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

Exempt Medical Coder information

See Yakima, WA salary details

$15

$22

$34

How much do exempt medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for exempt medical coder in Yakima, WA is $22.47, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.08 and $24.09 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 other jobs can exempt medical coders do?

Exempt medical coders can transition into roles such as medical billing specialists, health information managers, coding auditors, or compliance analysts, leveraging their knowledge of medical coding, billing procedures, and healthcare regulations. These positions often require familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, as well as attention to detail and certification credentials such as CPC or CCS. Many of these roles involve administrative, auditing, or compliance tasks within healthcare settings.

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 CPC or CCS, to qualify for many positions, especially those with higher responsibility or pay. While some entry-level roles may accept on-the-job training without certification, most employers prefer or require certified coders for exempt status. Certification helps demonstrate expertise and can be essential for career advancement in medical coding.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Yakima, WA? The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Yakima, WA are:
What cities near Yakima, WA are hiring for Exempt Medical Coder jobs? Cities near Yakima, WA with the most Exempt Medical Coder job openings:
Infographic showing various Exempt Medical Coder job openings in Yakima, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,747 per year, or $22.5 per hour.

$21.44 - $26.27/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago


Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Brief
AR Claims Specialist IIToppenish, WA
Employment duration:
Full time
Exempt Status:
Non-exempt
Offer Relocation?:
No
ID:
16502
Join our team as an AR Claims Specialist II at Central Administration in Toppenish, WA!
This role plays a key part in the revenue cycle by researching claim issues, resolving billing errors, and ensuring compliance with payer and regulatory requirements. The AR Claims Specialist II also serves as a subject-matter resource for assigned payers and supports team training and process improvement efforts. The AR Claims Specialist contributes directly to the financial health of YVFWC by ensuring claims are processed correctly and reimbursed in a timely manner. Through diligent follow-up, payer expertise, and collaboration with billing and revenue cycle partners, this role helps reduce denials, improve workflows, and support YVFWC's mission
Be part of a healthcare organization that believes in making a difference beyond medical care! We've transformed into a leading community health center in the Pacific Northwest with 40+ clinics across Washington and Oregon. We offer a wide range of services such as medical, dental, pharmacy, orthodontia, nutritional counseling, autism screening, and behavioral health. Our holistic model also extends assistance to shelter, energy, weatherization, HIV and AIDS counseling, home visits, and mobile medical/dental clinics.
We invite you to explore our short clips, "WE are Yakima - WE are Family" and "YVFWC - And then we grew," for a glimpse into our dedication to our communities, health, and families!
Position Highlights:
  • 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
  • $21.44-$26.27/hour DOE with the ability to go higher for highly experienced candidates
  • 100% employer-paid health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, Rx, 24/7 telemedicine
  • Profit sharing & 403(b) retirement plan available
  • Generous PTO, 8 paid holidays, and much more!

What You'll Do:
  • Process third-party claims in a timely and accurate manner, resolving claim edits and resubmitting corrected claims as necessary
  • Provide required documentation in account notes and participate in developing standard texts for account documentation
  • Maintain Epic Claims work queues according to daily department standards and research causes of repeated errors, addressing solutions through feedback loop processes
  • Reconcile daily claim volume balances using information from Epic and claims clearinghouse reports
  • Actively works with intra-department leadership to create compliant, automated processes within Epic and the claims clearinghouse
  • Actively stay abreast of all payor billing changes and requirements, becoming the subject-matter expert for assigned payors
  • Responsible for informing revenue cycle counterparts of coding or other billing changes implemented by the assigned payor
  • Maintain daily balance logs of claims sent from the EMR to the clearinghouse to ensure all claim runs are balanced daily
  • Train new AR Claims staff when called upon
  • Uphold Medicare, Medicaid, and HIPAA compliance guidelines in relation to billing, collections, and PHI information
  • Participate in the development of claims education and procedure documentation
  • Maintain confidentiality of all patient demographic, medical, and financial information at all times
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications:
  • High School diploma or GED
  • 3 years of previous medical billing with third party and Medicare/Medicaid experience required
  • Certified Revenue Cycle Representative (CRCR) certification required
  • Completion of HFMA courses Strategies to Prevent Claim Denials or Best Practice (Patient Centric) Revenue Cycle Overview within 180 days of hire
  • Experience with EPIC system and FQHC billing and/or coding preferred
  • Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and ability to meet deadlines
  • Knowledge of medical and insurance terminology, CPT, ICD coding structures, and billing forms (UB, 1500)
  • Strong customer relations skills preferred
  • Knowledge of medical/dental terminology, data entry, and billing coding preferred
  • Knowledge of accounts receivable processes preferred
  • Maintain consistent performance and attendance standards
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills

Our Mission Statement
"Together we transform our communities through compassionate, individualized care, eliminating barriers to health and well-being."
Our mission celebrates inclusivity. We are committed to equal-opportunity employment.
Visit our website at www.yvfwc.com to learn more about our organization!

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