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Entry Level Optum Coding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Optum Coding information

Is AI replacing medical coders?

AI is increasingly used to assist medical coders by automating routine coding tasks and improving accuracy, but it does not fully replace human coders. Entry level coding roles still require human oversight, critical thinking, and understanding of complex medical documentation. Certification and familiarity with coding software remain important for job candidates in this field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Optum Coding vs Medical Billing and Coding Specialist?

AspectEntry Level Optum CodingMedical Billing and Coding Specialist
Required CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), or similarCertified Professional Coder (CPC), or similar
Work EnvironmentHealthcare organizations, insurance companies, remote optionsMedical offices, hospitals, billing companies
Industry UsageUsed in health insurance, healthcare providers, and coding servicesPrimarily in healthcare facilities and billing firms

Entry Level Optum Coding and Medical Billing and Coding Specialist roles share similar certifications and work environments. However, Optum coding often emphasizes working with insurance claims and healthcare data within insurance companies or healthcare organizations, while Medical Billing and Coding Specialists focus more on billing processes and patient record management. Both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management, with overlapping skills but different primary functions.

What are entry-level positions at Optum health?

Entry-level positions at Optum Health for coding roles typically include Medical Coder or Coding Associate, which involve reviewing medical records and assigning appropriate diagnosis and procedure codes. These roles often require basic knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and may offer on-the-job training or certification support.

Does Optum pay well?

Entry level Optum coding positions typically offer competitive starting salaries that align with industry standards for healthcare coding roles. Compensation can vary based on location, experience, and certifications such as CPC or CCS, but generally, these roles provide a reasonable wage for entry-level professionals in the healthcare industry.

Can I get a medical coding job with no experience?

Entry level medical coding jobs, such as those in Optum Coding, often do not require prior experience but typically require certification like the CPC or CCS. Employers may provide on-the-job training, and strong attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology are important for success.
More about Entry Level Optum Coding jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Coding jobs? The most popular types of Optum Coding jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Optum Coding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution.
Outpatient Coding Specialist I - (PRN) Remote

Outpatient Coding Specialist I - (PRN) Remote

Citizens Medical Center

Victoria, TX

$20.75 - $33.50/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 22 days ago


Citizens Medical Center (Texas) rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

897th of 1,020 rated hospitals


Job description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Provide the outpatient coding skills necessary for the coding of all diagnoses and procedures after a thorough review of medical record for optimal reimbursement.

Job Specific:

  1. Responsible for coding and abstracting outpatient accounts, not to exceed a bill hold status of three (3) days post the date of service/discharge.(EF)
  2. Maintains productivity standards for assigned work type with a minimum of 95% accuracy(EF)
    1. Observation = 5/hours
    2. Emergency Department = 15/hour
    3. Outpatient Testing = 30/hour
    4. Ambulatory Surgery = 5/hour
    5. Inpatient = 2/hour
  3. Assigns ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT codes with accuracy, ensuring that all assigned codes have adequate physician documentation.(EF)
  4. Understands computer systems and possesses the ability to reconcile various accounts, charges, including correcting discharge dates, and requesting billing to link accounts, as necessary.(EF)
  5. Works independently in coding as a remote employee.  Troubleshoots and assists analysis of system issues independently with IT assistance.
  6. At the start of each day, review your virtual and coding worklists in Optum to prioritize work.
  7. Reviews medical record for medical diagnosis/procedures ensuring assignment of all diagnosis treated and procedures performed.(EF)
  8. Analyzes charges for edits and pends account for charge review and/or modifier correction to ensure an accurate claim at the time of billing.
  9. Utilizes Optum computer-assisted coding and encoder to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, CPT codes, and modifiers and validates the E&M level based on the medical record documentation.(EF)
  10. Approves the code assignment by sending account to billing.(EF)
  11. Completes physician and/or provider query for documentation clarification/missing documentation when appropriate.

Hospital:

  1. Adheres to organization-wide and other applicable policies and procedures.
  2. Day-to-day performance complies with the hospital’s Service Excellence Behavioral Expectations.
  3. Performs within the prescribed limits of the hospital’s Ethics, Compliance and Confidentiality Program guidelines.
  4. Performs within professional Scope of Practice at all times.

Other Duties As Assigned:

  • Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Job Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Required: Successful completion of an approved coding program

Preferred: Associate’s degree in health-related field OR possess preferred licensure/certification listed below along with high school diploma.

EXPERIENCE

Preferred: Six (6) months coding experience in an inpatient or outpatient setting.

Special Skills and Abilities

Required: Entry level ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding knowledge.

Preferred: Advanced Outpatient ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding knowledge and scoring a minimum of 80% on pre-employment coding test.

LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Required: Certificate of completion of approved coding program   

Preferred: AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

COMPANY PROFILE

Citizens Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community hospital known for compassionate patient care, clinical expertise, and bringing advanced medical services to the South Texas region since 1956. Today, Citizens is a 317-bed acute care hospital with over 1,200 employees. Voted “Best of the Best” hospital in Victoria for 13 consecutive years, Citizens Medical Center is a level III Trauma Center, with a newly renovated 24/7 Emergency Department that includes an onsite medical helicopter. Citizens has a comprehensive Community Cancer Program that includes two linear accelerators and HDR brachytherapy. Citizens is recognized for its outstanding cardiology program which includes a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center and is a Primary Stroke Center. Citizens also includes a comprehensive, accredited Bariatric Surgery program, Birth Center with labor and delivery, an imaging and surgery center, sleep study center, state-of-the-art rehabilitation and fitness center, urology center and daVinci robotics minimally invasive surgery options, a home health agency, and has a long history of providing continuing education for healthcare providers and the community.

Citizens Medical Center is looking for employees who actively demonstrate service excellence by exemplifying our iCare values. If you are someone who displays respect and enthusiasm for patients, visitors, and coworkers while consistently upholding the hospital’s commitment to providing outstanding outcomes, service excellence, and fiscal responsibility, then you could be a good fit for the CMC team!                              


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