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Drg Coder Jobs in Baltimore, MD (NOW HIRING)

Experience with third party DRG Coding and/or Clinical Validation Audits or hospital clinical documentation improvement experience preferred. * Broad knowledge of clinical documentation improvement ...

Medical Coder

Annapolis, MD

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of coding nomenclature to ensure accurate MS-DRG MCC/CC and APR-DRG/SOI/ROM and POA assignments. * Utilizes critical thinking to analyze and evaluate ...

Medical Coder

Annapolis, MD ยท On-site

$31.50 - $42/hr

Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of coding nomenclature to ensure accurate MS-DRG MCC/CC and APR-DRG/SOI/ROM and POA assignments. * Utilizes critical thinking to analyze and evaluate ...

DRG Clinical Validation Lead

Hanover, MD ยท On-site

$89K - $161K/yr

Experience with third party DRG Coding and/or Clinical Validation Audits or hospital clinical documentation improvement experience preferred. * Broad knowledge of clinical documentation improvement ...

Medical Coder

Columbia, MD ยท Remote

$19.25 - $25.50/hr

Your expertise in ICD-9, ICD-10, CPT coding, and DRG assignment will contribute significantly to the efficiency and compliance of our billing processes. This position offers an opportunity to work ...

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Drg Coder information

See Baltimore, MD 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 Baltimore, MD is $27.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.85 and $34.38 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 Baltimore, MD 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 $56,818 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

DRG Coder, Registered Nurse

Pivotal Placement Services

Baltimore, MD โ€ข Remote

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

DRG Coder, Registered Nurse

📍 Remote | Full-Time | 🏥 Healthcare | Clinical Documentation & Coding

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced DRG Coder / Clinical Auditor (RN) to conduct comprehensive DRG quality and validation audits of inpatient medical records. This role is critical in ensuring accurate DRG assignment, strong clinical documentation support, and compliance with Medicare and CMS regulations. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, clinically strong, and comfortable working independently in a production-driven audit environment.

You will play a key role in improving coding accuracy, reimbursement integrity, and regulatory compliance while providing clear, defensible audit findings.


Key ResponsibilitiesDRG Validation & Chart Review
  • Perform in-depth DRG quality audits of inpatient medical records.
  • Validate DRG assignments against clinical documentation and coding guidelines.
  • Identify missed opportunities, discrepancies, and documentation gaps impacting reimbursement.
Clinical Documentation Review
  • Evaluate physician documentation to ensure clinical indicators appropriately support assigned diagnoses and procedures.
  • Apply strong clinical judgment to assess severity of illness, risk of mortality, and DRG impact.
Audit & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with Medicare, CMS, and payer-specific documentation and coding requirements.
  • Identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities related to DRG accuracy and quality.
  • Support organizational initiatives focused on audit accuracy, compliance, and revenue integrity.
Coding Expertise
  • Apply extensive hands-on knowledge of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, Coding Clinic guidance, and Official Coding Guidelines.
  • Utilize MS-DRG and APR-DRG methodologies when reviewing and validating records.
Communication & Reporting
  • Document audit findings clearly, concisely, and professionally.
  • Communicate results and rationale effectively to internal stakeholders as required.
Additional Duties
  • Support other documentation, coding, and audit-related activities as assigned.

Required QualificationsLicensure
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license required
    (Non-RN candidates will not be considered)
Experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of recent DRG quality auditing experience in a hospital or health plan setting.
  • Extensive hands-on inpatient ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding experience required.
Certifications
  • National coding certification required (AHIMA or AAPC).
  • CCS, CIC, or equivalent strongly preferred.
Technical Knowledge
  • Proficiency in Medicare and CMS documentation and coding guidelines.
  • Strong understanding of MS-DRG and APR-DRG methodologies.
  • Advanced familiarity with Coding Clinic citations and Official Coding Guidelines.
Soft Skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail and analytical accuracy.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
Tools
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).

Compensation

💵 Pay Range: $90,000 – $104,841

Compensation is based on location, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Final compensation may vary following the interview and assessment process.


Who We Are

Headquartered in Central Florida, Pivotal Placement Services is a full-service national workforce solutions firm specializing in healthcare talent—from frontline staff to executive leadership—in both clinical and non-clinical roles. We deliver customer-focused staffing solutions through Direct Placement and MSP/VMS partnerships nationwide.