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Drg Coder Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

CDQI Nurse Specialist PRN

Frankfort, KY ยท On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Demonstrate understanding of complications, co-morbidities, severity of illness, risk of mortality, case mix index, secondary diagnoses, and procedure impact on DRG. * Improve coding specificity by ...

Knowledge of medical terminology and a basic understanding of coding and payment methodologies including DRG andAPC. Individuals working with payor audits must have a keen understanding of audit ...

CDQI Nurse Specialist - PRN

Frankfort, KY ยท On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Demonstrate understanding of complications, co-morbidities, severity of illness, risk of mortality, case mix index, secondary diagnoses, and procedure impact on DRG. * Improve coding specificity by ...

CDQI Nurse Specialist- FT

Frankfort, KY ยท On-site

$40 - $45/hr

Demonstrate understanding of complications, co-morbidities, severity of illness, risk of mortality, case mix index, secondary diagnoses, and procedure impact on DRG. * Improve coding specificity by ...

$120 - $180/hr

... PCS codes driving MS-DRG assignment and ICD-10-CM and CPT-4/HCPCS codes driving the APC assignment.The External Auditor Physician must be able to identify Physician query opportunities, write ...

New

$70 - $110/hr

Team meetings and limited client onsite engagements A brief coding/auditing assessment may be included as part of the interview process. For more information on benefits and what we offer, please ...

New

Showing results 21-32

Drg Coder information

See Kentucky salary details

$13

$23

$37

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for drg coder in Kentucky is $23.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.49 and $30.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a DRG coder?

DRG coders are medical coding professionals who assign Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes to inpatient hospital records. These codes are used to classify hospital cases into groups for the purpose of reimbursement, billing, and data analysis. DRG coders analyze clinical documentation and translate diagnoses, procedures, and patient information into standardized codes according to official guidelines. Their work ensures hospitals receive proper payment from insurance providers and government programs. Accuracy and compliance with regulations are critical in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a DRG coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a DRG Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical coding, anatomy, and disease processes, often supported by a coding certification such as CCS, RHIT, or CPC. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10-CM/PCS, encoder software, and hospital information systems is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with clinical staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurate reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and supporting overall healthcare data quality.

What are some common challenges faced by DRG coders in accurately assigning codes, and how can they overcome these challenges?

DRG Coders often face challenges such as incomplete or ambiguous clinical documentation, rapidly changing coding guidelines, and the pressure to meet productivity standards while ensuring accuracy. To overcome these obstacles, coders should actively collaborate with physicians for clarifications, participate in ongoing education to stay current with coding updates, and utilize internal audit feedback to continuously improve their skills. Building strong communication channels with clinical and billing teams also helps in resolving discrepancies efficiently.

What is the difference between Drg Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectDrg CoderMedical Coder
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC certifications, specialized in DRG assignmentCertified Professional Coder (CPC), general coding certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilities, focusing on inpatient codingClinics, outpatient facilities, focusing on outpatient coding
Job FocusAssigning Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) for inpatient billingConverting medical records into standardized codes for billing and documentation

While both Drg Coders and Medical Coders handle medical coding, Drg Coders specialize in inpatient coding and DRG assignment, often requiring specific certifications and experience with hospital billing. Medical Coders have a broader scope, working in outpatient settings with different coding systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

Are Drg coders still in demand?

DRG coders, also known as diagnosis-related group coders, are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical coding in healthcare reimbursement. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD and CPT, and demand is expected to remain stable as healthcare providers and insurers prioritize precise coding for billing and compliance.
Infographic showing various Drg Coder job openings in Kentucky as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,664 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Clinical Consultant Specialist CDI

Physician Care Coordination Consultants

Louisville, KY โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Job Classification:
  • This is an exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and is not eligible for overtime pay.

