Coding Specialist

Talentify; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Subsidized health plans

Vision and dental plans

Paid sick leave

Retirement plan with match

Job summary

Aquent Talent is partnering with a leading healthcare organization to fill a temporary Medical Coder role focused on inpatient coding (ICD-10-CM/PCS) and DRG determination. You will ensure accurate reimbursement by selecting MS-DRGs/APR-DRGs and applying POA indicators, while maintaining compliant documentation.

The position requires a strong foundation in medical terminology, coding ethics, and the ability to collaborate with clinical staff to resolve documentation gaps.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Successful completion of a Coder Proficiency Exam (pre-hire).
• Certifications: RHIA, RHIT or CCS.
• Expertise in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding conventions for inpatient records.
• Knowledge of MS-DRGs and APR-DRGs.
• Commitment to coding ethics and professional standards.
• Experience with health information systems and coding/auditing software.
• Familiarity with regulatory coding requirements.
• Ability to review, analyze and abstract complex medical documentation.
• Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication; ability to collaborate.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
• Accuracy and productivity in coding and abstraction.

Responsibilities

• Review medical records and assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes for inpatient services.
• Determine MS-DRG/APR-DRG payment groupings for accurate reimbursement.
• Verify discharge disposition, admission sources, and POA indicators.
• Ensure codes reflect documented reasons for the visit and care provided.
• Abstract required data elements per facility specs and comply with regulations.
• Collaborate with clinical documentation specialists to clarify documentation.
• Monitor accounts for timely, compliant revenue-cycle processing.
• Meet and exceed quality and productivity standards for coding.
• Stay current with regulatory requirements and coding initiatives.
• Use standard coding/auditing tools with accuracy and efficiency.
• Participate in meetings and annual learning programs for growth.

Skills

ICD-10-CM/PCS coding

MS-DRGs/APR-DRGs knowledge

Coding ethics & standards

Regulatory compliance

Attention to detail

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Independent work

Time management

Adaptability

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Coder Proficiency Exam

RHIA/RHIT/CCS certification

Tools

Health information systems

Coding/auditing software

Job description

Placement Type:

Temporary

Salary:

$38.29-41.07 Hourly

Start Date:

Aug 3, 2026

Aquent is proud to partner with a leading healthcare organization that stands at the forefront of medical innovation, dedicated to advancing patient care and delivering exceptional health services. This organization is driven by a profound commitment to quality, integrity, and community well-being. Joining this team means your expertise will directly contribute to the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare operations, ensuring every patient's journey is meticulously documented and appropriately supported.

Step into a pivotal role where your expertise will directly shape the financial health and operational excellence of a leading healthcare organization. As a vital member of the team, you will be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of medical coding, ensuring precision in patient data and supporting critical decision-making. Your work will have a tangible impact, contributing to accurate reimbursement and the seamless flow of essential healthcare services. If you're passionate about precision, compliance, and making a difference in patient care, this is your opportunity to thrive and contribute to a mission-driven environment.

What You Will Do

• Review medical record documentation and accurately assign appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes (ICD-10-CM/PCS) for inpatient services.
• Determine the correct payment groups, such as Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) or All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group (APR-DRG), ensuring accurate reimbursement.
• Verify patient discharge disposition, assign correct sources of admission, and apply appropriate present on admission (POA) indicators for regulatory reporting.
• Ensure all assigned codes accurately reflect the documented reason for the visit and support the care provided.
• Abstract required data elements per facility specifications and maintain compliance with federal, state, and third‑party regulations, as well as professional coding guidelines and ethics.
• Collaborate effectively with clinical documentation specialists and medical staff to clarify documentation, obtain missing information, and ensure comprehensive medical records.
• Monitor accounts for timely and compliant processing through the revenue cycle, contributing to the organization's financial integrity.
• Consistently meet and exceed established quality and productivity standards for coding and abstracting.
• Stay abreast of current requirements from relevant regulatory bodies, coding compliance initiatives, quality indicators, and patient safety indicators to ensure clean claims and optimal reimbursement.
• Utilize industry-standard coding and auditing tools and reference materials with high competency and accuracy.
• Participate in required meetings and educational sessions, completing annual learning programs to ensure continuous professional growth and maintain expertise.

Must-Have Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Successful completion of a Coder Proficiency Exam (pre-hire).
• Certifications: One of the following: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS).
• Expertise in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding conventions for inpatient medical records.
• In-depth knowledge of diagnosis/procedure grouping schemes, including MS-DRGs and APR-DRGs.
• Strong understanding of professional coding ethics and standards, and the ability to apply professional data set standards.
• Familiarity with health information systems and industry-standard coding and auditing software.
• Knowledge of regulatory body requirements and coding compliance issues.
• Demonstrated ability to review, analyze, and abstract complex information from medical documentation.
• Exceptional critical thinking, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, fostering effective working relationships and building consensus with individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Commitment to maintaining accuracy and productivity standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.

About Aquent Talent

Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands. Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.

Aquent is an equal‑opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.