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Certified Professional Coder Job Description and Top Skills

joseph cole

Updated on February 28, 2024

Certified Professional Coder Job Description and Top Skills

joseph cole

Updated on February 28, 2024

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A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) reviews medical records, abstracts clinical information, and assigns accurate ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services. CPCs sit at the center of healthcare reimbursement: their coding accuracy directly affects claims processing, billing, and regulatory compliance. Use this certified professional coder job description as a starting template for your next job posting, then customize the responsibilities and requirements to match your organization.

Certified Professional Coder Job Description Template

We are looking for a detail oriented, analytical Certified Professional Coder (CPC) to join our healthcare team. In this role, you will assign accurate medical codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services, ensure compliance with coding guidelines, and support revenue cycle management. You will help protect the financial integrity of the organization by maximizing appropriate reimbursement, reducing claim denials, and maintaining compliance with coding and billing regulations.

The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of medical coding principles, sharp analytical skills, and the ability to work independently in a fast paced, deadline driven environment.

What Does a Certified Professional Coder Do?

Medical coding and abstracting. Review medical records, encounter forms, and clinical documentation to abstract relevant information and assign accurate ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services.

Coding compliance and documentation. Ensure compliance with coding guidelines, payer policies, and regulatory requirements including HIPAA and CMS rules, and review documentation for completeness and specificity to support code assignment.

Claims processing and revenue cycle management. Support preparation and submission of medical claims to insurers, Medicare, Medicaid, and other payers, ensuring accurate coding and documentation to optimize claim acceptance and reimbursement rates.

Coding audits and quality assurance. Conduct regular coding audits to assess accuracy and compliance, identify discrepancies, and provide feedback and training to coding staff as needed.

Coding education and training. Educate healthcare providers and coding staff on coding principles, documentation requirements, and regulatory changes to promote accurate, compliant coding practices.

Coding system maintenance. Stay current on changes to coding systems and regulatory requirements, and help ensure coding software and workflows remain accurate and efficient.

Coding query resolution. Respond to coding related questions from providers and staff, research issues, and provide guidance on coding rules and conventions.

Performance reporting and analysis. Track coding productivity, accuracy, and compliance metrics, including claim denial rates and coding related revenue impact.

Certified Professional Coder Salary

Certified Professional Coder pay varies by experience, employer, and location. Based on current 2026 market data, CPC salaries in the United States typically range from about $45,000 to $81,000 per year, with a broad market midpoint near $63,000. Entry level coders generally start toward the lower end of that range, while experienced coders with specialty certifications or audit responsibilities can earn well above the midpoint.

Skill Requirements

Medical coding knowledge. A strong understanding of medical coding principles, coding systems (ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, HCPCS), and coding guidelines to accurately assign codes and stay compliant with regulations.

Attention to detail. Careful review of medical records and clinical documentation to assign codes accurately and maintain documentation integrity.

Analytical skills. The ability to analyze medical records, interpret clinical documentation, and assign appropriate codes based on diagnoses, procedures, and services rendered.

Communication skills. Clear, professional communication with healthcare providers, coding staff, and other stakeholders about coding related information.

Problem solving. Comfort identifying and resolving coding discrepancies and compliance concerns efficiently.

Computer proficiency. Comfort using coding software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and standard office productivity tools to manage coding information securely.

Example KPIs for a Certified Professional Coder

Coding accuracy rate. The percentage of accurately assigned medical codes, used to identify discrepancies and improvement opportunities.

Claim denial rate. The percentage of claims denied due to coding related issues, used to find root causes and reduce revenue loss.

Coding productivity. The number of medical records coded per hour or day, benchmarked against industry standards.

Coding compliance score. A measure of coding compliance with guidelines and payer policies, used to identify training needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a certified professional coder do?
A certified professional coder reviews medical records and assigns standardized codes (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS) to diagnoses, procedures, and services so healthcare organizations can bill accurately and stay compliant with payer and regulatory requirements.

How much do certified professional coders make?
Based on current market data, certified professional coder salaries in the United States generally range from about $45,000 to $81,000 per year, depending on experience, specialty, and location.

What skills does a certified professional coder need?
Strong medical coding knowledge, attention to detail, analytical thinking, clear communication, problem solving ability, and comfort with coding software and electronic health record systems.

Do certified professional coders need a certification?
Yes. The CPC credential, most commonly issued by AAPC, is the standard certification employers look for and typically requires passing an exam covering medical coding, anatomy, and coding guidelines.

How Glider AI Can Help You Hire a Certified Professional Coder

Hiring an accurate, compliant coder is hard to judge from a resume alone. Glider AI’s recruitment platform uses AI driven assessments and analytics to help you evaluate real coding knowledge before you interview, not after you hire. With skill assessment software built for healthcare roles, AI proctoring, and candidate friendly, mobile first testing, Glider AI Skill Intelligence helps you identify top coding talent faster and with more confidence.

Ready to streamline your healthcare hiring? See how an AI recruiter and efficient mass hiring strategies can help your team hire Certified Professional Coders with more speed and less guesswork.

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