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Forensics Medical Coder Jobs in McAllen, TX (NOW HIRING)

Forensics Medical Coder information

See McAllen, TX salary details

$15

$21

$32

How much do forensics medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for forensics medical coder in McAllen, TX is $21.30, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.12 and $22.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a forensics medical coder?

Forensics Medical Coders are specialized professionals who review, analyze, and assign standardized codes to medical records related to forensic cases, such as deaths, injuries, or legal investigations. They work closely with forensic pathologists, law enforcement, and legal teams to ensure accurate documentation and classification of medical data for legal and administrative purposes. Their coding helps facilitate investigations, legal proceedings, and the compilation of public health statistics. Additionally, Forensics Medical Coders must have a strong knowledge of medical terminology, legal standards, and specific coding systems used in forensic contexts.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a forensics medical coder?

To thrive as a Forensics Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, forensic procedures, and coding systems, typically validated by a certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with coding software, electronic health records (EHRs), and forensic documentation systems is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and ethical judgment are crucial soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure accurate coding for legal and insurance purposes, supporting the integrity of forensic medical records and proper reimbursement.

What challenges do forensics medical coders face when handling sensitive case documentation?

Forensics Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records from autopsies or crime scenes, ensuring accuracy while handling sensitive or graphic information, and maintaining strict confidentiality. They must be detail-oriented to correctly translate nuanced forensic findings into standardized codes, which is crucial for legal and insurance purposes. Additionally, they regularly collaborate with forensic pathologists and law enforcement, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to navigate multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Forensics Medical Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectForensics Medical CoderMedical Coder
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPC, CCS)Certification (e.g., CPC, CCS)
Work EnvironmentCrime labs, forensic departments, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, insurance companies
Employer & IndustryLaw enforcement, forensic agencies, healthcareHealthcare facilities, insurance companies
Job FocusMedical coding related to forensic cases, legal documentationGeneral medical coding for billing and records

While both roles require medical coding certifications, Forensics Medical Coders specialize in coding for forensic cases and legal documentation within law enforcement or forensic settings. Medical Coders typically work in healthcare environments focusing on billing and medical records. The key difference lies in the work environment and case focus, with Forensics Medical Coders handling specialized forensic data.

How much does a forensics medical coder make?

Forensics medical coders typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and location. They analyze medical records related to legal cases and often work with coding tools like ICD and CPT, with some roles requiring specialized training or certification.

What does a forensics medical coder do?

A forensics medical coder reviews medical records related to forensic cases, such as injuries or causes of death, and assigns appropriate medical codes for documentation and legal purposes. They must have knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD and CPT, and often work closely with law enforcement or legal professionals. Accuracy and attention to detail are essential in this role.

What are popular job titles related to Forensics Medical Coder jobs in McAllen, TX?

For Forensics Medical Coder jobs in McAllen, TX, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near McAllen, TX are hiring for Forensics Medical Coder jobs?

Cities near McAllen, TX with the most Forensics Medical Coder job openings:

Infographic showing various Forensics Medical Coder job openings in McAllen, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Contract. Highlights an 59% In-person, and 41% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,307 per year, or $21.3 per hour.

Intake Coordinator - State Services - FT - Days - BH Flex (New Behavioral Hospital)

DHR Health

Edinburg, TX • On-site

$13 - $17.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


DHR Health rating

6.3

Company rating: 6.3 out of 10

Based on 82 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

668th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

DHR Health - US:TX:Edinburg -
Summary:
FLSA STATUS: ☐ Exempt ☒ Non-Exempt
MISSION STATEMENT:
Our Mission is to improve the well-being of those we serve with a commitment to excellence: every patient, every encounter, every time.
VISION:
Our Vision is to create a world-class health system to advance medicine and increase access for the communities we serve by empowering caregivers to heal through compassion, knowledge, innovation, integrated care and excellence.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Intake Coordinator State Services is responsible for the coordination, oversight, and facilitation of all state service admissions to the hospital, ensuring timely placement, effective communication, and compliance with applicable regulatory requirements. This position serves as the primary operational liaison between state hospitals, referral agencies, Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs), county partners, internal hospital departments, and leadership to coordinate admissions from referrals through patient arrival. The Intake Coordinator State Services proactively manages the state admissions pipeline by coordinating patient placements approximately two to three weeks in advance, monitoring anticipated admissions, validating required documentation, communicating admission expectations, and collaborating with clinical and operational teams to ensure the hospital is prepared to safely receive patients. This position works closely with the Forensic Services Liaison to coordinate forensic-related admissions, transfers, competency restoration referrals, and other legally mandated services to ensure continuity of care and compliance with applicable Texas Administrative Code (TAC), Texas Health and Safety Code, Texas Code of Criminal Procedure requirements, contractual obligations, and hospital policies. The Intake Coordinator State Services supports efficient patient flow, optimizes bed utilization, promotes regulatory compliance, and contributes to the delivery of high-quality psychiatric services within a secure behavioral healthcare environment.
POSITION EDUCATION/ QUALIFICATIONS:
    • Master's Degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology or a related field from an accredited college or university
    • Related experience can be substituted for degree for a candidate currently enrolled in an acceptable Master's Degree program.
    • Any one of the below licenses is required:
      • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Master Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Professional Counselor and LPC-Associate will be considered. If licensed in another state, it must be transferable to a Texas license.
    • Current BLS Certification
    • CPI training within 30 days of hire date and annually
    • Must be able to be sensitive to cultural and bilingual issues
    • Good written and verbal communication skills required• Ability to read, write and speak English and Spanish