Our Mission:
Our mission is to drive financial wellness in healthcare organizations so more patients can receive the care they need.
Our Vision:
Our vision is a future where we help healthcare organizations thrive in a complex ecosystem by clearing a path to financial health.
Our Culture:
We are committed to creating a workplace where every member feels valued, empowered, and inspired to contribute their best. Together we will foster a culture that promotes work-life balance and celebrates community engagement, personal achievements, milestones, and special occasions.
Values:
Integrity - We do what's right, no matter what.
Innovation - We use a harmonious blend of data, tech, and a human-centric approach.
Compassion - We understand the stress of healthcare organizations and their patients.
Determination - Our mission is our guiding force.
Partnership - We build enduring relationships through listening, communication and accountability.
Dignity - We have significant pride in each other and our work.
Job Summary:
The CDI Consultant Clinician would join a team-based environment and be responsible for CDI opportunity identification, and client support. They are also engaged in the process of enhancing the offering we provide to clients, given the tremendous changes already underway and coming up (Value Based Purchasing, Computer Assisted Coding, ICD-10, etc.) to ensure that our clients CDI departments or programs are prepared for these changes.
Candidate would be responsible for education and training, client shadowing and support, chart reviews and audits, DRG downgrade denials, writing appeals, CDI process reviews and enhancements, supporting the enhancement of the department. Work directly with the CDI Director and CDI Chief of Operations to communicate findings and areas of opportunities from case reviews. Participate in multiple engagements with strong teamwork and time management required. Must have deep understanding and knowledge of clinical documentation integrity and stay current with coding updates and changes.
Candidate may also be asked to perform the following duties of a nurse planner for accreditation of learning activities:
  • Assess professional practice gaps, identify needs that can be addressed through education, provide feedback with solutions, assist with implementation and evaluation of strategies.
  • Identify and resolve conflicts of interest, maintain content integrity.
  • Evaluate data to guide future projects.
  • Function as a content expert as appropriate.
  • Ability to communicate with other stakeholders in other departments for the best outcomes for the program.

This position reports directly to the Executive Director of CDI.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Maintains knowledge of all federal, state, and local documentation guidelines and communicates changes to all CDI staff; extensive knowledge of I10 and coding guidelines.
  • Collaborate with the Chief of CDI to develop, coach, train and mentor CDI specialists and clinical staff to improve documentation practices.
  • Ability to appropriately handle stress and interact with others.
  • Perform clinical audits of clients and initial reviews of facilities. Provides insight into findings.
  • Develops and monitors implementation of program departmental goals/objectives.
  • Assist in developing and implementing CDI strategies tailored to client needs and organizational goals.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert, advising clients and internal stakeholders on best practices in clinical documentation.
  • Ensure documentation meets regulatory requirements, including ICD-10, DRG, and other coding standards.
  • Use summative evaluation data to guide future projects.
  • Identify gaps in daily operational workflows and provide recommendations for process redesign.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements
Required Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent communication techniques in oral and written form and skills and the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
  • Ability to present to management, staff, and business partners
  • Comfortable in a complex and changing healthcare environment
  • Broad knowledge of health care regulations including CMS, ICD-10 and DRG optimization along with applicable reporting
  • Ability to team effectively with people of various disciplines and backgrounds is essential
  • Apply critical thinking and strong organizational skills
  • Experienced with risk adjustment and value-based care models
  • Extensive knowledge of reimbursement systems; federal, state and payer-specific regulations and policies pertaining to documentation and coding
  • Effectively influence and communicate at the peer to C-level, both internally and client facing
  • Lean into difficult or ambiguous situations with a result oriented and collaborative mindset
  • Knowledge of medical record investigative review
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and be resourceful
  • Ability to read, interpret, and strategize future projects, bringing future state to reality
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills

Education and Experience:
  • Nursing Degree (RN, BS, BSN, or advanced degree)
  • Master's degree in healthcare related field strongly preferred (MSN, MHA, MBA)
  • Five years of acute clinical experience
  • Experience in Clinical Documentation Improvement (Acute Care)
  • Experience with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, and Word)
  • Minimum of four years of CDI Experience
  • Second level review in CDI is highly preferred
  • Licensure, certification or registration:
  • Current valid multi state license as a Registered Nurse
  • Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) or CCDS-O, CDIP
  • Master's degree in healthcare related field strongly preferred (MSN, MHA, MBA)
  • CPC, CRC, CCS, etc preferred

Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.