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Independent Contractor Medical Coder Jobs in Oregon

Coder OP

Springfield, OR

$18.28 - $26.37/hr

Coder OP McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center is your community medical provider, serving the ... Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. * Ability to perform chart audits, perform ...

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Independent Contractor Medical Coder information

See Oregon salary details

$16

$23

$36

How much do independent contractor medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor medical coder in Oregon is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.04 and $25.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Independent Contractor Medical Coders?

Independent Contractor Medical Coders are professionals who review and assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for healthcare providers, but work on a freelance or contract basis rather than as full-time employees. They help ensure that healthcare claims are accurately coded for insurance reimbursement and compliance with regulations. As independent contractors, they typically set their own schedules, manage multiple clients, and are responsible for their own business expenses and taxes. This role requires strong knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and attention to detail.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Medical Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectIndependent Contractor Medical CoderMedical Coder
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPC, CCS)Certification (e.g., CPC, CCS)
Work EnvironmentRemote or freelanceHospital, clinic, or remote
EmployerSelf-employed or contractedEmployed by healthcare facility or organization

The main difference is that an Independent Contractor Medical Coder works independently, often on a freelance basis, providing coding services to multiple clients. In contrast, a Medical Coder is typically employed directly by a healthcare facility. Both roles require similar certifications and skills, but their work arrangements and employment status differ significantly.

What are some common challenges faced by independent contractor medical coders, and how can they be addressed?

Independent contractor medical coders often face challenges such as managing fluctuating workloads, staying updated with changing coding regulations, and ensuring secure handling of sensitive patient data without the support of an in-house IT team. To address these, it’s essential to maintain strong organizational skills, invest in regular professional development, and use secure, HIPAA-compliant software. Building strong relationships with clients and networking with other coders can also help in navigating changes and finding new opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Independent Contractor Medical Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), and compliance regulations, typically supported by certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, medical billing software, and secure file transfer tools is essential. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for remote collaboration and accurate coding. These competencies ensure precise medical record documentation, regulatory compliance, and reliable revenue cycle management for healthcare providers.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Oregon are:
What cities in Oregon are hiring for Independent Contractor Medical Coder jobs? Cities in Oregon with the most Independent Contractor Medical Coder job openings:

Medical Coder III, Inpatient Hospital Coding (Must reside in KPNW region)

Kaiser Permanente

Portland, OR • On-site

$37.59/hr

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

In addition to the responsibilities listed below, this position is also responsible for reviewing emergency, outpatient, ambulatory, and inpatient medical records to identify elements to be abstracted, as well as diagnostic and procedure codes.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Pursues effective relationships with others by proactively providing resources, information, advice, and expertise with coworkers and members. Listens to, seeks, and addresses performance feedback; provides mentoring to team members. Pursues self-development; creates plans and takes action to capitalize on strengths and develop weaknesses; influences others through technical explanations and examples. Adapts to and learns from change, challenges, and feedback; demonstrates flexibility in approaches to work; helps others adapt to new tasks and processes. Supports and responds to the needs of others to support a business outcome.

  • Completes work assignments autonomously by applying up-to-date expertise in subject area to generate creative solutions; ensures all procedures and policies are followed; leverages an understanding of data and resources to support projects or initiatives. Collaborates cross-functionally to solve business problems; escalates issues or risks as appropriate; communicates progress and information. Supports, identifies, and monitors priorities, deadlines, and expectations. Identifies, speaks up, and implements ways to address improvement opportunities for team.

  • Contributes to documentation and coding compliance by: supporting compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, The Principles of Responsibility, the Code of Conduct for Kaiser Permanente, internal policies and procedures, professional standards, and accreditation standards.

  • Supports efforts to update coding processes and meet regulatory goals by: performing analysis/review to assure the accuracy of current procedures and diagnosis codes upon request from various sources; using and contributing to the teams use of internal resources (e.g., webinars, enterprise education team) to learn up-to-date knowledge of standards and regulatory requirements related to coding, documentation, and management compliance (federal, state, internal), and researching guidance for individual coding situations as necessary; and meeting and maintaining department standards for productivity and quality.

  • Completes medical coding by: translating clinical information into coded data to enter appropriate codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other services rendered, following coding guidelines for the most current version of the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification (ICD-CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Level II for patient encounters; identifying and assigning appropriate codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other services rendered independently; resolving coding issues through partnership with clinicians, department administration, and other coding staff based on review, coding guidelines, and queries or issues with practitioner-submitted medical codes to reduce denials and improve time to submission; and assisting team members with providing consultation to staff and care providers on all coding and documentation questions.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Minimum three (3) years of continuous hospital coding experience with Observation, Hospital Ambulatory Surgery, Emergency Department, and complex Hospital Outpatient Visit services.

  • High School Diploma or GED or equivalent AND minimum four (4) years of coding experience. OR Minimum four (4) years of coding experience and one (1) year of experience in a corporate or business office environment.

  • Certified Coding Specialist required at hire OR Registered Health Information Technician required at hire OR Registered Health Information Administrator required at hire

Additional Requirements:
  • Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): Medical Coding; Medical Terminology; Health Care Coding; Time Management; Compliance Management; Quality Assurance and Effectiveness; Health Records; Health Information Systems; Data Quality; Data Entry; Maintain Files and Records