IPDRG - Trainer

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

Optum is seeking a highly skilled, experienced, and knowledgeable IP DRG Coding Trainer to lead training initiatives for coding professionals. The ideal candidate will be responsible for training and mentoring coding staff in accurate and compliant inpatient coding practices, ensuring adherence to ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines, MS-DRG/APR-DRG reimbursement methodologies, payer-specific requirements, and regulatory standards.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Create and deliver comprehensive training programs for Inpatient Coding professionals covering ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, MS-DRG, APR-DRG, UHDDS guidelines, and payer-specific requirements
• Stay updated with CMS, AHA Coding Clinic, and other regulatory coding changes and integrate them into training materials
• Prepare training content, SOPs, reference guides, and maintain accurate training records
• Provide coaching and group instruction on Inpatient Coding, DRG assignment, PCS coding, documentation requirements, and reimbursement methodologies
• Track coding performance through audits and quality reviews and provide feedback
• Support coders with complex case resolution, physician documentation education, DRG validation concepts, and coding clarification
• Collaborate with leadership to implement training strategies based on audit outcomes and performance metrics
• Conduct refresher training on Coding Clinic updates, DRG trends, quality indicators, and compliance requirements
• Comply with all applicable Company policies, procedures, and business directives, changes including those relating to work location, team assignments, work schedules, and flexible work arrangements

Required Qualifications:

• Graduate
• AAPC/AHIMA Certification: CCS, CIC, CPC or COC 
• 8+ years of hands-on IP DRG Coding experience with 4+ years in training, mentoring, quality, or auditing roles
• Solid knowledge of IP-DRG methodology, ICD-10-CM/PCS guidelines, Coding Clinic guidance, and US Healthcare RCM systems
• Expert knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding and DRG assignment methodologies
• Solid understanding of Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) concepts
• Familiarity with EMR/EHR systems, compliance standards, and auditing platforms
• Demonstrated excellent attention to detail and coding accuracy
• Demonstrated solid analytical and problem-solving skills
• Demonstrated effective communication, presentation, and mentoring skills
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage multiple training initiatives

Preferred Qualification:

• Experience with provider query processes, DRG validation, and audit methodologies

At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.