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Drg Coder Jobs in Baton Rouge, LA (NOW HIRING)

FMOLHS

Inpatient Coder (REMOTE)

Baton Rouge, LA · Remote

$21 - $25.25/hr

Works with coding databases and confirms DRG assignments. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines ...

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Drg Coder information

See Baton Rouge, LA salary details

$15

$26

$41

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for drg coder in Baton Rouge, LA is $26.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.22 and $33.22 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.

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For Drg Coder jobs in Baton Rouge, LA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Drg Coder jobs in Baton Rouge, LA look for?

The top searched job categories for Drg Coder jobs in Baton Rouge, LA are:

What cities near Baton Rouge, LA are hiring for Drg Coder jobs?

Cities near Baton Rouge, LA with the most Drg Coder job openings:

Drg Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drg Coder job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, and 32% Contract. Highlights an 49% In-person, and 51% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,862 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Inpatient Coder (REMOTE)

FMOLHS

Baton Rouge, LA • Remote

$21 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

The Medical Coder 3 (inpatient and ambulatory surgery) abstracts clinical information from a variety of medical records, charts and documents and assigns appropriate ICD-10 - CM/PCS and CPT codes to patient records according to established procedures. Works with coding databases and confirms DRG assignments. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on instructions and pre-established guidelines to perform the functions of the job. This position relies on guidelines and some experience and judgment to complete job and works under general supervision.

Experience - RHIT/RHIA plus 5 years of acute care coding experience, or RHIT/RHIA with ICD-10 curriculum plus 3 years of acute care coding experience, or 7 years acute care coding experience; CCS substitutes for 1 year of acute care coding experience


Education - High School or equivalent
 


 

  1. Coding/Abstracting
    1. Assists the Business Office and external agencies in clarification of coding regarding reimbursement issues.  Handles all requests in a timely fashion. 
  2. Quality/Performance
    1. Corresponds with other areas of the HIM department to ensure the necessary components are available for accurate  coding and the highest quality of the patient's medical record. 
    2. Maintains an accuracy rate of not less than 93% based on internal and/or external review and a productivity  standard per 8 hour day, engages in problem identification and solving, and assists  in data gathering and chart auditing as necessary. 
    3. Demonstrates competencies in the service to our patients/customers of all ages by obtaining information in terms  of customer needs.  Speaks in a positive, professional manner about co-workers, physicians, and the facility. 
    4. Attends meetings as required and strives to improve the quality of meetings by taking an active role in meeting  topics.  Participates in educational programs, in-services, and training sessions in an effort to share his/her own  expertise with others and further the quality of education and personal growth provided to new personnel,  volunteers, and interning students. 
  3. DRG Coding Confirm APC Assignment
    1. Determines the appropriate sequencing of diseases, diagnoses, and surgeries.  The Coder accurately assigns  appropriate codes to patient records using ICD-9-CM system and CPT-4 guidelines. 
  4. Other Duties as Assigned
    1. Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

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