    JOB KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:
    • The intake coordinator will demonstrate skill in determining and documenting medical necessity for admission; have an understanding of TJC and CMS guidelines as they relate to access to care in a mental health facility.
    • The Intake Coordinator is expected to function well as a member of the interdisciplinary team and participate in community relation activities, performance improvement activities and hospital sponsored events.
      • One year clinical experience in a position primarily responsible for assessment, crisis intervention and disposition of mental health patients in crisis.
      • Experience working with state psychiatric systems, forensic populations, or government healthcare programs
      • Experience working in a hospital setting or emergency room and acting as a liaison between physicians a plus

    Responsibilities:
    POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:
    All duties are applicable in all units throughout the hospital including adult, adolescent, child, geriatric, state, civil, and state forensic units.
    Promotes the facility mission, vision and values by effectively communicating them to others. Considers mission, vision and values in developing services, standards and practices
    • Serve as the primary coordinator for all state service admissions to the hospital.
    • Manage and maintain an accurate forecast of upcoming state admissions, anticipated transfers, and scheduled patient arrivals. Coordinate admissions approximately two to three weeks in advance to support operational readiness. Communicate admission timelines and requirements with referring facilities, state partners, and internal departments.
    • Ensure admission information is complete, accurate, and available prior to patient arrival. Coordinate with hospital leadership regarding anticipated admissions, bed availability, staffing needs, and operational considerations.
    • Serve as the primary point of contact for state referral sources and external partners. Review incoming referrals to ensure required documentation and clinical information are received.
    • Facilitate communication between referral sources and hospital departments regarding admission expectations and patient needs.
    • Maintain professional relationships with: State psychiatric facilities, Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs), County agencies, Community providers, Hospital departments
    • Coordinate admission logistics, including:
    o Admission dates and times, transportation arrangements, required documentation, clinical information transfer, unit placement coordination.
    o Identify potential barriers to admission and communicate concerns promptly to leadership, assist in improving admission workflows to promote timely access to treatment.
    • Assist with coordination of competency restoration admissions, court-ordered placements, and forensic referrals.
    • Support seamless transitions for forensic patients entering the hospital system.
    • Regulatory Compliance and Documentation
    • Maintain accurate admission tracking records and reports.
    • Ensure documentation related to referrals, communications, and admissions is complete and available for review.
    • Develop and maintain admission tracking tools and dashboards.
    • Monitor admission trends, delays, barriers, and opportunities for improvement.
    • Provide routine updates to leadership regarding: Upcoming admissions, admission volume, Referral status, operational barriers
    • Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
    • Manage competing priorities and deadlines
    • Build collaborative relationships with state agencies and community partners
    • Maintain accurate records and documentation
    • Other duties as assigned
    Other information:
    LINES OF REPSONSIBILITIES:
    (Chain-of-command)
    1. Associate Director of Behavioral Operations 2. Director of Behavioral Operations 3. Vice President of Behavioral Health
    CUSTOMER SERVICE:
    Provide excellent customer service to all DHR customers. All employees are required to attend the DHR C.A.R.E.S program which outlines the Customer Service Principals including: Commitment, Accountability, Respect, Excellence and Service.
    AGE SPECIFIC:
    Employees must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served in his/her assigned unit. The individual must demonstrate knowledge of principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirement relative to his or her age.
    AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: (ADA):
    A. Essential Duties: Indicated by bold print within performance standards, preceding individual numbered criteria.
    The following table provides physical requirements that will be associated with, but not limited to, this position:
    Light/moderate lifting up to 20 lbs., from the floor to shoulder height.
    Yes
    Kneeling
    Yes
    Must be able to assist other employees with lifting more than 20 lbs.
    Yes
    Walking
    Yes
    Light/moderate carrying up to 20 lbs.
    Yes
    Standing/Squatting
    Yes
    Straight pulling
    Yes
    Sitting
    Yes
