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Exempt Medical Coder Jobs in Tacoma, WA (NOW HIRING)

Regular Full-Time/Non-Exempt *Applicants must be available for in-person interviews in Seattle, WA ... Make sure building meets all safety codes - all exits and stairwells are clear, fire extinguishers ...

Janitor - SoDo

Seattle, WA · On-site

$22.77/hr

Regular Full-Time/Non-Exempt *Applicants must be available for in-person interviews in Seattle, WA ... Make sure building meets all safety codes - all exits and stairwells are clear, fire extinguishers ...

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Exempt Medical Coder information

See Tacoma, WA salary details

$17

$24

$36

How much do exempt medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for exempt medical coder in Tacoma, WA is $24.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.38 and $25.82 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an exempt medical coder?

Exempt Medical Coders are professionals who review clinical documentation and assign standardized medical codes for billing and insurance purposes. The term 'exempt' typically refers to their employment classification under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), meaning they are salaried employees and not eligible for overtime pay. Exempt Medical Coders often require certification and specialized training to ensure accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations. Their work is essential for efficient healthcare billing, reimbursement, and maintaining accurate patient records.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an exempt medical coder?

To thrive as an Exempt Medical Coder, you need a strong grasp of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, typically supported by certification such as CPC, CCS, or CCA. Proficiency with coding software, electronic health records (EHRs), and compliance tools is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for accurately interpreting and coding complex medical data. These skills and qualifications ensure correct billing, regulatory compliance, and optimized reimbursement for healthcare organizations.

What challenges do exempt medical coders face when interpreting complex medical records?

Exempt Medical Coders often encounter challenges when interpreting complex or incomplete medical records, especially when documentation lacks specificity or uses ambiguous terminology. Accurately translating this information into standardized codes requires strong attention to detail and a deep understanding of both medical terminology and coding guidelines. Coders frequently collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify diagnoses or procedures, ensuring compliance and minimizing billing errors. Overcoming these challenges is crucial for accurate reimbursement and supporting quality patient care.

What is the difference between Exempt Medical Coder vs Non-Exempt Medical Coder?

AspectExempt Medical CoderNon-Exempt Medical Coder
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPC, CCS)Certification often preferred but not always required
Work EnvironmentTypically office-based, salariedOften hourly, may include part-time roles
Employer UsageHospitals, clinics, healthcare organizationsSimilar settings, sometimes outpatient facilities
Work Hours & OvertimeUsually salaried, may include overtimePaid hourly, eligible for overtime

Exempt Medical Coders are salaried employees who typically work standard hours and may have access to benefits, while Non-Exempt Medical Coders are paid hourly and are eligible for overtime pay. Both roles require similar certifications and work in healthcare settings, but their pay structure and overtime eligibility differ.

Can you work as an exempt medical coder without being certified?

Exempt medical coders typically need certification, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), to qualify for exempt status and higher-level positions. While some entry-level roles may not require certification, most employers prefer or require certified coders for exempt roles due to the complexity and responsibility involved.

What other jobs can exempt medical coders do?

Exempt medical coders can transition into roles such as medical billing specialists, health information managers, compliance officers, or coding auditors, leveraging their knowledge of medical coding, billing procedures, and healthcare regulations. These positions often require familiarity with coding software, healthcare documentation, and certification credentials like CPC or CCS. They typically involve administrative, compliance, or auditing responsibilities within healthcare organizations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Tacoma, WA?

The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Tacoma, WA are:

What cities near Tacoma, WA are hiring for Exempt Medical Coder jobs?

Cities near Tacoma, WA with the most Exempt Medical Coder job openings:

Certified Coding Specialist

Sound Family Medicine

Puyallup, WA • On-site

$26.80 - $35/hr

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

Certified Coding Specialist
Department: Revenue Cycle
FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Business Office Manager

Position Summary:
The Certified Coding Specialist is responsible for interpreting patient records, test results, and other documentation to determine the most appropriate codes to bill, while remaining in compliance with government and insurance regulations. Effective communication, both written and verbal, working under pressure, meeting deadlines, and making decisions using sound judgement are essential to this role.
Schedule: 1.0 FTE; 40 hours per week.
Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Reviews charges ordered by providers and compares with chart documentation in the EMR to ensure that CPT codes, HCPCS codes, modifiers, and ICD-10 codes are billed at the highest level of specificity.
  • Audits for the medical record for any missing or erroneous services.
  • Performs accurate charge entry of hospital, surgical center, and other external charges into the EMR for billing.
  • Works directly with Providers, Medical Assistants, and Clinic Managers to resolve coding issues and associated problems.
  • Develops and participates in educational activities, including meeting with providers to review provider learning opportunities.
  • Maintains strict confidentiality and follows HIPAA compliance.
  • Review coding related denials to resolve and maximize reimbursement.
Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of current procedural CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 coding guidelines.
  • Thorough knowledge of federal guidelines, general coding principles, and payor guidelines.
  • Excellent time management and prioritization of tasks.
  • Strong knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology, and a basic knowledge of clinical procedures, diseases, and injuries.
  • Holds themselves to the highest standards of ethics, honesty, and transparency in everything they do.
  • Exceptional communication, both verbal and written.
Competencies:
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Decision Making/Problem Solving
  • Job Knowledge
  • Dependability
  • Productivity
  • Caring
  • Patient Focused
  • Intentional
  • Integrity

Supervisory Responsibilities:
This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.
Work Environment:
This position will work in an office environment with a moderate noise level. This role utilizes standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers.
Physical Demands:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individual with disabilities to perform the physical requirements of this position.
This position is primarily a sedentary role; however, this position requires communication over the phone and in-person, and the use of standard office equipment. May be required to lift up to 10 pounds.
Travel:
Minimal local travel may be needed for this position to meet with providers at clinic locations.
Education and Experience:
  • Education:
    • High School Diploma or Equivalent: Required
    • Current Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification: Required
  • Experience:
    • One-year experience working as a certified coder in a medical setting: Preferred
    • One-year experience working in Epic EMR: Preferred
Other Duties:
This is not a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities that may be required for this position. Position requirements including duties, responsibilities, or activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Sound Family Medicine is a smoke-free, drug-free workplace. All employment offers are conditioned upon acceptable pre-employment drug tests which include testing for the use of marijuana and nicotine. As part of our commitment to a healthy workplace, we require employees to obtain an annual flu immunization.