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Certified Medical Coder Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Medical Coder - Lead

Annapolis, MD · On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

The Medical Lead Coder under the supervision of the Manager of Coding and Data Quality In ... Participate in ongoing education, training, and certification programs to enhance coding ...

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Certified Medical Coder information

See Washington, DC salary details

$17

$29

$42

How much do certified medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for certified medical coder in Washington, DC is $29.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $33.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Certified Medical Coder Do?

As a certified medical coder, you work in the medical records billing department of a hospital or other medical facility. You are responsible for assigning medical billing codes to each treatment and procedure performed for a patient so that the claims can be billed or filed with insurance or Medicare. You also examine patient records and use your expertise to correctly code all diagnoses and procedures according to the national medical billing coding system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Certified Medical Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Certified Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), and typically a certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with health information management software, electronic health records (EHRs), and encoder tools is essential. Attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are critical soft skills in this role. These qualifications ensure accurate documentation, compliance with regulations, and efficient billing processes, which are vital for the financial health and legal standing of healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges Certified Medical Coders face when working with electronic health records (EHR) systems?

Certified Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as navigating complex EHR interfaces, ensuring accurate code selection amid evolving medical guidelines, and addressing discrepancies between clinical documentation and coding requirements. Additionally, coders must stay updated with frequent regulatory changes and adapt to varying documentation styles from different healthcare providers. Collaboration with physicians and billing teams is crucial to resolve ambiguities and maintain compliance, making strong communication skills essential in this role.

What are Certified Medical Coders?

Certified Medical Coders are healthcare professionals who review clinical documents and assign standardized medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services. These codes are essential for accurate billing, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Certified Medical Coders typically hold credentials such as the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) or CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) and must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines. Their work helps ensure compliance with regulations and supports the financial health of medical practices.

What is the difference between Certified Medical Coder vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectCertified Medical CoderMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)Generally no specific certification required, but certifications like Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) are common
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companiesMedical offices, billing companies, insurance firms
Primary ResponsibilitiesReviewing medical records, assigning codes for diagnoses and proceduresProcessing insurance claims, billing patients, follow-up on payments

While Certified Medical Coders focus on accurately translating medical records into standardized codes, Medical Billing Specialists handle the financial aspect by submitting claims and managing payments. Both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management and often work closely together in healthcare settings.

What are popular job titles related to Certified Medical Coder jobs in Washington, DC? For Certified Medical Coder jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Certified Medical Coder jobs in Washington, DC look for? The top searched job categories for Certified Medical Coder jobs in Washington, DC are:
Infographic showing various Certified Medical Coder job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 9% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,855 per year, or $29.7 per hour.
Medical Coder - Lead

Medical Coder - Lead

Luminis Health

Annapolis, MD • On-site

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Luminis Health rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 864 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Position Objective:
The Medical Lead Coder under the supervision of the Manager of Coding and Data Quality In accordance with Luminis Health coding guidelines, ICD-10-CM Official Coding Guidelines for Coding and reporting and other authoritative resources assists with oversight of daily Inpatient coding operations. This may include work volume and distribution, workflow evaluations and testing. This position may also include reviewing and reconciling reports, providing coding training within the Coding Department, and performing research on coding issues.
Inpatient Essential Job Duties:
  1. Review Inpatient medical records, including patient histories, examination findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans, to extract pertinent information for code assignment. Assign the principal and significant secondary ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes, in addition to present on admission indicators, and ICD-10-PCS procedure codes, using official coding guidelines and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, pharmacology and pathophysiology/disease processes. Ensure compliance with coding guidelines, conventions, and regulatory requirements, including adherence to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy regulations.
  2. Utilize coding references, software tools, and electronic health records (EHR) to facilitate accurate and efficient code assignment.
  3. Maintain a high level of accuracy in code assignment to prevent claim denials, billing errors, and potential legal issues.
  4. Stay updated with coding changes, industry trends, and regulatory updates to ensure coding practices align with the latest guidelines and requirements.
  5. Collaborate with healthcare providers, billing staff, and other stakeholders to clarify documentation, to resolve coding-related queries, and to ensure accurate and timely claim submission and reimbursement.
  6. Participate in ongoing education, training, and certification programs to enhance coding proficiency and maintain credentials.
  7. Uphold professional ethics, integrity, and confidentiality in handling patient information.
  8. Communicate and collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify documentation, obtain necessary information for accurate code assignment, and resolve coding-related queries.
  9. Ensure documentation supports the codes assigned and accurately reflects the services provided to maintain compliance with coding guidelines.
  10. Stay updated on changes to coding regulations, payer requirements, and industry trends to ensure coding practices align with the latest standards.
  11. Analyze complex medical scenarios and make informed decisions regarding code selection based on the documentation provided.
  12. Conduct regular audits and quality assurance reviews to monitor coding accuracy, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures as needed.
  13. Generate reports and provide coding-related data analysis to support healthcare management and decision-making.
  14. Stay informed about coding compliance standards and assist in the development and implementation of coding policies and procedures.
  15. Collaborate with the revenue cycle team to ensure seamless billing and reimbursement processes.
  16. Serve as a resource for coding-related questions and provide guidance to colleagues and team members as needed.
  17. Actively participate in coding team meetings, departmental meetings, and professional development activities to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and contribute to the growth of the coding team.
  18. Adhere to professional coding ethics and standards, including maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy.
  19. Provide support during external coding audits, including cooperating with auditors, providing documentation, and addressing any findings or recommendations.
  20. Assist with the implementation of coding-related software, updates, and system enhancements to optimize coding processes.
  21. Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with healthcare providers, billing staff, and other stakeholders to foster effective teamwork and communication.

