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Medical Coding Associate Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Medical Assistant

Columbia, SC

$16.50 - $21/hr

... CPT/ICD coding, and CAHPS/HOS Patient Experience. Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish ... Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for ...

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Medical Coding Associate information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$22.2K

$54.1K

$124.9K

How much do medical coding associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical coding associate in Columbia, SC is $54,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,800.00 and $64,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What can you do with an associate's degree in medical coding?

A Medical Coding Associate with an associate's degree can work as a medical coder, assigning standardized codes to patient diagnoses and procedures for billing and record-keeping. This role often requires familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and may involve working in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

For medical coding associates, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials generally lead to higher salaries compared to Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentials, as CCS is often considered more advanced and is preferred for hospital coding roles. However, salaries also depend on experience, location, and employer, with CCS holders typically earning a premium in the industry.

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.

How can I get a medical coding job with no experience?

Medical Coding Associates can often start with entry-level positions by completing a coding certification such as CPC or CCS and gaining familiarity with coding software and medical terminology. Internships, volunteering, or completing a coding externship can also provide practical experience to improve employability.

Are medical coders going to be replaced by AI?

Medical coding associates perform tasks that require understanding complex medical terminology and documentation, which AI can assist but not fully replace. While automation tools and AI can handle routine coding, human oversight remains essential for accuracy, compliance, and handling complex cases, making the role resilient to complete automation.

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 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 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 Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Medical Coding jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Medical Coding Associate jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Medical Coding Associate job openings:
Medical Assistant

$16.50 - $21/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Become a part of our caring community
The Medical Assistant 2 is the first point of contact for patient care. Responsible for administrative duties in addition to patient care. The Medical Assistant 2 performs varied activities and moderately complex administrative, operational, and customer support assignments. Typically works on semi-routine assignments.

The Medical Assistant 2 performs clinical duties such as discussing symptoms, obtaining vital signs, medication/vaccine administration, phlebotomy, collecting specimens, performing diagnostic screening tests, sterilizing/cleaning equipment, maintaining examination rooms, and documenting information into the electronic medical records system. Collaborates closely with Physicians and Advanced Practice Providers. Delivers direct patient care dependent on what active certification allows. Decisions typically focus on interpretation of area/department policy and methods for completing assignments. Works within defined parameters to identify work expectations and quality standards, but has latitude over prioritization/timing, and works under minimal direction. Follows standard policies and procedures that allow opportunity for interpretation/deviation and/or independent discretion.


Use your skills to make an impact

Required

Successful completion of MA school/training program or a Certified/Registered Medical Assistant or 5+ years of experience and approval from Provider

High school diploma or equivalent

CPR Certified

This role is considered patient facing and is part of the company's Tuberculosis (TB) screening program. If selected for this role, you will be required to be screened for TB

Preferred

Certified or Registered - (Arizona, Indiana, & South Carolina candidates require Medical Assistant Certification or Registration)

Phlebotomy experience Medication/vaccine administration experience

1+ years MA experience

Value Based Care experience including knowledge of HEDIS, CPT/ICD coding, and CAHPS/HOS Patient Experience.

Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish - must pass proficiency exam prior to foreign language communication

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Pay Range

The compensation range below reflects a good faith estimate of starting base pay for full time (40 hours per week) employment at the time of posting. The pay range may be higher or lower based on geographic location and individual pay will vary based on demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.


$43,000 - $56,200 per year


This job is eligible for a bonus incentive plan. This incentive opportunity is based upon company and/or individual performance.

Description of Benefits

Humana, Inc. and its affiliated subsidiaries (collectively, "Humana") offers competitive benefits that support whole-person well-being. Associate benefits are designed to encourage personal wellness and smart healthcare decisions for you and your family while also knowing your life extends outside of work. Among our benefits, Humana provides medical, dental and vision benefits, 401(k) retirement savings plan, time off (including paid time off, company and personal holidays, volunteer time off, paid parental and caregiver leave), short-term and long-term disability, life insurance and many other opportunities.
About Us
About CenterWell Senior Primary Care: CenterWell Senior Primary Care provides proactive, preventive care to seniors, including wellness visits, physical exams, chronic condition management, screenings, minor injury treatment and more. Our unique care model focuses on personalized experiences, taking time to listen, learn and address the factors that impact patient well-being. Our integrated care teams, which include physicians, nurses, behavioral health specialists and more, spend up to 50 percent more time with patients, providing compassionate, personalized care that brings better health outcomes. We go beyond physical health by also addressing other factors that can impact a patient's well-being.About CenterWell, a Humana company: CenterWell is a leading healthcare services business focused on creating integrated and differentiated experiences that put our patients at the center of everything we do. The result is high-quality healthcare that is accessible, comprehensive and, most of all, personalized. As the largest provider of senior-focused primary care, a leading provider of home healthcare and a leading integrated home delivery, specialty, hospice and retail pharmacy, CenterWell is focused on whole health and addressing the physical, emotional and social wellness of our patients. CenterWell is part of Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM). Learn more about what we offer atCenterWell.com.


Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of Humana not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. It is also the policy of Humana to take affirmative action, in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and VEVRAA, to employ and to advance in employment individuals with disability or protected veteran status, and to base all employment decisions only on valid job requirements. This policy shall apply to all employment actions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, upgrading, promotion, transfer, demotion, layoff, recall, termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation and selection for training, including apprenticeship, at all levels of employment.