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Optum Encoder Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Optum Encoder information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$58

$80

$97

How much do optum encoder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for optum encoder in Philadelphia, PA is $80.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63.08 and $97.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optum Encoder?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optum Encoder?

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 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 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 popular job titles related to Optum Encoder jobs in Philadelphia, PA?

For Optum Encoder jobs in Philadelphia, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optum Encoder job openings in Philadelphia, PA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 64% In-person, and 36% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $166,940 per year, or $80.3 per hour.

Utilization Management & Clinical Validation RN

Newtown Square, PA • Remote

UnitedHealth Group
Insurance Services • 10K+ employees

$60K - $107K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 9 days ago


UnitedHealth Group rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 146 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


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 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.   

The Utilization Management & Clinical Validation RN will accurately and efficiently review and extract pertinent case details from patient medical records; and craft strongly defensible appeal letters per process instructions and the department's/company's guidance. They will have a working knowledge encoder use and selecting appropriate, supportable appeal arguments from evidence-based, peer reviewed medical literature as provided as well as interpreting and utilizing ICD 9 and 10, CM and PCS, CPT coding system, and HCPCS guidelines. They will recommend changes to coding which will retain, lessen, or increase financial impact when analysis of chart indicates opportunities. The Appeals nurse will perform their job functions, adhering to both Optum and OPAS policies and procedures, which include but are not limited to the following:

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

  • Adheres to approved schedule and arrives to work timely 
  • Maintains accurate accounts of time off in both Verint and HR Direct as per guidelines, and follows directives for time off, schedule changes, etc. 
  • Follows directive of composing appeal letters to include appropriate data extraction, construction of well-written appeals letters with proper grammar, utilization of appeal tools including pre-constructed templates, and inclusion of appropriate medical literature references
  • Use and fluency of encoders, coding clinics, ICD-9 and 10 guidelines, CM and PCS, CPT coding system and HCPCS guidelines 
  • Working knowledge of Word 
  • Effective communication skills 
  • Excellent typing skills with a minimum of 45/min speed 
  • Adheres to company policies and procedures as well as policies, procedures, and laws 
  • Understands and complies with HIPAA confidentiality requirements
  • Support and promote OPAS, Optum, and the enterprise goals and mission 
  • Build relationships across Optum, OPAS, OGA and our clients 
  • Collaborate with peers to assure continuity of communication and execution of deliverables as needed 
  • Adheres to quality and productivity expectations 
  • Participate in and contribute to meetings as appropriate 
  • Maintains organization on the team and ensures everyone conducts themselves professionally 
  • Remains up to date with all learning modules, competencies, and state required licenses 
  • Performs other related duties, tasks, and processes as required by leadership 
  • Ability to establish priorities, be self-motivated, work independently, and follow instructions with supervision and structure 
  • Positive attitude and the ability to function as a collaborative team member

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:

  • Associates degree or higher
  • Unrestricted RN license required in state of residence
  • 3+ years of Clinical experience in ED/Telemetry/Critical Care
  • 2+ years of experience in clinical validation appeals

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Pre-authorization experience
  • License certified coder
  • Utilization Management experience
  • Case Management experience
  • Knowledge of Milliman Criteria
  • Certified Case Manager (CCM)

*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 $60,200 to $107,400 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.

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.

#RPO, #GREEN


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