Medical Coder - Inpatient (DRG Reviewer)

May 23, 2026

Company Overview Acentra Health exists to empower better health outcomes through technology, services, and clinical expertise. Our mission is to innovate health solutions that deliver maximum value and impact. Lead the Way is our rallying cry at Acentra Health. Think of it as an open invitation to embrace the mission of the company; to actively engage in problem-solving; and to take ownership of your work every day. Acentra Health offers you unparalleled opportunities. In fact, you have all you need to take charge of your career and accelerate better outcomes – making this a great time to join our team of passionate individuals dedicated to being a vital partner for health solutions in the public sector. Job Summary and Responsibilities Acentra Health is looking for a Medical Coder-Inpatient to join our growing team. Job Summary: The Medical Coder is responsible for reviewing inpatient medical record documentation to ensure the accuracy, completeness, and clinical validity of reported diagnoses and procedures. This role evaluates coding accuracy, DRG assignment, reimbursement impact, and regulatory compliance in accordance with official coding guidelines, CMS regulations, payer policies, and organizational standards. The reviewer retrieves, analyzes, and documents medical record information to support appropriate reimbursement, documentation integrity, and audit outcomes for hospital inpatient services. Responsibilities:<div><div><ul><li>Review medical record documentation and accurately code the primary/secondary diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM and CPT-4 coding conventions.</li><li>Review inpatient medical records to validate the accuracy and appropriateness of reported primary and secondary diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM/PCS guidelines.</li><li>Evaluate diagnosis and procedure sequencing to ensure compliance with official coding guidelines and payer requirements.</li><li>Review and validate MS-DRG assignment based on documented clinical conditions, procedures, and applicable coding rules.</li><li>Assess clinical documentation support for reported diagnoses, particularly those with reimbursement, quality, or compliance impact.</li><li>Conduct clinical validation reviews to determine whether diagnoses are supported by clinical indicators within the medical record.</li><li>Apply CMS regulations, including medical necessity criteria and the Two-Midnight Rule, when evaluating admission status and level of care.</li><li>Identify, document, and clearly communicate audit findings, including: <ul><li>Coding discrepancies</li><li>Clinical validation concerns</li><li>DRG or reimbursement risk</li><li>Admission status issues</li></ul></li><li>Abstract and compile audit data to support accurate reimbursement and compliance reporting.</li><li>Utilize coding software, encoder/grouper tools, and electronic medical record systems to complete reviews efficiently and accurately.</li><li>Meet productivity, quality, and contract deliverable standards in a production-driven environment.</li><li>Maintain compliance with all corporate policies, including HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules.</li><li>Serve as backup support for other administrative or audit-related functions as needed.</li><li>Read, understand, and adhere to all corporate policies including policies related to HIPAA and its Privacy and Security Rules.</li></ul></div></div><div><div>The list of accountabilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other education- and experience-related duties that management may deem necessary from time to time.</div></div> Qualifications Required Qualifications<ul><li>High school diploma or GED.</li><li>Minimum of 2 years of progressive hands-on experience in acute care inpatient coding, clinical documentation improvement (CDI), medical scribing, DRG auditing/review, or related healthcare documentation experience</li><li>Active possession of one or more of the following certification(s)<ul><li>CCS or CCA or CDIP (AHIMA) | Please Note: CCS-P is not accepted for this position</li><li>CPMA, CRC, CIC or CDEI (AAPC)</li><li>CCDS (ACDIS)</li></ul></li><li>Demonstrated proficiency in ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS</li><li>Strong working knowledge of: Inpatient coding guidelines, DRG reimbursement methodology and CMS and payer regulations</li><li>Proven ability to independently review inpatient medical records and validate: Diagnoses, Procedures, as well as MS-DRG assignment</li><li>Experience reviewing inpatient medical records</li><li>Familiarity with electronic health records, encoder/grouper tools, and coding software</li><li>Strong analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail</li><li>Effective written and verbal communication skills</li><li>Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)</li><li>Ability to meet deadlines with accuracy in a fast-paced, production-focused environment</li><li>Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.</li></ul>Preferred Qualifications<ul><li>Advanced experience and knowledge of clinical validation audits, admission status, medical necessity reviews and payer-specific audit processes </li></ul>Why us? We are a team of experienced and caring leaders, clinicians, pioneering technologists, and industry professionals who come together to redefine expectations for the healthcare industry. State and federal healthcare agencies, providers, and employers turn to us as their vital partner to ensure better healthcare and improve health outcomes. We do this through our people. You will have meaningful work that genuinely improves people's lives across the country. We are a company that cares about our employees, and we give you the tools and encouragement you need to achieve the finest work of your career. Benefits Benefits are a key component of your rewards package. Our benefits are designed to provide you with additional protection, security, and support for both your career and your life away from work. Our benefits include comprehensive health plans, paid time off, retirement savings, corporate wellness, educational assistance, corporate discounts, and more. Experience in Lieu of Degree For non-clinical roles, or when not required by the contract specifically, the Company acknowledges that practical, hands-on experience can provide skills and competencies equivalent to formal education. As such, in cases where a Bachelor's degree may be required, the Company will accept a minimum of six (6) years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of a degree. In instances where the candidate has an Associate's degree, the Company will accept a minimum of three (3) years of directly relevant professional experience in lieu of the Bachelor's degree. Thank You! We know your time is valuable and we thank you for applying for this position. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those who are chosen to advance in our interview process will be contacted. We sincerely appreciate your interest in Acentra Health and invite you to apply to future openings that may be of interest. Best of luck in your search! ~ The Acentra Health Talent Acquisition Team <a href="https://acentrahealth-my.sharepoint.com/personal/jayson_miller_acentra_com/Documents/Documents/JD's/Visit%20us at Acentra.com/careers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit us at https://careers.acentra.com/jobs</a> EEO AA M/F/Vet/Disability Acentra Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable Federal, State or Local law. Compensation The pay range for this position is listed below. “Based on our compensation philosophy, an applicant’s position placement in the pay range will depend on various considerations, such as years of applicable experience and skill level.” Pay Range USD $29.19 - USD $36.00 /Hr.

