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Optum Encoder Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Optum Encoder information

What is the difference between Optum Encoder vs Medical Coder?

AspectOptum EncoderMedical Coder
CertificationsTypically requires coding certifications like CPC or CCSOften requires CPC, CCS, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, insurance companies, remote optionsHospitals, clinics, insurance companies, remote work common
Industry UsageUsed mainly in healthcare and insurance sectorsWidely used across healthcare providers and insurance
Job ResponsibilitiesEncoding medical records for billing and documentationAssigning standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures

Both Optum Encoder and Medical Coder roles involve medical coding, often requiring similar certifications and working in healthcare environments. While Optum Encoder may be specific to Optum's systems and processes, Medical Coder is a broader role found across many healthcare organizations. Understanding these similarities helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optum Encoder, and why are they important?

To excel as an Optum Encoder, you need a solid understanding of medical coding systems (such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS) and typically a certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with Optum’s 3M Encoder software, electronic health records (EHRs), and hospital information systems is also crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with clinical and billing teams. These abilities are important to ensure precise coding, regulatory compliance, and optimal reimbursement for healthcare services.

What are Optum Encoders?

Optum Encoders are specialized healthcare professionals who use Optum's medical coding software to accurately translate clinical documentation into standardized medical codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Optum Encoders play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement and comply with regulatory requirements. They must be knowledgeable about medical terminology, coding guidelines, and healthcare regulations. Their work helps streamline administrative processes and improve data quality in the healthcare industry.

What are some common challenges faced by Optum Encoders when working with complex medical records?

Optum Encoders often encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or ambiguous clinical documentation, keeping up-to-date with evolving coding standards, and ensuring high levels of accuracy under tight deadlines. Collaboration with healthcare providers and coding auditors is frequently required to clarify information and resolve discrepancies. Staying detail-oriented and proactive in seeking clarification helps maintain compliance and reduce errors, while also providing opportunities to learn and grow in the role.
What are popular job titles related to Optum Encoder jobs in Wisconsin? For Optum Encoder jobs in Wisconsin, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Optum Encoder jobs? Cities in Wisconsin with the most Optum Encoder job openings:
Infographic showing various Optum Encoder job openings in Wisconsin as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 68% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution.
Clinical Quality Analyst

Clinical Quality Analyst

UnitedHealth Group

Waukesha, WI • Remote

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 145 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

189th of 877 rated healthcare providers


Job description

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. 

You will enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Serve as a liaison between coding teams and providers, delivering expert guidance to resolve inquiries and concerns
  • Collaborate with Edits and Denials teams to analyze trends and implement educational initiatives or system edits to address recurring issues
  • Partner with clinical leadership during the introduction of new services to ensure accurate documentation and coding compliance
  • Participate in specialty and physician group meetings on a quarterly basis to provide targeted coding education and respond to ad hoc inquiries
  • Deliver comprehensive coding and documentation training for all newly onboarded providers
  • Provide annual education to providers on code set updates to maintain compliance and accuracy
  • Conduct annual provider audits to validate charges and supporting documentation, while identifying potential revenue opportunities.
  • Provide targeted education and follow-up audits for providers who do not meet established quality standards.
  • Perform ad hoc audits in response to client requests or identified concerns.
  • Educate coders and providers on audit findings and emerging trends to promote continuous improvement.
  • Assist coders and/or supervisors as needed on rebuttals for tri-annual audits

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:

  • High School Diploma/GED
  • Professional coder certification with credentialing from AHIMA and/or AAPC (CPC, CCS-P, RHIA, RHIT) to be maintained annually
  • 3 years of Physician medical coding (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS II) experience in a multi-specialty physician clinic
  • 2 years of experience with Residency Program (teaching hospital) with coding experience in Evaluation and Management plus one or more of the following: Urogynecology, ENT, and Dermatology
  • 2 years of experience being able to provide expert level coding guidance to physicians, practitioners, and coders as needed
  • Intermediate level of knowledge of MUE and NCCI classification and reimbursement structures
  • Intermediate level of proficiency in a Windows PC environment, including MS Excel and with Epic

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience auditing charts in a professional coding environment
  • Experience providing physician/coding education a plus
  • Experience with various systems (Microsoft Teams, Encoder Pro, etc.)
  • Experience in Inpatient/Observation E/M coding
  • Intermediate level of experience with Microsoft Excel

Soft Skills:

  • Must be able to communicate effectively face-to-face and in writing

*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 salary for this role will range from $29 to $52 annually 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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