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Drg Coder Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Coding Payment Resolution Spec

Richmond, VA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.75/hr

... DRG assignment. * Must be a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), or coding credential of a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Drg Coder information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$27

$43

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for drg coder in Virginia is $27.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $34.33 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.

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Drg Coder jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Drg Coder job openings:

Infographic showing various Drg Coder job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,691 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Coding Inpatient Auditor & Education Specialist-Full time, Days, Remote

Centra Health

Lynchburg, VA • Remote

$41 - $56/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


Centra Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 121 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

The Auditor/Educator Inpatient Coding performs internal Inpatient coding audits and coordinates Inpatient coder education in the Health Information Management department. Conducts data quality audits of inpatient encounters to validate coding assignments is in compliance with the official coding guidelines as supported by clinical documentation in health records. Validates abstracted data elements that are integral to appropriate payment methodology. Prepares and distributes audit results/reports to Coding Management staff. Prepares and presents education to Inpatient coding staff based on audit findings and denials related to Inpatient coding following ICD-10 Coding Conventions, Official Guidelines for Coding & Reporting, and American Hospital Association Coding Clinic guidance. Assists in the development of programs and procedures to support improvement of coding accuracy rate.

Required Qualifications:

  • Associate degree in health information management or a related field 
  • Minimum of five (5) years of hospital Inpatient coding experience
  • In-depth knowledge of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS
  • Proficient in Diagnosis Related Groups structure (MS-DRG, APR-DRG), and Inpatient Prospective Payment System
  • Knowledge of reimbursement methodologies and claims processing. 
  • Ability to develop educational materials and job aids pertaining to Inpatient coding. 
  • American Health Information Management Association credentialed, RHIT or CCS
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Products including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
  • Strong Analytical skills, Critical Thinking, and excellent verbal and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor's degree in health information management or related field 
  • Previous Inpatient auditing experience

Salary Range: $41.00-$56.00/hr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • This position will work with the Corporate Director of Health Information Management and Inpatient Coding Manager to design, plan, and organize training programs and timelines for new hire and ongoing staff education.
  • Monitors and reports coders progress through the orientation and training process.
  • Develops ongoing audit schedule for all Inpatient  coding staff and reviews cases for accurate ICD-10-CM/PCS, Diagnosis Related Group,  Present on Admission Indicators, Severity of Illness,  Risk of Mortality, and  discharge disposition assignments.
  • Conducts random and focused quality audits on all Inpatient Centra and contracted/vendor coding staff.
  • Documents audit findings, trends and ensures they are investigated, and timely education is prepared and reviewed with coding staff when necessary.
  • Keeps abreast of new regulatory requirements, annual revisions to the codes, etc. and applies this information appropriately.
  • Communicates clearly, leads innovative and engaging training and education sessions for Inpatient coding staff development.
  • Serves as a resource and subject matter expert to Inpatient coding staff
  • Monitors changes in laws, regulations, standards as they affect coding, billing, and related compliance. 
  • Develops and maintains Inpatient  facility specific coding guidelines.
  • Attend Inpatient  Denials Management meetings.
  • Assists with the analysis of Case Mix Index (CMI) reports.
  • Shares audit trends and key findings with Health Information Management team. Participates in strategic planning workgroups to develop and plan education curriculums.

Other Functions:

  • Maintains strict confidentiality of all information, including financial/operational, employee/human resource, healthcare/patient data and information.
  • Works in close collaboration with Inpatient Coding Manager and Corporate Director of Health Information to ensure timely, accurate education. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

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