Outpatient Essential Job Duties:
  1. Review Outpatient medical records, including patient histories, examination findings, diagnoses, and treatment plans, to extract pertinent information for code assignment.
  2. Assign accurate codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services rendered using coding systems such as ICD (International Classification of Diseases) and CPT (Current Procedural Terminology).
  3. Ensure compliance with coding guidelines, conventions, and regulatory requirements, including adherence to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) privacy regulations.
  4. Utilize coding references, software tools, and electronic health records (EHR) to facilitate accurate and efficient code assignment.
  5. Maintain a high level of accuracy in code assignment to prevent claim denials, billing errors, and potential legal issues.
  6. Stay updated with coding changes, industry trends, and regulatory updates to ensure coding practices align with the latest guidelines and requirements.
  7. Collaborate with healthcare providers, billing staff, and other stakeholders to clarify documentation, to resolve coding-related queries, and to ensure accurate and timely claim submission and reimbursement.
  8. Participate in ongoing education, training, and certification programs to enhance coding proficiency and maintain credentials.
  9. Uphold professional ethics, integrity, and confidentiality in handling patient information.
  10. Communicate and collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify documentation, obtain necessary information for accurate code assignment, and resolve coding-related queries.
  11. Ensure documentation supports the codes assigned and accurately reflects the services provided to maintain compliance with coding guidelines.
  12. Stay updated on changes to coding regulations, payer requirements, and industry trends to ensure coding practices align with the latest standards.
  13. Analyze complex medical scenarios and make informed decisions regarding code selection based on the documentation provided.
  14. Conduct regular audits and quality assurance reviews to monitor coding accuracy, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective measures as needed.
  15. Generate reports and provide coding-related data analysis to support healthcare management and decision-making.
  16. Stay informed about coding compliance standards and assist in the development and implementation of coding policies and procedures.
  17. Collaborate with the revenue cycle team to ensure seamless billing and reimbursement processes.
  18. Serve as a resource for coding-related questions and provide guidance to colleagues and team members as needed.
  19. Actively participate in coding team meetings, departmental meetings, and professional development activities to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and contribute to the growth of the coding team.
  20. Adhere to professional coding ethics and standards, including maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy.
  21. Provide support during external coding audits, including cooperating with auditors, providing documentation, and addressing any findings or recommendations.
  22. Assist with the implementation of coding-related software, updates, and system enhancements to optimize coding processes.
  23. Maintain a positive and collaborative working relationship with healthcare providers, billing staff, and other stakeholders to foster effective teamwork and communication.

Educational/Experience Requirements:
Required Minimum Education. The minimum level of education for this position includes:
High School diploma or equivalent and Medical Coding Education. Preferred bachelor's degree in health information management, business administration or related field.
Required Minimum Experience:
Three (3) years of verifiable, progressive coding experience. Preferred more than five (5) years of coding experience in an acute care hospital setting.
Required License/Certifications:
Certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Outpatient Coder (COC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), or Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P), or a Certified Coding Associate (CCA) required. Preferred Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health information Administrator (RHIA).
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
Working Conditions, Equipment, Physical Demands:
Light work. Exerting up to twenty pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to ten pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
There is reasonable expectation that employees in this position will not be exposed to blood-borne pathogens.
The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements.
Pay Range
$28-$42 USD
Luminis Health Benefits Overview:• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Retirement Plan (with employer match for employees who work more than 1000 hours in a calendar year)
• Paid Time Off
• Tuition Assistance Benefits
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Paid Holidays, Disability, and Life/AD&D for full-time employees
• Wellness Programs
• Employee Assistance Programs and more
*Benefit offerings based on employment status
Opt-in for text notifications!Luminis Health's two-way SMS texting platform lets you receive notifications and messages from our Talent Acquisition team directly on your phone.
To enable this feature, select "yes" when asked to "opt-in to receive text messages" and to "Receive updates from a recruiter about this job via SMS" when completing your application. Once you are opted in, you can easily opt-out at any time. Standard text messaging rates may apply based on the candidate's mobile carrier plan. Luminis Health is not responsible for any charges incurred by the recipient. Candidates are encouraged to review their mobile carrier's plan for applicable text messaging rates and usage charges.

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