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Entry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs in St Louis, MO

BJC HealthCare

Inpatient Coder I

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$20.17 - $33.51/hr

This is an entry level role. Must have one of the following certifications - * CCS or CCA or RHIA ... medical record and coding compliance. Minimum Requirements Education * High School Diploma or GED ...

BJC HealthCare

Inpatient Coder I

Saint Louis, MO · Remote

$19.75 - $23.75/hr

This is an entry level role. Must have one of the following certifications - * CCS or CCA or RHIA ... medical record and coding compliance. Minimum Requirements Education * High School Diploma or GED ...

WSP

Early Career Civil Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · Hybrid

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision ...

WSP

Early Career Civil Engineer

Saint Louis, MO · Hybrid

Perform routine engineering functions and provide entry-level technical assistance on various ... Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision ...

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All JobsOptum Medical Coding JobsEntry Level Optum Medical Coding JobsEntry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs in St. Louis, MO

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding information

See St Louis, MO salary details

$27.2K

$43.8K

$56.9K

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

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level optum medical coding in St. Louis, MO is $43,792.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,400.00 and $47,200.00 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 St. Louis, MO?

The most popular types of Optum Medical Coding jobs in St. Louis, MO are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in St. Louis, MO?

For Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in St. Louis, MO, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in St. Louis, MO look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in St. Louis, MO are:

What cities near St. Louis, MO are hiring for Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs?

Cities near St. Louis, MO with the most Entry Level Optum Medical Coding job openings:

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Optum Medical Coding job openings in St. Louis, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,792 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Inpatient Coder I

BJC HealthCare

Saint Louis, MO • On-site

$20.17 - $33.51/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

BJC Healthcare rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 232 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

231st of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Additional Information About the Role
BJC is hiring for an Inpatient I Coder position. This is an entry level role.
Must have one of the following certifications -
  • CCS or CCA or RHIA or RHIT

Remote eligible states:
  • Alabama Kentucky Oklahoma
  • Arkansas Louisiana South Carolina
  • Florida Mississippi Tennessee
  • Georgia Louisiana Texas
  • Indiana North Carolina Wisconsin
  • Iowa Ohio

Overview
BJC HealthCare is one of the largest nonprofit health care organizations in the United States, delivering services to residents primarily in the greater St. Louis, southern Illinois and southeast Missouri regions. With net revenues of $6.3 billion and more than 30,000 employees, BJC serves patients and their families in urban, suburban and rural communities through its 14 hospitals and multiple community health locations. Services include inpatient and outpatient care, primary care, community health and wellness, workplace health, home health, community mental health, rehabilitation, long-term care and hospice.
BJC is the largest provider of charity care, unreimbursed care and community benefits in the state of Missouri. BJC and its hospitals and health service organizations provide $785.9 million annually in community benefit. That includes $410.6 million in charity care and other financial assistance to patients to ensure medical care regardless of their ability to pay. In addition, BJC provides additional community benefits through commitments to research, emergency preparedness, regional health care safety net services, health literacy, community outreach and community health programs and regional economic development.
BJC's patients have access to the latest advances in medical science and technology through a formal affiliation between Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital with the renowned Washington University School of Medicine, which consistently ranks among the top medical schools in the country.
Preferred Qualifications
Role Purpose
The Inpatient Coder I assigns diagnosis and procedure codes for inpatient encounters, while adhering to all regulatory guidelines.
Responsibilities
  • Accurately abstracts data elements as required.
  • Stays current of all changes in coding conventions, regulatory guidelines, code updates and BJC coding guidance.
  • Thoroughly reviews and analyzes patient encounters for compliant coding. Queries provider for clarification or additional information as required.
  • Accurately assigns codes in a timely manner. Interprets, assesses and evaluates provider documentation for appropriate DRG assignment.
  • Effectively collaborates with leadership, colleagues and customers (CDI, HIM Operations, and other departments) as appropriate to ensure the integrity of the medical record and coding compliance.

    • Minimum Requirements
    Education
  • High School Diploma or GED

    • Experience
  • No Experience

    • Supervisor Experience
  • No Experience

    • Licenses & Certifications
  • Cert/Lic in Area of Expertise
  • CCS or CCA or RHIA or RHIT

    • Preferred Requirements
    Experience
  • 2-5 years

    • Benefits and Legal Statement
    BJC Total Rewards
    At BJC we're committed to providing you and your family with benefits and resources to help you manage your physical, emotional, social and financial well-being.
    • Comprehensive medical, dental, vison, life insurance, and legal services available first day of the month after hire date
    • Disability insurance* paid for by BJC
    • Annual 4% BJC Automatic Retirement Contribution
    • 401(k) plan with BJC match
    • Tuition Assistance available on first day
    • BJC Institute for Learning and Development
    • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
    • Paid Time Off benefit combines vacation, sick days, holidays and personal time
    • Adoption assistance

    To learn more, go to our Benefits Summary
    *Not all benefits apply to all jobs
    The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this position. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Equal Opportunity Employer

    What BJC Healthcare employees say

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    About BJC Healthcare

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    BJC Healthcare, situated in Saint Louis, MO, US, is one of the largest healthcare organizations in the United States. Launched in 1993, BJC encompasses 15 hospitals and multiple health service organizations covering the metropolitan St. Louis area, mid-Missouri and Southern Illinois. This healthcare titan's services cover a vast field, from community health and wellness, to pediatric care, to advanced specialty care. BJC is well-known for its two nationally recognized hospitals, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital, both affiliated with Washington University School of Medicine. Its mission revolves around improving the health and well-being of the communities it serves through leadership, education, innovation, and excellence in medicine.

    Industry

    Health care and social assistance

    Company size

    10,000+ Employees

    Headquarters location

    Saint Louis, MO, US

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