1

Sds Medical Coder Jobs in Columbus, GA (NOW HIRING)

Sds Medical Coder information

See Columbus, GA salary details

$14

$20

$30

How much do sds medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for sds medical coder in Columbus, GA is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.15 and $21.54 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an SDS Medical Coder?

SDS Medical Coders, also known as Same Day Surgery Medical Coders, are healthcare professionals who specialize in assigning standardized medical codes to procedures and diagnoses for patients who undergo same-day surgical procedures. These coders review clinical documents, extract relevant information, and ensure accurate coding for billing and insurance purposes. Their work helps healthcare facilities receive appropriate reimbursement and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. They must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, surgical procedures, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS. Certification and experience in outpatient or ambulatory surgery coding are often required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an SDS Medical Coder?

To thrive as an SDS Medical Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems (such as ICD-10-CM and CPT), and typically a certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with coding software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and encoder tools is commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for ensuring accuracy and resolving discrepancies. These skills ensure proper reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and support the overall efficiency of healthcare operations.

What are some common challenges faced by SDS Medical Coders, and how can they overcome them?

SDS Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex surgical procedures and ensuring accurate code assignment in a fast-paced outpatient setting. Staying up-to-date with frequent changes in coding guidelines and payer requirements can also be demanding. To overcome these challenges, coders should regularly participate in continuing education, utilize coding resources and tools, and collaborate with clinical staff for clarification when needed. Strong attention to detail and effective communication are key to success in this role.

What is the difference between Sds Medical Coder vs Medical Biller?

AspectSds Medical CoderMedical Biller
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), CCSCertified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), CPC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician officesBilling companies, healthcare providers, hospitals
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresSubmitting claims, follow-up on payments

While both Sds Medical Coders and Medical Billers work in healthcare revenue cycle management, Sds Medical Coders focus on accurately coding diagnoses and procedures, whereas Medical Billers handle the billing process and insurance claims. Both roles often collaborate but serve distinct functions within healthcare organizations.

What cities near Columbus, GA are hiring for Sds Medical Coder jobs?

Cities near Columbus, GA with the most Sds Medical Coder job openings:

Infographic showing various Sds Medical Coder job openings in Columbus, GA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Part Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,747 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Per diem

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Shift: 7a-7p
Days: Varies
Position Goal
To ensure that quality diagnostic services are provided to the patient population for health maintenance and/or improvement. Cooperate and coordinate activities with the laboratory staff, medical staff, other health care professionals, clinical affiliations, administration and other disciplines as necessary for the provision of quality patient care.
Position Responsibilities
  • Answer phones and greet patients appropriately, treating them in a courteous manner.
  • Collect and label specimens accurately and in a timely manner while ensuring proper entry into the LIS system.
  • Confirm handwritten orders with patients, verify tests ordered, and obtain accurate billing information and diagnosis codes.
  • Accurately enter patient and test information into computer. Generate requisitions by entering tests ordered by provider and ensure proper collection criteria before collecting samples.
  • Prepare samples for analysis by technologists/technicians. Place samples in centrifuge when appropriate. Communicate to technologists/technicians of specimens obtained for STATs and/or special handling.
  • Process reference lab samples and enter data correctly in reference lab computer. Follow specimen collection and handling instructions.
  • Ensure results are printed are accurately and distributed to providers and/or departments.
  • Notify supervisor of any discrepancy in specimen collection process.
  • Maintain required records, logs and documentation.
  • Adhere to and comply with departmental policies, protocols and procedures (i.e. Procedure Manuals, Safety manual, Compliance Manual, etc).
  • Assist in research/testing client information and package specimens properly for reference lab send-outs.
  • Maintain required certifications; inform Lab Director and Human Resources of any changes or updates to certification status.
  • Handle clerical tasks such as filing, faxing, data entry, and patient record scanning.
  • Communicate all unresolved problems to appropriate supervisor or technologist on duty.
  • Maintain a clean work area, and dispose of biohazard material properly.
  • Assist with inventory management and restock supplies as necessary.
  • Participate on teams and special projects when asked.
  • Monitor pending log periodically and at the end of the shift to ensure all specimens have been collected, reporting to the technologist on duty for any specimen problems or delays.
  • Participate in all applicable safety training sessions to include but not limited to fire drills, emergency preparedness drills, disaster drill. Know the locations and contents of safety manuals, SDS manuals, Emergency Disaster Kardex.
  • Train new staff members and students.
  • Perform designated lab testing (waived) under the supervision of the technician on duty.

Experience: 1 year phlebotomy experience within a hospital preferred.
Education: High School diploma or equivalent required, Completion of Phlebotomy Training Program preferred. Medical Assistant programs that incorporate Phlebotomy training may be substituted for Phlebotomy school training.
Special Qualifications:
Required:
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
  • Must be able to work in an independent manner with little or no supervision.

Preferred:
  • ASCP or ASPT phlebotomy certification
  • Medical training and/or Medical terminology.
  • Experience working with children and infant patients.

The Hughston Clinic, The Hughston Foundation, The Hughston Surgical Center, Hughston Clinic Orthopaedics, Hughston Medical, Hughston Orthopaedics Trauma, Hughston Orthopaedics Southeast and Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital participate in E-Verify. This company is an equal opportunity employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status.