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Optum Encoder Jobs in Denver, CO (NOW HIRING)

Optum Encoder information

See Denver, CO salary details

$59

$81

$98

How much do optum encoder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optum encoder in Denver, CO is $81.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64.33 and $98.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 cities near Denver, CO are hiring for Optum Encoder jobs? Cities near Denver, CO with the most Optum Encoder job openings:
Region Manager Revenue Cycle CDI-Central

Region Manager Revenue Cycle CDI-Central

CommonSpirit Health

Englewood, CO • Remote

$34.25 - $46.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 505 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

404th of 872 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

Job Summary / Purpose
This position provides oversight of CDI teams holding them accountable to performance. Develops strategic plans to achieve CommonSpirit Health (CSH) enterprise KPIs. Plays a critical role in the overall accuracy and compliance for all CDI functions.  Analyzes data and generates monthly KPI performance reports/dashboard to share with executive leadership. Acts as a liaison between physicians, coding, and clinical quality, etc. to ensure collaborative relationships resulting in accuracy and integrity of the inpatient medical record
 

Essential Functions
Essential Function

  • Oversees CDI team, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to compliant CDI practices and regulatory requirements. Ensures CDI team meets   productivity for daily initial/follow up reviews, compliant query generation, and accuracy standards; develop action plans for sustained improvement.  Adhere to the ethical standards of coding as established by AAPC, AHIMA and/or ACDIS
  • Ability to identify and determine resolution of complex issues.  Ability to communicate effectively, stay organized, and demonstrate effective leadership skills
  • Assist CSH director in strategic planning. Assists with the development of combined Coding and CDI steering committee presentations
  • Participate on patient care teams/committees to advance education of documentation guidelines to support clinical coding and DRG assignment
  • Oversee orientation and education of new providers to the organizations CDI program
  • Assist with preparation and presentation of CDI monitoring/trending reports for physician and hospital leadership.  Strong oral communication skills and the ability to deliver presentations to large groups
  • Ability to identify and interpret strategic and operational training/development needs.  Collaborates with physicians, clinical quality, coding team, and safety net vendors to discuss results, education and develop action plans for sustained improvement
  • Lead CDI department meetings and ensure collaborative environment.  Develop and execute CDI process improvement projects.   Actively seeks to promote and helps to maintain a professional, team-oriented, service-conscious environment, which contributes to the goals of the team and reflects the values of the enterprise
  • Ensures managers have tools and resources to hold teams accountable
  • Ability to troubleshoot computer issues in a timely fashion while working remotely
Job Requirements

Required 

Associate of Nursing with 4-6 years
Associate's degree HIM or related field, Current RN license and/or certification from AHIMA (CDIP) or ACDIS (CCDS) to be maintained

5 years of recent management of hospital-based CDI teams (hospital, large multi-facility organization, etc.)
Previous experience effectively managing remote teams
Experience with various encoder and EMR systems (Optum eCAC, Solventum, EPIC, Cerner, Meditech)

Preferred

Bachelors Of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelors Other or Bachelor’s degree in HIM  

Licenses/Certifications - Required 
Registered Nurse:XX (RN:XX)
Clinical Documentation Improvement Professional (CDIP)

Where You'll Work

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.

Qualifications:

Required 

Associate of Nursing with 4-6 years
Associate's degree HIM or related field, Current RN license and/or certification from AHIMA (CDIP) or ACDIS (CCDS) to be maintained

5 years of recent management of hospital-based CDI teams (hospital, large multi-facility organization, etc.)
Previous experience effectively managing remote teams
Experience with various encoder and EMR systems (Optum eCAC, Solventum, EPIC, Cerner, Meditech)

Preferred

Bachelors Of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Bachelors Other or Bachelor’s degree in HIM  

Licenses/Certifications - Required 
Registered Nurse:XX (RN:XX)
Clinical Documentation Improvement Professional (CDIP)

Employment Type: Full Time

What CommonSpirit Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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