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Medical Coding Associate Jobs in Buffalo, MN (NOW HIRING)

Addison Group

Project Accounting Associate

Plymouth, MN · On-site

$28.86 - $31.25/hr

Collaborating with project managers to allocate costs to appropriate jobs, phases, and cost codes ... Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and performance-based incentives * Career Growth : Many of our ...

Addison Group

Project Accounting Associate

Plymouth, MN

$28.86 - $31.25/hr

Collaborating with project managers to allocate costs to appropriate jobs, phases, and cost codes ... Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), and performance-based incentives * Career Growth : Many of our ...

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Medical Coding Associate information

See Buffalo, MN salary details

$25.3K

$61.5K

$142.1K

How much do medical coding associate jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical coding associate in Buffalo, MN is $61,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,400.00 and $73,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Coding Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Coding Associate, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, often supported by certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with medical billing software, electronic health records (EHRs), and coding databases is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written communication are vital soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and compliance. These skills ensure proper claims processing, minimize errors, and support the financial health of healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges Medical Coding Associates face and how can they overcome them?

Medical Coding Associates often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequent coding updates, understanding complex medical records, and ensuring accuracy under time constraints. Staying current with changes in CPT, ICD, and HCPCS codes is essential, so regular training and reference to official coding resources is important. Collaborating with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and maintaining strong attention to detail can help prevent errors and support compliance. Building a network with other coders and participating in professional organizations can also provide valuable support and learning opportunities.

What is a Medical Coding Associate?

A Medical Coding Associate is a healthcare professional responsible for translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes used for billing and insurance purposes. They review patient records and assign the appropriate codes based on clinical documentation and official coding guidelines. This role ensures that healthcare providers are accurately reimbursed and that patient data is properly recorded for medical and legal purposes. Medical Coding Associates typically work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare settings and must be detail-oriented and knowledgeable about medical terminology and coding systems.

What is the difference between Medical Coding Associate vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectMedical Coding AssociateMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), CPC-ACertified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), CPC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Job FocusAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresProcessing payments, submitting claims, managing accounts
Common UsageUsed for accurate medical record-keeping and insurance claimsHandling billing processes and revenue cycle management

The Medical Coding Associate primarily focuses on translating medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, essential for insurance claims and medical records. In contrast, the Medical Billing Specialist manages the billing process, ensuring claims are submitted correctly and payments are collected. Both roles often work together within healthcare settings and require similar certifications, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coding jobs in Buffalo, MN? The most popular types of Medical Coding jobs in Buffalo, MN are:
What cities near Buffalo, MN are hiring for Medical Coding Associate jobs? Cities near Buffalo, MN with the most Medical Coding Associate job openings:
Medical Coding Associate jobs near you
DRG/Clinical Validation Auditor RN

DRG/Clinical Validation Auditor RN

UnitedHealth Group

Plymouth, MN • On-site

$36.75 - $49.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

UnitedHealthcare rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 651 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

102nd of 864 rated healthcare providers

Job description

$10,000 SIGN ON BONUS FOR EXTERNAL APPLICANTS
Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale.Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
In this position as a Clinical DRG RN auditor, you will apply your expert knowledge of the MS-DRG and APR-DRG coding/reimbursement methodology systems, ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines, and AHA Coding Clinic Guidelines in the auditing of inpatient claims. Employing both industry and Optum proprietary tools, you will validate ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes, DRG assignments, and discharge statuses billed by hospitals to identify overpayments. Utilizing excellent communications skills, you will compose rationales supporting your audit findings.
You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
  • Conduct MS-DRG and APR-DRG coding reviews to verify the accuracy of DRG assignment and reimbursement with a focus on overpayment identification
  • Utilize expert knowledge to identify the ICD-10-CM/PCS code assignment, appropriate code sequencing, present on admission (POA) assignment, and discharge disposition, in accordance with CMS requirements, ICD-10 Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and AHA Coding Clinic guidance
  • Apply current ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines and AHA Coding Clinic citations and demonstrate working knowledge of clinical criteria documentation requirements used to successfully substantiate code assignments
  • Perform clinical coding review to ensure accuracy of medical coding and utilize clinical expertise and judgment to determine correct coding and billing
  • Utilize solid command of anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and surgical operations developed from specialized training and extensive experience with ICD-10-PCS code assignment
  • Write clear, accurate and concise rationales in support of findings using ICD-10 CM/PCS Official Coding Guidelines, and AHA Coding Clinics
  • Utilize proprietary workflow systems and encoder tool efficiently and accurately to make audit determinations, generate audit rationales and move claims through workflow process correctly
  • Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with changes and updates to coding guidelines, reimbursement trends, and client processes and requirements
  • Maintain and manage daily case review assignments, with a high emphasis on quality
  • Provide clinical support and expertise in the other investigative and analytical areas
  • Work in a high-volume production environment that is matrix driven

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:
  • Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
  • Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
  • Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
  • 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Education Reimbursement
  • Employee Discounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Referral Bonus Program
  • Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)
  • More information can be downloaded at: http://uhg.hr/uhgbenefits

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
  • Associate's Degree (or higher)
  • Unrestricted RN (Registered Nurse) license
  • CCS/CIC or willing to obtain certification within 6 months of hire
  • 3+ years of MS DRG/APR DRG coding experience in a hospital environment with expert knowledge of ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines and DRG reimbursement methodologies
  • 2+ years of ICD-10-CM coding experience including but not limited to expert knowledge of principal diagnosis selection, complications/comorbidities (CCs) and major complications/comorbidities (MCCs), and conditions that impact severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality (ROM)
  • 2+ years of ICD-10-PCS coding experience including but not limited to expert knowledge of the structural components of PCS such as selection of appropriate body systems, root operations, body parts, approaches, devices, and qualifiers

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with prior DRG concurrent and/or retrospective overpayment identification audits
  • Experience working with Utilization Management
  • Experience with readmission reviews of claims
  • Experience with DRG encoder tools (ex. 3M)
  • Experience using Microsoft Excel with the ability to create / edit spreadsheets, use sort / filter function, and perform data entry
  • Healthcare claims experience
  • Managed care experience
  • Knowledge of health insurance business, industry terminology, and regulatory guidelines

Soft Skills:
  • Ability to use a Windows PC with the ability to utilize multiple applications at the same time
  • Ability to work independently in a remote environment and deliver exceptional results
  • Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, solid analytical skills, and attention to detail
  • Excellent time management and work prioritization skills

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:
  • Frequent speaking, listening using a headset, sitting, use of hands / fingers across keyboard or mouse, handling other objects, long periods working at a computer
  • Have a secluded office area in which to perform job duties during the work day
  • Have reliable high-speed internet access and a work environment free from distractions

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.
Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $34.23 to $61.15 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location, and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups, and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.
#RPO #GREEN

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