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Orthopedic Coder Jobs (NOW HIRING)

How you'll contribute A Coder who excels in this role: * Assigns accurate ICD diagnosis codes ... Surgical Services include General, Orthopedics, Podiatry, Plastics/Hand, GYN, ENT, Urology ...

Profee Coder Multi Specialty

Franklin, TN · Remote

$18 - $24/hr

Experience coding across multiple physician specialties, with strong Orthopedic and Podiatry coding expertise preferred. * Must be available to work full-time. * High School Diploma required (must be ...

$21.75 - $29/hr

... orthopedics, general medicine and surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, newborns, etc.) or applying the appropriate ICD-10 diagnostic and CPT procedure codes for ambulatory records across multiple ...

Hospitalist Coder

Dallas, TX · On-site

$24.10 - $36.17/hr

Manage specialty-specific work queues, which may include Trauma, Orthopedics, GI/Bariatrics ... Research coding inquiries from medical staff and provide clear, professional written or oral ...

Medical Coder

Tracy, CA · On-site +1

$20.25 - $27/hr

Position Overview We are seeking a meticulous and detail-oriented Medical Coder specializing in professional services, experience coding General and Orthopedic surgery with emphasis on spine and ...

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Orthopedic Coder information

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How much do orthopedic coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for orthopedic coder in the United States is $25.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are orthopedic coders?

Orthopedic coders are specialized medical coding professionals who assign standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments related to orthopedic care, such as surgeries, fractures, and joint replacements. They use coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS to ensure accurate billing and proper reimbursement for healthcare providers. Orthopedic coders must have a strong understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and common orthopedic procedures, as well as up-to-date knowledge of relevant coding guidelines. Their work helps reduce claim denials and supports compliance with regulations.

What Does an Orthopedic Coder Do?

Orthopedic coders have similar job duties as other medical coders, but they work specifically with orthopedic surgeons or other orthopedic specialists. As an orthopedic coder, you review physician recommendations for treatments to ensure they are accurate, match the correct billing code to all surgical and non-surgical procedures, and submit the documentation to the insurance company or other departments that require the information. You may also be responsible for ensuring that patient records are current and address any discrepancies you find. Many orthopedic coders start their careers in a general medical practice or facility before moving to a specialty office, such as orthopedics.

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

To thrive as an Orthopedic Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical coding systems (such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS), anatomy, and orthopedic procedures, typically supported by a coding certification like CPC, CCS, or specialty credentials. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), coding software, and medical billing systems is essential for efficiency and accuracy. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help coders interpret complex documentation and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure proper reimbursement, compliance with regulations, and accurate patient records, which are critical for healthcare operations.

What are some common challenges faced by orthopedic coders in ensuring accurate documentation and coding?

Orthopedic coders often face challenges such as interpreting complex operative reports, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and distinguishing between similar procedures or diagnoses. Accurately coding for procedures like joint replacements or fracture repairs requires careful attention to detail and close collaboration with orthopedic surgeons to clarify documentation. Maintaining compliance with payer requirements and preventing denials also adds to the complexity, making continuous education and strong communication skills essential for success in this role.
What cities are hiring for Orthopedic Coder jobs? Cities with the most Orthopedic Coder job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Orthopedic Coder jobs? The most popular types of Orthopedic Coder jobs are:
What states have the most Orthopedic Coder jobs? States with the most job openings for Orthopedic Coder jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Orthopedic Coder jobs? For Orthopedic Coder jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Orthopedic Coder job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Locum Tenens, 30% Full Time, 64% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,999 per year, or $25 per hour.
Inpatient Surgical Coder "Complex Spine coding - Must have Facility"

Inpatient Surgical Coder "Complex Spine coding - Must have Facility"

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

Phoenix, AZ • Remote

$21 - $25.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Reviews and abstracts clinical documentation from complex inpatient orthopedic and spine surgery records to assign accurate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, POA, and discharge disposition codes.

  • Provides real-time feedback and training for coding staff to improve coding quality and productivity.

  • Identifies coding trends, documentation gaps, and reimbursement risks and communicates findings to leadership.


Job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Reviews and abstracts clinical documentation from complex inpatient orthopedic and spine surgery records to assign accurate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, POA, and discharge disposition codes.
• Independently codes high-acuity inpatient orthopedic spine surgery cases including cervical, thoracic, and lumbar procedures, revisions, fusions, instrumentation, and neurological-related musculoskeletal procedures.
• Provides real-time feedback and training for coding staff to improve coding quality and productivity.
• Applies and validates accurate MS-DRG assignments while ensuring compliance with CMS, UHDDS, Official Coding Guidelines, and payer-specific requirements.
• Identifies coding trends, documentation gaps, and reimbursement risks and communicates findings to leadership.
• Maintains productivity and quality standards while managing high-volume and high-complexity inpatient workloads.
• Serves as a coding resource and mentor to less experienced coders and assists with onboarding and education initiatives.
• Participates in policy development, coding guideline interpretation, and implementation of regulatory updates.
• Acts as a liaison between coding staff, leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Supports coding audits, denials management, appeals, and quality improvement activities as assigned.

EDUCATION
• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Health Information Management or related field preferred.
• Must hold at least one of the following: RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CIC. CCS strongly preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 4+5+ years of IP facility/hospital coding experience required.
• Minimum of 4-5 years of recent/current experience coding complex inpatient surgical cases required.
• Extensive experience with inpatient coding (ICD-10-PCS and DRG assignment) required.
• Demonstrated expertise in orthopedic surgical coding across multiple subspecialties.
• Prior experience in auditing, mentoring, or leading coding teams strongly preferred.
• Experience with denial management, appeals, and payer audits preferred.

REQUIREMENTS
• Advanced to expert level knowledge of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, DRG, CPT and HCPCS coding systems.
• Advanced understanding of DRG and APC reimbursement methodologies, ortho anatomy and spine surgical techniques.
• Proven ability to interpret and apply complex coding guidelines and regulatory updates.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor and develop coding staff.
• Prominent level of accuracy, critical thinking, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with coding software, EMR systems, and reporting tools.

KNOWLEDGE
• In-depth knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Guidelines, UHDDS, CMS regulations, and payer-specific rules.
• Advanced understanding of orthopedic anatomy, surgical techniques, and musculoskeletal disease processes.
• Knowledge of compliance, audit methodologies, and revenue cycle impacts related to coding.
• Familiarity with quality programs, benchmarking, and performance improvement initiatives.

SKILLS

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills for complex inpatient case resolution.
• Effective communication skills when interacting with physicians, CDI, and interdisciplinary departments.
• Ability to provide coding education and informal guidance to coding staff.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.

ABILITIES

• Ability to lead coding staff in a collaborative and performance-driven environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, including coding, auditing, and team support.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and compliance standards.
• Ability to work independently while influencing team performance.