DRG Coordinator Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

If you’ve ever visited the hospital or a medical clinic for treatment or a medical procedure, you already know that it is a costly and complicated process. Hospitals and doctors employ an elaborate coding scheme for determining the price that patients need to pay for the services that they receive. The DRG Coordinator, or diagnosis related group coordinator, is responsible for reviewing the work done by medical billing and coding professionals and making sure that they are using the correct codes for the services that were rendered. Individuals that are interested in pursuing a career as a DRG coordinator should have a strong desire to ensure quality of paperwork and the profitability of hospital practices and services. It is also best to have leadership skills and the ability to work well with a team of people.

Salary Outlook

Average Annual Salary
$49,700
Salary Range
$41,300 - $55,300

Work Environment

It is most common for DRG coordinators to be employed by hospitals, regional medical clinics, home health agencies, nursing homes, insurance companies and the federal government. Others have found jobs at companies that provide health related computing services and private practices.

High School Preparation

Those students that think they might enjoy a career as a DRG coordinator out to focus their high school course work on becoming familiar with medical business administration, customer services and communication skills. Topics that should be studied include algebra, biology, chemistry, foreign language, anatomy, and sociology. Studying data entry, general computer skills and psychology is also helpful.

Requirements

Once they have graduation from college, students interested in the profession of a DRG coordinator should enroll in an accredited four year college or university in order to complete their bachelor’s degree. There is no requirement for the focus of this undergraduate degree, however, something that is related to the health professions or business administration is helpful. Upon graduation, students are required to complete the certification exam that is offered by the by the American Health Information Management Association. It is always helpful to speak with employed DRG coordinators to find out which schools and programs are looked on most favorably.

Career Outlook

As the demand for efficient, affordable health care continues to grow, more hospitals and private practices will need to hire health information specialists, like the DRG Coordinator, in order to keep up with the volume of paperwork that is being filed. Experts expect an increase in the number of jobs at about ten to twenty percent over the next couple of years. Industries like insurance companies and senior living facilities will also start to need these services as well.

Professional Organizations

American Health Information Management Association
919 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 1400
Chicago, IL 60611-1683
Phone: (312) 787-2672
www.ahima.org