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Emergency Department Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Emergency Department Coder information

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$43

How much do emergency department coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency department coder in the United States is $27.49, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $34.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an emergency department coder do?

An Emergency Department Coder is responsible for reviewing and analyzing medical records from the emergency department to assign appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and statistical tracking. The coder ensures accuracy and compliance with regulations such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. Their work helps healthcare facilities receive proper reimbursement and maintain legal and ethical standards in medical documentation.

What are some common challenges faced by emergency department coders, and how can they be managed?

Emergency Department Coders often encounter challenges such as deciphering complex medical documentation, working with fast turnaround times, and keeping up-to-date with frequent coding guideline changes. To manage these challenges, coders should prioritize ongoing education, utilize coding resources and tools, and maintain clear communication with clinical staff to clarify documentation when necessary. Regularly participating in team meetings and training sessions also helps coders stay current and maintain accuracy in a high-pressure environment.

What is the difference between Emergency Department Coder vs Medical Records Technician?

AspectEmergency Department CoderMedical Records Technician
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC coding certificationsRegistered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or similar
Work EnvironmentHospitals, emergency departments, outpatient clinicsHospitals, clinics, physician offices
Job FocusAssigning medical codes for emergency visitsManaging and organizing patient records
Common UsageIn billing, coding, and reimbursement processesIn record keeping, data entry, and compliance

Emergency Department Coders specialize in translating emergency visit documentation into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes, often requiring specific coding certifications. Medical Records Technicians focus on organizing and maintaining patient records across various healthcare settings. While both roles involve handling medical information, Emergency Department Coders are more involved in coding and billing processes specific to emergency care, whereas Medical Records Technicians focus on record management and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an emergency department coder?

To thrive as an Emergency Department Coder, you need strong knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, usually supported by certification such as CPC or CCS. Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHRs), coding software, and billing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting complex medical records and collaborating with clinical staff. These skills ensure precise coding for proper reimbursement, compliance with regulations, and efficient healthcare operations.
More about Emergency Department Coder jobs
What cities are hiring for Emergency Department Coder jobs? Cities with the most Emergency Department Coder job openings:
What states have the most Emergency Department Coder jobs? States with the most job openings for Emergency Department Coder jobs include:
Infographic showing various Emergency Department Coder job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,182 per year, or $27.5 per hour.

Medical Coder - Emergency Department

UnitedHealth Group

Eden Prairie, MN • On-site

$20 - $36/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 2 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week) Monday-Friday, normal business hours. It may be necessary, given the business need, to work occasional overtime.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Expert knowledge in all facility outpatient coding types: Emergency
  • Identify appropriate assignment of ICD-10 Codes, CPT and modifiers for facility services while adhering to the official coding guidelines and established client coding guidelines of the assigned facility
  • Adhere to the ethical standards of coding as established by AAPC and/or AHIMA
  • Adhere to and maintain required levels of performance in both coding quality and productivity as established by Optum
  • Understand the Medicare Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) codes
  • Query physicians and forms when appropriate
  • Knowledge of ICD-10, CPT and HCPCS coding systems, strong medical terminology
  • Knowledge of NCCI edit policies, Medicare LCD and NCD policies
  • Knowledge of professional ER leveling
  • Maintain up-to-date coding knowledge by reviewing materials disseminated / recommended by the QM Manager, Coding Operations Managers, and Director of Coding / Quality Management, among others
  • Participate in coding department meetings and educational events
  • Additional responsibilities as identified by manager

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Professional coder certification with credentialing from AHIMA and/or AAPC (CCA, CCS, RHIA, RHIT, CPC-H/COC, CIC, CCS-P, CPC) to be maintained annually
  • 2+ years of experience with ICD-10, CPT, facility charging, and modifiers
  • 2+ years of experience in Emergency Room coding
  • Intermediate level of experience working with a PC in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Excel (create and edit spreadsheets) and various EMR systems with ease
  • Intermediate level of attention to detail, accuracy and communication

Telecommuting Requirements:
  • Required to have a dedicated work area established that is separated from other living areas and provides information privacy
  • Ability to keep all company sensitive documents secure (if applicable)
  • Must live in a location where there is a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $20.00 to $36.00 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
#RPO #GREEN

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