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

FMOLHS

Coder 3 - Hospital

Baton Rouge, LA · On-site

$18 - $24/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

$13

$24

$38

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for drg coder in Baton Rouge, LA is $24.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.63 and $30.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

Will AI eventually replace medical coders?

As a Drg Coder, AI is expected to assist rather than replace medical coders, automating routine tasks like data entry and coding suggestions. Human oversight remains essential for complex cases, compliance, and quality assurance, making the role of skilled coders vital even as technology advances. Continuous learning and certification help coders adapt to evolving tools and workflows.

What does a DRG coding auditor do?

A DRG coding auditor reviews hospital coding records to ensure accurate assignment of Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) for billing and reimbursement purposes. They verify that medical codes comply with coding standards and regulations, often using coding software and requiring knowledge of medical terminology and coding guidelines.

What is the highest paid medical coder?

The highest paid medical coders are often experienced professionals with specialized certifications such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Senior-level coding roles, especially in outpatient hospital settings or with expertise in complex specialties like cardiology or radiology, tend to offer higher salaries, sometimes exceeding $70,000 annually. Factors such as location, certification, and years of experience influence earning potential.

What is the highest paid coding job?

In the field of medical coding, Drg Coder roles with advanced certifications and experience tend to have higher salaries, especially in specialized or management positions. Generally, senior coding professionals, including coding managers or those working with complex coding systems like ICD-10, earn the highest wages among coding jobs.

What are DRG coders?

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 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 are popular job titles related to Drg Coder jobs in Baton Rouge, LA? 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:
Drg Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Drg Coder job openings in Baton Rouge, LA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,033 per year, or $24.1 per hour.
Coder 3 - Hospital

Coder 3 - Hospital

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

Baton Rouge, LA • On-site

$16.50 - $21.75/hr

Other

Posted 9 days ago

Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 37 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 877 rated healthcare providers

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.
Responsibilities
  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.

Qualifications
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

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About Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System is the leading health care innovator in Louisiana. We bring together outstanding clinicians, the most advanced technology and leading research to ensure that our patients receive the highest quality and safest care possible.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Baton Rouge, LA, US

Year founded

1911

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