Optum has announced an opening for an Associate Medical Coder in Chennai under its Medical & Clinical Operations team. This opportunity is particularly relevant for Life Science and Allied Medicine graduates interested in building a career in medical coding and healthcare operations.

The Associate Medical Coder role focuses on reviewing clinical documentation and assigning accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS codes for ancillary services such as laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, infusion and therapy.

Candidates with knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy and physiology, ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS coding guidelines are preferred. AAPC or AHIMA certification is also listed as a preferred qualification.

Job Overview

Key Responsibilities

As an Associate Medical Coder at Optum, selected candidates will be responsible for:

• Reviewing clinical documentation and assigning appropriate CPT, HCPCS and ICD-10-CM codes.
• Coding ancillary services across multiple client projects.
• Working with specialties including Laboratory, Radiology, Infusion/Pharmacy and Therapy (PT/OT/ST).
• Ensuring coding complies with client requirements, payer guidelines, CMS regulations and internal SOPs.
• Maintaining required coding quality and productivity standards.
• Reviewing and resolving coding edits, denials and claim rejections within defined turnaround times.
• Following Service Level Agreements (SLAs) and project timelines.
• Validating clinical documentation to support medical necessity and accurate coding.
• Checking NCCI edits, LCDs and NCDs and modifying codes or modifiers when required.
• Following HIPAA requirements and maintaining patient-data confidentiality.
• Collaborating with team members to improve coding quality and productivity.

Qualifications

Optum has listed Life Science graduates or Allied Medicine graduates with AAPC or AHIMA certification under its preferred qualifications.

Relevant educational backgrounds may include degrees in life sciences and allied healthcare disciplines, subject to Optum’s screening criteria.

Candidates should have sound knowledge of:

• Medical terminology
• Human anatomy and physiology
• ICD-10-CM coding
• CPT coding
• HCPCS guidelines
• AMA and AHA coding guidelines
• CMS guidelines
• NCCI edits
• LCD and NCD coverage determinations
• Healthcare data confidentiality and security

Important: The job description does not specify a particular number of years of experience. However, applicants are expected to demonstrate the coding knowledge and competencies mentioned in the job posting. Candidates should not assume that the role is automatically a fresher position solely because the title is “Associate.”

Preferred Skills

Candidates applying for the Optum Associate Medical Coder job in Chennai should ideally be comfortable interpreting medical documentation and applying coding guidelines accurately.

Knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT and HCPCS is particularly important because these coding systems are central to the responsibilities described by Optum.

AAPC or AHIMA certification can strengthen an applicant’s alignment with the preferred qualifications.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

The role offers an opportunity to work in a global healthcare organization and gain exposure to multiple medical coding specialties, including laboratory, radiology, pharmacy, infusion and therapy services.

Optum also highlights a work environment focused on career development, collaboration, inclusion and improving healthcare outcomes.

Benefits and employment conditions may vary according to company policy, employment terms and location. Applicants should refer to the official offer and careers portal for exact benefit details.

How to Apply

Application Link