Senior Medical Coder

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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

The Senior Medical Coder is responsible for the accurate assignment of ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes based on provider documentation, in accordance with official coding guidelines, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies. This role supports compliance, data integrity, and optimal reimbursement while serving as a subject matter expert for coding practices.

Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm EST

Location: Remote Nationwide

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

Primary Responsibilities: 

• Review and interpret patient medical records, including provider documentation, diagnostic results, and operative reports, to assign accurate and compliant diagnosis and procedure codes
• Apply ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding conventions and official guidelines (AAPC, AHIMA, CMS, and payer-specific policies)
• Ensure coding accuracy, completeness, and compliance with federal, state, and payer regulations, including Medicare and commercial payer requirements
• Validate that documentation supports code selection and identify inconsistencies, errors, or missing elements requiring clarification
• Initiate and track provider queries in accordance with compliant query practices to resolve documentation deficiencies
• Support revenue cycle operations by ensuring appropriate code assignments to facilitate accurate billing and reimbursement
• Perform retrospective and prospective coding audits and participate in quality assurance and performance improvement initiatives
• Analyze coding trends, denial patterns, and audit findings to identify opportunities for education and process improvement
• Maintain current knowledge of coding updates, regulatory changes, payer policies, and industry standards
• Maintain strict adherence to HIPAA and organizational policies for patient confidentiality and data security
• Performs other duties as assigned

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group?  Put it all together – competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
• Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

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: 

• High School Diploma/GED
• Certified medical coder through AHIMA or AAPC
• 5+ years of professional medical coding experience; multi-specialty professional practice experience preferred
• 1+ years of experience in ICD 10 coding / HCC
• 1+ years of knowledge of medical terminology, disease process and anatomy and physiology
• Ability to work between the hours of 8:00 am to 5:00pm EST
• Access to a designated quiet workspace in your home (separated from non-workspace areas) and the ability to secure Protected Health Information (PHI) 
• Live in a location that can receive a UnitedHealth Group approved high-speed internet connection or leverage an existing high-speed internet service

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Coding CPT and CPT II codes
• EPIC experience
• Working knowledge of reimbursement methodologies, including fee-for-service, Medicare, and commercial payer structures
• Demonstrated understanding of compliance standards, including CMS guidelines and OIG expectations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint

Soft Skills:

• Ability to work independently and maintain good judgment and accountability 
• Demonstrated ability to work well with health care providers 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize tasks to meet all deadlines 
• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast-paced environment 
• Ability to collaborate with your work team
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to speak clearly and concisely, conveying information in a manner that others can understand, as well as ability to understand and interpret information from others     

*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 hourly pay for this role will range from $24 - $43 per hour 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.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

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

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