Healthcare

Medical Coder Job Description Template (Free, 2026)

Copy-ready medical coder job description covering ICD-10, CPT coding, and CPC certification requirements. Customize for your specialty and post in minutes.

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Job Title: Medical Coder – [Specialty, e.g., Outpatient / Inpatient DRG / Professional Fee / HCC Risk Adjustment] Department: Health Information Management / Revenue Cycle Location: [City, State] / Remote Reports To: Coding Manager / Director of HIM / Revenue Cycle Director Employment Type: Full-Time / Part-Time / Contract About [Company Name] [Company Name] is a [hospital system / physician group / billing company / health plan] serving [patient population or region]. Our Revenue Cycle and Health Information Management teams are committed to coding accuracy, compliance, and optimal reimbursement. We process [X] charts per month across [X] specialties. About the Role We are seeking a detail-oriented, certified Medical Coder to assign accurate diagnostic and procedural codes to clinical documentation. You will translate provider notes, operative reports, and clinical records into ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS codes in compliance with official coding guidelines, payer requirements, and CMS regulations. Coding accuracy and productivity targets are 95%+ and [X] charts per day respectively. Key Responsibilities • Review and abstract clinical documentation to assign accurate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes • Assign DRG, APC, or other reimbursement classifications as applicable to the care setting • Ensure code assignments comply with official coding guidelines (AHA Coding Clinic, CPT Assistant), payer policies, and CMS regulations • Query physicians and providers for documentation clarification in accordance with compliant query practices • Meet established productivity standards (charts per day) and accuracy rate targets (95%+) • Perform concurrent or retrospective coding within defined turnaround time requirements • Collaborate with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) specialists on query resolution and documentation quality • Research complex coding scenarios, new code changes, and payer-specific billing requirements • Participate in internal coding audits and implement feedback to maintain compliance • Stay current with annual ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS code updates and coding guideline changes Required Qualifications • CPC (AAPC) or CCS (AHIMA) certification in good standing; CPC-A candidates considered with demonstrated competency • Minimum [X] years of coding experience in [inpatient / outpatient / professional fee / risk adjustment – specify] • Proficiency with ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS (if inpatient), CPT, and HCPCS Level II code sets • Experience with [Epic / Cerner / 3M / Optum encoder – specify] EHR and/or encoder software • Working knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid billing rules, NCCI edits, and LCD/NCD policies • Strong attention to detail and commitment to coding accuracy and compliance Nice to Have • Specialty-specific credential: COC, CPC-H, CRC (HCC), CPMA, CANPC, or relevant specialty certification • Experience with [cardiology / orthopedics / oncology / E&M / anesthesia – specify] coding • Familiarity with CDI workflows and physician query processes • Remote home office setup meeting HIPAA security requirements What We Offer • Salary: $45,000 – $75,000/year based on experience and certification (2026 benchmark) • Medical, dental, and vision insurance • 401(k) with employer match • Generous PTO and paid holidays • Annual CEU reimbursement for credential maintenance (AAPC/AHIMA membership + CEUs) • Remote or hybrid work arrangements • Advancement pathways into coding auditing, CDI, or compliance roles Salary Range: $45,000 – $75,000/year (US, 2026 benchmark) [Company Name] is an equal opportunity employer committed to accuracy, compliance, and a culture of coding excellence.

How to customize this medical coder job description

1. Define the coding specialty precisely

Inpatient DRG coding, outpatient facility, professional fee, risk adjustment (HCC), and specialty-specific coding each require different skills. A vague "medical coder" title generates mismatched applications. Specify the care setting, code sets used daily, and any specialty (cardiology, orthopedics, oncology) so candidates self-screen effectively before applying.

2. State productivity and accuracy expectations upfront

Experienced coders evaluate productivity standards (charts per day) and accuracy rate targets (typically 95%+) when comparing offers. Listing these expectations in the JD saves time in interviews and ensures candidates understand the performance culture before accepting. Avoid vague language like "meets productivity standards" — give the actual numbers.

3. Clarify remote work eligibility

Medical coding is one of the most remote-friendly healthcare roles, and most experienced coders expect remote options. If your position is fully remote, lead with that — it is a powerful differentiator. If on-site or hybrid, explain the reason clearly. Ambiguity about remote eligibility is a leading cause of drop-off during the application process for coding roles.

4. Highlight continuing education support

AAPC and AHIMA credentialed coders must earn CEUs annually to maintain their credentials. Mentioning CEU reimbursement, membership dues coverage, and support for additional specialty certifications signals that you invest in your coding staff. This is a low-cost differentiator that matters significantly to certified coders comparing similar offers.

Medical coder salary range in 2026 (US)

Base salary benchmarks for medical coders by experience level. Remote coders and HCC risk adjustment specialists often command a 10–15% premium.

LevelExperienceBase Salary RangeTypical Credentials
Entry-Level Coder0–1 year$38,000 – $48,000CPC-A, coding diploma or associate degree
Mid-Level Coder2–5 years$48,000 – $62,000CPC, CCS, or COC active credential
Senior Coder6+ years$62,000 – $75,000CPC + specialty cert (COC, CRC, CPMA)
HCC / Risk Adjustment Coder3+ years HCC$60,000 – $75,000+CRC credential, Medicare Advantage experience

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1. Paste your JD

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2. Set screening filters

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Frequently asked questions

What should a medical coder job description include? +

A medical coder job description should include the coding specialty (inpatient, outpatient, professional fee, risk adjustment), required code sets (ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, HCPCS), EHR and encoder software used, productivity benchmarks and accuracy rate expectations, required certifications (CPC, CCS, COC), remote or on-site work arrangement, payer experience (Medicare, Medicaid, commercial), and any specialty-specific coding experience. Audit and compliance responsibilities, query processes, and CDI collaboration should also be addressed.

What is the average medical coder salary in 2026? +

Medical coder salaries in the US in 2026 range from $38,000 for entry-level coders to $75,000+ for experienced certified coders with specialty credentials. Entry-level coders (CPC-A, 0–1 year) earn $38,000–$48,000. Mid-level coders (2–5 years, CPC/CCS) earn $48,000–$62,000. Senior coders with specialty certifications and 6+ years earn $62,000–$75,000. HCC risk adjustment coders and inpatient DRG coders typically earn 10–15% above outpatient coders.

How do I write a medical coder JD that attracts top candidates? +

The most effective medical coder job descriptions are specific about coding specialty, code sets, software, and productivity expectations. Certified coders are in high demand and receive multiple offers, so highlight remote work options, flexible scheduling, CEU reimbursement, and advancement pathways. List productivity standards honestly — experienced coders will ask about these in interviews anyway. Mention your audit process and quality metrics program, as top coders want environments that value accuracy and coding excellence over pure volume.

Can I use this template in my ATS? +

Yes. Paste this template into Treegarden or your existing ATS, customize the specialty and certification requirements, and publish to healthcare job boards, LinkedIn, and Indeed. Treegarden supports credential-based screening questions that filter for CPC, CCS, or other required certifications automatically, reducing unqualified applications significantly. Plans start at $299/month for unlimited users.

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