Unveiling Employee Satisfaction in Healthcare Reimbursement Services: Identifying Key Factors and Their Impact

Date of Award

Spring 2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

Committee Chair

Karen Lankisch

Committee Member

Solomon Tention

Committee Member

Natalya Koehler

Abstract

This study studied the key factors influencing job satisfaction among certified medical coders and billers working within healthcare organizations in the United States. Despite the essential importance of revenue cycle operations to healthcare organizations, the happiness and satisfaction of these professionals often receive inadequate consideration. Drawing on Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Motivation and Satisfaction, the research utilized a mixed-methods design to produce a comprehensive understanding of the issue.

A purposive sample of 100 certified professionals was selected from two leading organizations in the field, AHIMA and Libman Education. Participants represented a diverse range of work settings, including hospitals, clinics, and contract coding firms. Quantitative data collection was conducted using the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) and Job in General (JIG) scale, which measure satisfaction across dimensions such as compensation, working conditions, advancement opportunities, supervision, coworker relations, and overall job satisfaction. Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to determine which of these factors most significantly predict overall job satisfaction.

To supplement the quantitative results, qualitative data were collected through open-ended survey responses and analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings indicate that both intrinsic factors (such as recognition, communication, and opportunities for professional growth) and extrinsic factors (including salary, potential for advancement, and organizational policies) contribute to employee satisfaction. The insights gained from this research provide evidence-based recommendations for healthcare leaders aiming to enhance employee engagement, reduce turnover, and optimize revenue cycle performance.

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