    Pulling hand over hand
    Yes
    Pushing
    Yes
    Repeated bending
    Yes
    Stooping/Bending
    Yes
    Reaching above shoulder
    Yes
    Climbing Stairs
    Yes
    Simple grasping
    Yes
    Climbing Ladders
    No
    Dual simultaneous grasping
    Yes
    Depth Perceptions needed
    Yes
    Ability to see
    Yes
    Identify Colors
    Yes
    Operating office equipment
    Yes
    Twisting
    Yes
    Operating mechanical equipment
    Yes
    Crawling
    No
    Ability to read and write
    Yes
    Ability to Count
    Yes
    Ability to hear verbal communication without aid
    Yes
    Operating Personal Vehicle
    Yes
    Ability to comprehend written/verbal communication
    Yes
    Other: Ability to deal with stress
    Yes
    OSHA Category
    III
    B. Working Conditions: The individual spends over 95% of his/her time in an air-conditioned environment with varying exposures to noise. There is protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes. The position does have low exposure to malodorous, infectious body fluids from patients and some minimal exposure to noxious smells from cleansing agents.
    C. Occupational Exposure: This position has minimal to no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues and is an OSHA Category III (although situations can be imagined or hypothesized under which anyone, anywhere, might encounter potential exposure to body fluids). Person who performs these duties are not called upon as part of their employment to perform or assist in emergency medical care or first aid or to be potentially exposed in some other way.
    D. Aptitudes: HIGH 1 2 3 4 5 6 LOW
    Intelligence: General learning ability: The ability to "catch on" or understand instructions and underlying principles. Ability to reason and make judgments. 3
    Verbal: Ability to understand meanings of words and ideas associated with them, and to use them effectively. To comprehend language, to understand relationships between words, and to understand meanings of whole sentences and paragraphs. To present information or ideas clearly. 3
    Numerical: Ability to perform arithmetic operations quickly and accurately. 2
    Spatial: Ability to comprehend forms in space and understands relationships of plane and solid objects. Frequently described as the ability to "visualize" objects or two or three dimensions, or to think visually of geometric forms. 2
    Form Perception: Ability to perceive pertinent details and objects or in pictorial or graphic material to make visual comparisons and discriminations and see slight differences in shapes and shadings of figures and widths and lengths of lines. 3
    Clerical Perception: Ability to receive pertinent details and verbal or tabular material. To observe differences in copy, to proofread words and numbers, and to avoid perceptual errors in arithmetic computation. 2
    Motor Coordination: Ability to coordinate eyes and hands to fingers rapidly and accurately in making precise movements with speed. Ability to make a movement response accurately and quickly. 3
    Finger Dexterity: Ability to move hands easily and skillfully. To work with fingers in placing and turning motions. 3
    Manual Dexterity: Ability to move hands easily and skillfully. To work with hands in placing and turning motions. 3
    Eye-Hand-Foot Coordination: Ability to move the hand and foot coordinately with each other in accordance with visual stimuli. 3
    Color Discrimination: Ability to perceive and respond to similarities or differences in colors, shapes, or other values of the same or different color. To identify a particular color, or to recognize harmonious or contrasting color combinations, or to match color adequately. 3
    I have read and reviewed my job description with my supervisor or designee and I understand the job I am expected to perform.
    If applicable ____________ certification will be completed within _________ time frame of hire/transfer date.
    Employee Signature: ________________________________ Date: ____________________
    Transfer/Hire Date Effective: ________________________.

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About DHR Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

DHR Health, located in Edinburg, Texas, is a major player in the healthcare industry, offering a comprehensive range of medical services. Launched in 1997 by Dr. Carlos J. Cardenas and Dr. Manish Singh, the enterprise was established with the emblematic pursuit of raising the healthcare standards of the Rio Grande Valley. Today, it serves as a full-service health system providing advanced specialty care to individuals irrespective of their ability to pay, emphasizing its commitment to the community. In line with its mission statement, DHR Health focuses on the development of a comprehensive health system devoted to ensuring superior health services, education, and financial solvency. With significant contributions to the medical field, like the installation of South Texas's first da Vinci Xi Surgical System, DHR has effectively notched distinct achievements.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Edinburg, TX, US

Year founded

1997

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