a distraction-free and HIPAA compliant workplace, cameras on for all virtual calls/meetings, and the ability to work during office hours or assigned shift (M-F, approximately 8am to 5pm Mountain Time) regardless of what time zone you live in. Additionally, new hires are required to provide their own monitors (two) and reliable internet service.

Compensation & Benefits
The starting salary for this position is $140,000 to $175,000 per year, depending on experience. Members of UMB are eligible for a bonus based on department performance. All team members are eligible for the University's comprehensive benefit package that includes 90% employer-paid medical insurance, a generous 14.2% retirement contribution, reduced tuition, PTO and holiday pay, and more!

Responsibilities
Essential Functions

Direct Strategy
- This role is critical to advancing organizational financial stewardship and compliance by ensuring coding excellence, operational efficiency, and continuous innovation across the revenue cycle.
  - Operational leadership and Strategy
    - Lead and oversee medical coding operations, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
    - Develop and execute coding strategies aligned with organizational and revenue objectives.
    - Partner with revenue cycle, clinical, and compliance leadership to ensure alignment and integration.
  - Coding Integrity & Compliance
    - Establish and maintain coding policies and procedures in accordance with regulatory and industry standards.
    - Ensure compliance with ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS level II coding guidelines. Monitor regulatory updates and proactively adjust coding practices as required.
    - Lead coding integrity initiatives to maintain high standards of compliance and documentation accuracy.
  - Revenue optimization & performance improvement
    - Improve revenue cycle outcomes through accurate and compliant coding practices.
    - Identify and address the root causes of coding-related denials and revenue leakage.
    - Implement strategies to improve first-pass resolution rates and reduce rework.
    - Collaborate and partner with clinical and billing teams to enhance documentation accuracy and coding alignment.
    - Process improvement and technology integration strategies: identify opportunities to improve coding processes, implement innovative practices, and integrate technology solutions to enhance workflow and documentation accuracy.
  - Audit, Quality & Risk Management
    - Develop and maintain a structured audit and review program to assess coding accuracy and compliance.
    - Establish routine audit cadence (e.g., monthly and quarterly reviews).
    - Analyze audit results, identify trends, and implement corrective and preventive actions. Develop strategies to address current concerns and avoid future errors.
      - If risk is identified or determined, work collaboratively with quality and compliance.
    - Mitigate compliance risk through proactive monitoring and education.
  - Performance Management & Reporting
    - Define and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for coding operations, including accuracy, productivity, turnaround time, and denial rates.
    - Develop and deliver regular performance reports and insights to leadership.
    - Create quarterly strategic dashboards summarizing performance, financial impact, compliance trends, and operational initiatives.
    - Use data to drive accountability and continuous improvement.
  - Financial Management
    - Manage coding operations budget, including salary and wage expenses.
    - Forecast staffing and operational costs based on volume and strategic priorities.
    - Oversee budgeting for training, professional development, travel, technology, and special projects.
    - Ensure cost-effective operations while maintaining high quality and compliance standards.
Represent UMB
- Value transparency & stakeholder engagement
  - Develop structured processes and reporting to clearly articulate the value of professional coding services.
  - Communicate coding performance, risks, and opportunities to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
  - Partner across functions to support enterprise initiatives and performance goals.
- Partner with revenue cycle, clinical, and compliance leadership to ensure alignment and integrity.
  - Cross- Functional collaborate to ensure effective coordination and communication of coding processes and changes.
  - Establish regular cadence of check-ins with external partners to audit and revise strategies and processes to ensure accuracy of work.
- Stay informed and collaborate on coding at the national, state-wide, and society levels (e.g.; AAPC. EPIC Core). Ensure UMB is proactive with related best practices.
- Partner with revenue cycle, billing, and compliance teams to align coding with charge capture, claim edits, and payer requirements.
  - Build relationships to ensure cohesive collaboration and execution of coding changes
- Oversee and/or direct special interdisciplinary projects impacting the department's overall operation and strategic direction, including developing strategies consistent with the University's continuous quality improvement program.
- Ensure customer and patient satisfaction through process efficiency and quality service.
Lead Culture - Ensure Organization Satisfaction
- Workforce Planning & Organizational Leadership
  - Design and maintain an effective organizational structure to meet business needs.
  - Lead staffing strategy, including recruitment, retention, and development of coding professionals. Manage and mentor the team, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and professional development. Set clear performance expectations and provide regular feedback and support.
  - Manage onshore and offshore team models to optimize performance and cost efficiency.
  - Foster a high-performance culture focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Guide the team through organizational changes and process improvements, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining high levels of productivity and morale. Participate in defining policies that increase organizational effectiveness.
Other duties as assigned.

This job description is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Minimum Qualifications
EQUIVALENCY STATEMENT: 1 year of higher education can be substituted for 1 year of directly related work experience (Example: bachelor's degree = 4 years of directly related work experience).
Director, Healthcare Revenue Cycle: Requires a bachelor's (or equivalency) + 12 years or a master's (or equivalency) + 10 years of directly related work experience.

Preferences
An especially qualified candidate will also possess the following:

Master's degree in health information management, healthcare administration, or work-related equivalent preferred.
10 years' experience in a leadership role with progressively challenging experiences.
AAPC or AHIMA certification required.
Required 12 years' experience in coding, clinical or billing, with advanced proficiency in documentation related to regulatory reimbursement rules, regulations, reimbursement systems (federal, state and payer specific), and health insurance processing.
Proficiency in software applications (EPIC, iCentra, etc.)

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description. Disclaimer
This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job

Special Instructions
While UMB is a remote department and this role will be performed remotely, interested applicants should note the following:

This role is expected to work during UMB office hours which are Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm Mountain Time.
The University of Utah is committed to providing jobs to individuals located in Utah, and sees remote roles like this as an opportunity to provide amazing employment opportunities to those living in remote areas of the state. As such, Utah-based applicants may be prioritized in the screening process.
At this time, the University of Utah is unable to employ individuals living in California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, or Washington.

Requisition Number: PRN45238B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: UMB Office Hours; M-F 8:00am to 5:00pm Mountain Time
Department: 00209 - Univ Medical Billing - Oper
Location: Other
Pay Rate Range: $140,000 to $175,000 per year
Close Date: 8/2/2026
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/203013