What is a temporary pay per chart medical coder?

A Temporary Pay Per Chart Medical Coder is a healthcare professional hired on a short-term basis to review and assign standardized codes to medical records, with payment based on the number of charts completed rather than an hourly or salaried wage. This role is common during periods of high workload or backlogs in medical facilities. The coder must accurately translate clinical documentation into standardized codes used for billing, insurance, and record-keeping. Temporary coders often work remotely or on-site and must be knowledgeable in medical terminology, coding systems (such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS), and compliance regulations.