Medical Inpatient Coder

Inpatient Hospital Medical Coder

An inpatient hospital medical coder is a healthcare professional responsible for reviewing and analyzing patient medical records from hospital stays and assigning standardized codes for diagnoses and procedures. These codes are primarily based on ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Diseases) and PCS (Procedure Coding System) standards.

Responsibilities:

• Review clinical documentation to assign accurate ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes.
• Communicate with physicians to clarify diagnoses and procedures through the query process.
• Utilize electronic encoder applications to assign codes in compliance with practice policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Maintain a minimum accuracy rate of 98% while meeting internal productivity standards.
• Achieve productivity expectations: Inpatient 1624 encounters per day or 23 encounters per hour.
• Complete reports and perform additional duties as requested by management from the hospital side of forms (not physician's office).

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum 3 years in hospital-based inpatient coding.
• Current coding credential: CCS RHIT or RHIA (AHIMA)
• Experience with MS-DRG and APR-DRG
• Experience with Level 1 Trauma Coding and academic/university-level cases hospital.
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and payer regulations.
• Ability to interpret medical records, reports, and chart entries accurately.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong judgment and decision-making skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to manage workload and multiple projects effectively.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with EPIC and 3M Encoder systems.

Preferred Skills:

• Prior experience in high-volume coding environments.

Salary and Other Compensation: The hourly rate for this position is between $30.00 35.00 per hour, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. Applications will be accepted until February 20, 2026. This position is also eligible for Cognizant's discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant's applicable plans.

Benefits: Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance
• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off
• 401(k) plan and contributions
• Long-term/Short-term Disability
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Disclaimer: The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.