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Entry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs in Portland, OR

Coding Auditor, Facility

Clackamas, OR ยท On-site

$28.75 - $32.50/hr

American Medical Association (CPT); National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI); Uniform Hospital ... Utilizing the Code Base Charge Trigger system (CBCT) and OPTUM 360 EncoderPRO software system for ...

Coding Auditor, Facility

Clackamas, OR ยท On-site

$28.75 - $32.50/hr

American Medical Association (CPT); National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI); Uniform Hospital ... Utilizing the Code Base Charge Trigger system (CBCT) and OPTUM 360 EncoderPRO software system for ...

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Entry Level Optum Medical Coding information

See Portland, OR salary details

$29.7K

$47.8K

$62K

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

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level optum medical coding in Portland, OR is $47,768.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,800.00 and $51,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Optum medical coder?

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 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 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 the most commonly searched types of Optum Medical Coding jobs in Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Optum Medical Coding jobs in Portland, OR are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in Portland, OR?

For Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in Portland, OR, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Optum Medical Coding job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 74% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,768 per year, or $23 per hour.

Emergency Department and Outpatient Facility Coder

Scout Exchange

Clackamas, OR โ€ข On-site

$19.75 - $26.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Title - Emergency Department and Outpatient Facility Coder
Location - Remote | Clackamas, OR, US
Job description
To independently and efficiently perform the responsibilities assigning accurate diagnosis and procedures codes to the patients health information records for: Emergency Department (ED), Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC), Hospital Ambulatory Surgical Center (HAS), Observations (OBS), Inpatient (IP) and other selected facility records. Maintain an acceptable level of performance in quality and productivity for ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and HCPCS/CPT classification and nomenclature systems. All work will be carried out in accordance with the: International Classification of Diseases - Official Coding Guidelines for coding and reporting as established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS); American Medical Association (CPT); National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI); Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS), Medicaid (OMAP), and Kaiser Permanente organization/institutional coding directives. Ability to communicate with physicians in order to obtain clarification for diagnoses/procedures. Ability to understand the clinical content of the health record and abstract the data in the patient health information record data as well as perform other duties assigned. The position requires the new coder to be on-site for one (1) week training or until they meet the departments expectations.
Essential Responsibilities:

  • Proficient in medical record review and translating clinical information into coded data. Identify and assign appropriate codes for diagnoses, procedures and other services rendered, while also validating any Computer Assisted Coded (CAC) assignments for dual coding. Utilizing the Code Base Charge Trigger system (CBCT) and OPTUM 360 EncoderPRO software system for professional surgical services, analyzing and maintaining systems accuracy, validity and meaningfulness for both professional and facility services. Utilizes electronic patient data system and clinical information system (EpicCare) to access patient encounter information. Abstracts and enters clinical data elements as defined by the needs of the organization. Identifies and assigns principal diagnosis and procedure codes, sequencing them as needed for proper Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC), Medicare Severity-Drug Related Group (MS-DRG), All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG) assignment, utilizing applicable coding conventions. Demonstrates knowledge and understand of CMS HCC Risk Adjustment coding.
  • Routinely performs chart analysis to identify areas of the medical record that contain incomplete, inaccurate or inconsistent documentation. Reviews and verifies chart information (i.e. POS, attending provider). Assesses and inputs data. Reviews and verifies component parts of medical records to ensure completeness and accuracy of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that must conform to CMS coding rules and guidelines. Meets and maintains department standards 95% for productivity and quality.
  • Fully utilizes resources available such as, Coding Clinic and CPT Assistant to research issues to apply coding guidelines. Identifies coding concerns and informs supervisors, managers as appropriate. Utilizes query process when appropriate. Assists in implementing solutions to reduce back-end coding errors. Stays current on coding and regulatory publications, attends workshops to stay abreast of current issues, trends, changes in the laws and regulations governing medical record coding and documentation to mitigate the risk of fraud and abuse and to optimize revenue recovery.
  • May assist with special projects. Maintain confidentiality and effective working relationships with staff. Communicate in a clear and understandable manner, exercises independent judgment. Reviews annual ICD-10 Official Guidelines for Coding, along with review of quarterly Coding Clinic and monthly CPT Assistant. Performs as a team member of Facility Coding Services, and actively participates with peers coding in-services, staff meetings, reporting of performance measures, and quality outcome monitors. May participate in development of organizational procedures. Attends and participates in selected national and regional coding education sessions. Perform other duties as assigned.