ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynn Community Health Center

Medical Coder II

Lynn, MA · On-site

$18.22 - $24.52/hr

... diagnosis coding and reimbursement. The entry level Medical Coder will audit medical records to ensure completeness, accuracy and compliance with Medicaid coding and supporting documentation ...

UnitedHealth Group

Senior Medical Coder

Eden Prairie, MN · Remote

$24 - $43/hr

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people ... Apply understanding of relevant medical coding subject areas (e.g., diagnosis, procedural ...

UnitedHealth Group

Senior Medical Coder

Washington, DC · Remote

$24 - $43/hr

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people ... Apply understanding of relevant medical coding subject areas (e.g., diagnosis, procedural ...

New England Baptist Hospital

Fulfilling all medical note review requests (OPTUM, BCBS, etc.) * Providing educational materials and coding accuracy to clinicians * Analyzing billing company reports Qualifications / Skills

Citizens Medical Center

Physician Coder (FT)

Victoria, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

Completion of an approved medical coding program; entry level knowledge of medical coding. Preferred: Associates degree in a healthcare related field; Knowledge of pathophysiology and basic ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptum Medical Coding JobsEntry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding information

See salary details

$28K

$45K

$58.5K

How much do entry level optum medical coding jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level optum medical coding in the United States is $45,043.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

AspectEntry Level Optum Medical CodingMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCPMA, CPC, or CCS certifications often preferredGenerally requires billing and coding certifications, but less specialized
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, insurance companies, remote optionsMedical offices, billing companies, remote work
Job FocusAssigning medical codes for diagnoses and proceduresProcessing billing, submitting claims, managing payments

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding primarily involves assigning accurate medical codes based on patient records, while Medical Billing Specialists focus on processing claims and managing billing processes. Both roles require certifications and often share work environments, but their core responsibilities differ, with coding emphasizing classification and billing emphasizing financial transactions.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level Optum medical coders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level Optum medical coders often encounter challenges such as learning complex coding systems (like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS), adapting to frequent regulatory changes, and maintaining accuracy under productivity targets. New coders may also find it difficult to interpret clinical documentation and communicate effectively with providers to resolve discrepancies. To overcome these challenges, it is helpful to utilize training resources, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and regularly participate in team meetings and continuing education sessions provided by Optum.

What is an Entry Level Optum Medical Coder?

An Entry Level Optum Medical Coder is a professional who reviews clinical documentation and assigns standardized medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services provided by healthcare providers working with Optum, a health services and innovation company. These codes are essential for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Entry-level coders typically work under supervision and may be responsible for various specialties depending on the team's needs. They must have a good understanding of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and compliance regulations. Proper training and certification, such as from AAPC or AHIMA, are often required or preferred for this role.

What are entry-level positions at Optum health?

Entry-level positions at Optum health for medical coding include roles such as Medical Coder or Coding Specialist, which typically require basic knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. These roles often involve reviewing medical records and assigning appropriate codes, with opportunities for certification and on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Optum Medical Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Optum Medical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10/CPT coding systems, typically supported by a coding certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with health information management (HIM) software, electronic health records (EHRs), and Optum's proprietary coding platforms is often essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure accuracy and compliance. These competencies are crucial for maintaining data integrity, supporting proper reimbursement, and minimizing billing errors in healthcare organizations.

What is the easiest medical coding job to get?

Entry-level medical coding positions, such as outpatient or physician office coding, are generally the easiest to obtain because they often require minimal experience and certification. These roles typically involve basic coding tasks using common coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and may require a certification such as CPC from the AAPC. Having strong attention to detail and familiarity with medical terminology can improve chances of landing these roles.

Can I get a medical coding job with no experience?

Entry level medical coding positions often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a certification such as CPC or CCS and a good understanding of medical terminology and coding guidelines. Employers may provide on-the-job training to new coders, making it possible to start without previous work experience in the field.

Will AI eventually replace medical coders?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist medical coders by automating routine coding tasks, but it is unlikely to fully replace entry-level medical coders in the near future. Human oversight remains essential for complex cases, accuracy, and compliance, making coding skills and certifications valuable in the evolving healthcare environment.
More about Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Optum Medical Coding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Medical Coding jobs? The most popular types of Optum Medical Coding jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs are:
Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Optum Medical 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, with an average salary of $45,043 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Outpatient Coding Specialist I - (PRN) Remote

Citizens Medical Center

Victoria, TX • On-site, Remote

Per diem

Re-posted 4 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

921st of 1,054 rated hospitals

Job description

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.

Minimum 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!
Job Preview Video

What Citizens Medical Center (Texas) employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply