Inpatient Preauthorization Coder

Cigna; Abu Dhabi; On-site; AED 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cigna Group seeks an Inpatient Pre-Authorization Coder to review and assign ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and DRG codes for inpatient admissions in line with UAE DHA/HAAD/MOH rules and insurer policies.

Responsibilities include preauthorization review, collaboration with providers to fix documentation gaps, and maintaining audit-ready records while ensuring compliance and efficient utilization management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing or allied health; preferred.
• Mandatory CPC certification; CIC/CCS certifications are a plus.
• 3+ years inpatient coding experience, preferably in UAE-related settings.
• Strong knowledge of DRG-based reimbursement and UAE insurance policies.

Responsibilities

• Code inpatient encounters using ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and DRG proper to documentation.
• Review preauthorization requests against UAE payer policies and address documentation gaps.
• Ensure compliance with DHA/HAAD/MOH regulations and maintain audit-ready records.
• Communicate with hospitals, physicians, and insurers to resolve coding or authorization issues.

Skills

Inpatient coding

DRG-based reimbursement

UAE payer policies

Medical record interpretation

Shift flexibility

Education

Bachelor’s degree in nursing or Allied Health

CPC

CIC

CCS

Job description

Job description

Statements in this Job Description are intended to reflect, in general, the duties and responsibilities of the position, but they

are not to be interpreted as totally inclusive. NAS Neuron Heath Services LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Internal Information - Do Not Distribute

JOB DESCRIPTION

POSITION: Inpatient Pre-authorization Coder

REPORTING TO: Manager – IP Authorization

DEPARTMENT: Operations – InPatient Authorization

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Inpatient Preauthorization Coder is responsible for reviewing and accurately assigning ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and DRG codes for inpatient admissions in compliance with UAE health authority regulations (DHA, HAAD, MOH) and insurance payer policies. This role ensures medical necessity for hospitalizations, facilitates timely preauthorization decisions, and minimizes claim denials for the Third-Party Administrator (TPA).

2. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. Coding & Clinical Review

• Assign and validate *ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and DRG codes* for inpatient admissions based on medical records.
• Strong knowledge of CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes.
• Ensure coding aligns with DHA/HAAD/MOH coding standards and supports medical necessity.

2. Preauthorization & Utilization Management

• Review inpatient preauthorization requests against UAE payer policies.
• Collaborate with providers to clarify documentation gaps affecting authorization and coding.
• Identify potential utilization trends and areas of fraud waste and abuse.

3. Compliance & Regulatory Adherence

• Ensure compliance with UAE health insurance laws DHA/HAAD/MOH regulations.
• Maintain audit-ready records.
• Stay updated on UAE coding updates, insurance circulars, and mandatory reporting requirements.

4. Communication & Stakeholder Coordination

• Liaise with hospitals, physicians, and insurance companies to resolve coding or authorization disputes.
• Provide feedback to providers on common coding errors leading to rejections

Statements in this Job Description are intended to reflect, in general, the duties and responsibilities of the position, but they

are not to be interpreted as totally inclusive. NAS Neuron Heath Services LLC is an equal opportunity employer.

Internal Information - Do Not Distribute

3. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in nursing, Allied Health Sciences or a related field (preferred).
• Certifications: Mandatory CPC- Certified Professional Coder, having CIC -Certified Inpatient Coder, CCS -Certified Coding Specialist is an advantage.
• Experience: 3+ years of inpatient coding experience, preferably in a UAE hospital, insurance company, or TPA.
• Familiarity with UAE insurance preauthorization workflows.
• Skills: Strong knowledge of DRG-based reimbursement and UAE insurance policies.
• Ability to interpret medical records.
• High accuracy in coding (target: ≥95% audit compliance).
• Willingness to work in shifts.

4. COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

The job holder interacts with all Departments within NNHS and other service providers. He/ She must ensure seamless communication between all departments for the smooth operations and to achieve the organizational objective. He/ She must be able to foster strong internal & external communication standards.

5. OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

He/she works in an air-conditioned environment and spends most of the day at desk. The Jobholder’s working hours are flexible as per weekly schedule within the boundaries of the UAE labor law. The job holder is not exposed to any obvious hazards.

Disclaimer:

I hereby confirm that I have read the general outline of duties and responsibilities expected of me and I hereby confirm readiness and acceptance.

Signature:

_________________

Name of Employee Date:

About The Cigna Group

Doing something meaningful starts with a simple decision, a commitment to changing lives. At The Cigna Group, we’re dedicated to improving the health and vitality of those we serve. Through our divisions Cigna Healthcare and Evernorth Health Services, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our clients, customers and patients. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: [e-mail] for support. Do not email [e-mail] for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.