Back to blog

Common Interview Questions And Answers

1. HOW DO YOU PLAN YOUR DAY?

This is what this question poses: When do you focus and start working seriously? What are the hours you work optimally? Are you a night owl? A morning bird? Remote teams can be made up of people working on different shifts and around the world, so you won't necessarily be stuck in the 9-5 schedule if it's not for you...

2. HOW DO YOU USE THE DIFFERENT COMMUNICATION TOOLS IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS?

When you're working on a remote team, there's no way to chat in the hallway between meetings or catch up on the latest project during an office carpool. Therefore, virtual communication will be absolutely essential to get your work done...

3. WHAT IS "WORKING REMOTE" REALLY FOR YOU?

Many people want to work remotely because of the flexibility it allows. You can work anywhere and at any time of the day...

4. WHAT DO YOU NEED IN YOUR PHYSICAL WORKSPACE TO SUCCEED IN YOUR WORK?

With this question, companies are looking to see what equipment they may need to provide you with and to verify how aware you are of what remote working could mean for you physically and logistically...

5. HOW DO YOU PROCESS INFORMATION?

Several years ago, I was working in a team to plan a big event. My supervisor made us all work as a team before the big day. One of our activities has been to find out how each of us processes information...

6. HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE CALENDAR AND THE PROGRAM? WHICH APPLICATIONS / SYSTEM DO YOU USE?

Or you may receive even more specific questions, such as: What's on your calendar? Do you plan blocks of time to do certain types of work? Do you have an open calendar that everyone can see?...

7. HOW DO YOU ORGANIZE FILES, LINKS, AND TABS ON YOUR COMPUTER?

Just like your schedule, how you track files and other information is very important. After all, everything is digital!...

8. HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORK?

The day I watched Marie Forleo's film separating the important from the urgent, my life changed. Not all remote jobs start fast, but most of them are...

9. HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR A MEETING AND PREPARE A MEETING? WHAT DO YOU SEE HAPPENING DURING THE MEETING?

Just as communication is essential when working remotely, so is organization. Because you won't have those opportunities in the elevator or a casual conversation in the lunchroom, you should take advantage of the little time you have in a video or phone conference...

10. HOW DO YOU USE TECHNOLOGY ON A DAILY BASIS, IN YOUR WORK AND FOR YOUR PLEASURE?

This is a great question because it shows your comfort level with technology, which is very important for a remote worker because you will be working with technology over time...

DISCLAIMER