Emergency Department Coder

Cognizant; Salem (OR); Remote; USD 63,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking an Emergency Department Coder to ensure accurate medical coding across outpatient surgery, observation, ED, and diagnostic encounters. You will query physicians for clarifications and use encoder tools to code per regulations.

You will perform peer audits, deliver coding audit reports, and maintain a 98% accuracy rate while meeting productivity targets in a remote work setting.

Qualifications

• Must hold CPC or CCS (or equivalent) certification.
• Experience coding and auditing outpatient, observation, ED, and outpatient encounters.
• Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Experience using electronic encoder applications and healthcare coding systems.
• Ability to interpret complex clinical documentation and communicate with physicians regarding coding queries.
• Proven ability to meet productivity goals while maintaining 98% accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Review clinical documentation and accurately assign diagnosis and procedure codes for outpatient surgery, observation, ED, and outpatient diagnostic encounters.
• Communicate with physicians and clinical staff to obtain clarification on diagnoses and procedures through the coding query process.
• Utilize encoder applications to assign accurate codes in accordance with policies and regulatory guidelines.
• Perform peer reviews and quality audits of coding professionals to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare and deliver coding audit reports, findings, and recommendations to leadership.
• Maintain a minimum coding accuracy rate of 98% while meeting productivity standards.

Skills

CPC Certification

CCS Certification

Outpatient Coding

Coding Audits

ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS

Query Communication

Tools

Encoder Apps

Coding Systems

Job description

About the role

As a Emergency Deparment Coder, you will make an impact by ensuring the accuracy, quality, and compliance of medical coding practices across multiple healthcare settings. You will be a valued member of the Health Information Management team and work collaboratively with coding professionals, physicians, and operational stakeholders to support regulatory compliance and revenue cycle excellence.

In this role, you will:

Review clinical documentation and accurately assign diagnosis and procedure codes for outpatient surgery, observation, emergency department, and outpatient diagnostic encounters.

Communicate with physicians and clinical staff to obtain clarification on diagnoses and procedures through the coding query process.

Utilize electronic encoder applications and coding tools to assign accurate codes in accordance with company policies and regulatory guidelines.

Perform peer reviews and quality audits of coding professionals to ensure coding accuracy, consistency, and compliance.

Prepare and deliver coding audit reports, findings, and recommendations as requested by leadership.

Maintain a minimum coding accuracy rate of 98% while meeting established productivity and performance standards.

Work model

Remote

At Cognizant, we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible, and we are here to support a healthy work-life balance through our various wellbeing programs.

This role is fully remote, allowing associates to work from their home office while collaborating with cross-functional teams, healthcare providers, and stakeholders in a virtual environment. Candidates must have reliable internet connectivity and a dedicated workspace that supports productivity and confidentiality requirements.

The working arrangements for this role are accurate as of the date of posting. This may change based on business, project, or client requirements. Rest assured, we will always be clear about role expectations.

What you need to have to be considered

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), or equivalent coding certification.
• Experience coding and auditing outpatient, observation, emergency department, and outpatient diagnostic encounters.
• Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
• Experience using electronic encoder applications and healthcare coding systems.
• Ability to interpret complex clinical documentation and communicate effectively with physicians regarding coding queries.
• Proven ability to meet productivity goals while maintaining a minimum accuracy rate of 98%.

These will help you stand out

• Experience performing coding quality audits and peer reviews.
• Knowledge of revenue cycle management and healthcare reimbursement methodologies.
• Familiarity with compliance standards, payer regulations, and industry best practices.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in a fast-paced healthcare or Health Information Management environment.

Salary and Other Compensation:

Applications will be accepted until October 25, 2026.

The annual salary for this position is between $63,000-$71,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

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.

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.