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Surgery Coder Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Trauma Surgical Profee Coder Job Summary and Qualifications As a Profee Coder, you will be responsible for reviewing and coding clinical notes and operative reports for a minimum of one specialty.

Experience coding Same Day Surgery (SDS), Observation (OBS), Emergency Department (ED), and other hospital outpatient encounters. * Experience with Epic and hospital-based electronic medical record ...

Coder

Nashville, TN · Remote

$20.96 - $26.20/hr

Accurately assigns diagnostic and CPT procedure codes for patient charges including but not limited to inpatient and outpatient surgical services and medical services. Maintains coding and compliance ...

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Surgery Coder information

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$15

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How much do surgery coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgery coder in Tennessee is $17.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $18.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a surgery coder?

To become a surgery coder, you typically need to complete a coding training program or obtain a certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT is essential, along with attention to detail and familiarity with coding software. Many employers also prefer candidates with healthcare experience or related education.

What is the difference between Surgery Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectSurgery CoderMedical Coder
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC certification, specialized in surgical codingAHIMA or AAPC certification, broader in scope
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical clinics, outpatient surgery centersHospitals, physician offices, clinics across specialties
Industry UsagePrimarily in surgical and hospital settingsAcross multiple healthcare settings and specialties

While both Surgery Coder and Medical Coder require coding certifications, Surgery Coders specialize in surgical procedures and work mainly in hospitals and surgical centers. Medical Coders have a broader scope, covering various medical specialties. Surgery Coders focus on surgical documentation, whereas Medical Coders handle diverse medical records. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a surgery coder?

To excel as a Surgery Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, surgical procedures, and strong knowledge of CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS coding systems, often validated by a CPC or CCS-P certification. Familiarity with coding software, electronic health records (EHR), and billing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with healthcare teams. These competencies are essential for maximizing reimbursement, maintaining compliance, and supporting efficient healthcare operations.

What are common challenges faced by surgery coders when assigning procedure codes?

Surgery Coders often encounter challenges such as deciphering complex operative reports, ensuring accurate code selection for multiple concurrent procedures, and staying updated with frequent changes in coding guidelines. They must work closely with surgeons and clinical staff to clarify ambiguous documentation and prevent coding errors that could lead to claim denials or compliance issues. Attention to detail and ongoing education are crucial for navigating these challenges and maintaining coding accuracy.

How much does a surgery coder make?

Surgery coders typically earn between $45,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and location. Certified coders with specialized skills or working in high-demand areas can earn higher salaries, and many work in healthcare settings with regular schedules and access to coding tools like CPT and ICD-10 manuals.

What is a surgery coder?

Surgery Coders are specialized medical coding professionals who assign standardized codes to surgical procedures and services documented in patient records. They use classification systems such as CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS to ensure accurate billing and compliance with healthcare regulations. Surgery Coders work closely with surgeons, billing teams, and insurance companies to verify coding accuracy, maximize reimbursement, and minimize claim denials. Their expertise helps healthcare facilities maintain proper documentation and meet legal and financial requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Surgery Coder jobs in Tennessee? For Surgery Coder jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Infographic showing various Surgery Coder job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 23% Locum Tenens, 65% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 65% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,257 per year, or $17.9 per hour.

$19.25 - $26.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago


Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

***Work at Home***

Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance is the largest orthopaedic surgery group in Tennessee. TOA concentrates on the diagnosis and treatment of disorders and injuries of the musculoskeletal system which allow our patients to live their best life. Ninety plus years later we are advancing the practice of orthopaedic surgery throughout the state.

There are a number of reasons why TOA is an employer of choice; here are a few of them:

  • Stability - TOA has been in Middle Tennessee since 1926 and has expanded to over 20+ locations across the state!
  • Impact - TOA's team members use our careers — whether in our clinics or our business office to make a positive difference in the community by building relationships and helping patients live their best life.
  • Work Environment - The TOA team focuses on fostering an excellent working environment; one of positivity, collaboration, job satisfaction, and engagement.
  • Total Rewards - TOA offers a comprehensive suite of benefits, including Medical, Dental, Paid Time Off, and more. Our 401(k) plan provides a company match, safe harbor match and profit-sharing match to go along with your contributions.

Responsibilities

  • The Certified Coder assists in the delivery of primary health care and patient care management, ensuring that charges are coded and consistent with documentation and applicable coding policies.
  • Review and abstract patient medical records to assign diagnoses, treatments, and surgical procedures for professional services
  • Ensure all services documented in the patient's medical record are coded with appropriate diagnoses and procedure codes
  • Utilize query process when services are not documented appropriately
  • Enter codes into practice management system and rectifies errors in the preprocessor and post-processor editing systems
  • Provide education to providers regarding results of periodic audits while maintaining exceptionally high degree of professionalism
  • Maintain a working knowledge, and stay abreast of, CPT-4, ICD-10, HCPCS coding principles, modifier usage, medical terminology, governmental regulations, protocols and third party payer requirements pertaining to billing, coding and documentation
  • Maintain a daily average set by supervisor/ management.

Requirements

  • Must reside and work in the Middle TN, Knoxville, or Columbia area.
  • Must have a minimum of 1 year surgical coding work experience.
  • Must be CPC or CCS-P certified
  • Have a good working knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy

TOA is an equal opportunity employer. TOA conducts drug screens and background checks on applicants who accept employment offers.


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