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Entry Level Inpatient Coding Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Citizens Medical Center

Physician Coder (FT)

Victoria, TX · On-site

$17.50 - $23.25/hr

... inpatient, and outpatient encounters as well as coding for in-office ancillary services and minor ... Completion of an approved medical coding program; entry level knowledge of medical coding.

Glycare

Revenue Cycle Specialist

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

... for inpatient services. This role is not data entry. It involves validating, reconciling, and ... Validate CPT/HCPCS coding, ICD-10 diagnosis alignment, and appropriate modifier usage * Verify the ...

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Entry Level Inpatient Coding information

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How much do entry level inpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level inpatient coding in the United States is $23.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.91 and $25.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coding is experiencing a workforce shortage due to increasing healthcare documentation complexity and demand for accurate coding. Entry-level inpatient coders with certification and familiarity with coding software are in particular demand, leading to more job opportunities in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

How do I become a coder with no experience?

Entry level inpatient coding positions typically require a basic understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Gaining certification through programs such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) can improve job prospects, and completing online courses or training programs can help build necessary skills without prior experience.

What is entry level inpatient coding?

Entry level inpatient coding involves reviewing and assigning standardized medical codes to diagnoses and procedures documented in a patient’s hospital records. Coders use classification systems like ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS to ensure accurate billing and facilitate healthcare data analysis. As an entry-level position, it typically requires a foundational understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines, often supported by a coding certification. Coders play a vital role in helping hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Inpatient Coding vs Medical Records Technician?

AspectEntry Level Inpatient CodingMedical Records Technician
CertificationsCPCT, CPC, CCS (preferred)RHIT, RHIA (preferred)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, healthcare facilitiesClinics, hospitals, healthcare offices
Job FocusAssigning inpatient diagnosis and procedure codesManaging and organizing patient records
Common Search IntentInpatient coding roles and certificationsMedical records management and coding

Entry Level Inpatient Coding primarily involves assigning codes to inpatient hospital stays, requiring coding certifications. Medical Records Technicians focus on organizing and maintaining patient records, often with similar certifications. While both roles work in healthcare settings, inpatient coding emphasizes coding accuracy for billing, whereas medical records technicians handle record management. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and certifications.

How do I become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification through organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is often required or preferred, and familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential.

How much do beginner coders make?

Entry-level inpatient coders typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, certification, and employer. Starting salaries may increase with experience, additional certifications, and proficiency in coding software and medical terminology.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level inpatient coders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical documentation, learning various coding systems (like ICD-10-CM and PCS), and understanding hospital-specific billing requirements. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from experienced coders, participate in ongoing training sessions, and regularly review coding guidelines and updates. Building strong communication skills is also essential, as coders frequently collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and ensure coding accuracy. With practice and support, new coders can quickly develop proficiency and confidence in their role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Inpatient Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Inpatient Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, typically supported by a certification such as CCA, CCS, or RHIT. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software is important for accurate and efficient code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure precise documentation and compliance. These skills are essential to support accurate billing, reimbursement, and regulatory adherence in healthcare organizations.
More about Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Inpatient Coding job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coding jobs? The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs are:
Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Inpatient Coding job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,297 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Outpatient Coding Specialist I - (PRN) Remote

Outpatient Coding Specialist I - (PRN) Remote

Citizens Medical Center

Victoria, TX • On-site, Remote

Per diem

Re-posted 14 days ago

Citizens Medical Center (Texas) rating

5.6

Company rating: 5.6 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

891st of 1,018 rated hospitals

Job description

Description
JOB SUMMARY
Provide the outpatient coding skills necessary for the coding of all diagnoses and procedures after a thorough review of medical record for optimal reimbursement.
Job Specific:
  1. Responsible for coding and abstracting outpatient accounts, not to exceed a bill hold status of three (3) days post the date of service/discharge.(EF)
  2. Maintains productivity standards for assigned work type with a minimum of 95% accuracy(EF)
    1. Observation = 5/hours
    2. Emergency Department = 15/hour
    3. Outpatient Testing = 30/hour
    4. Ambulatory Surgery = 5/hour
    5. Inpatient = 2/hour
  3. Assigns ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT codes with accuracy, ensuring that all assigned codes have adequate physician documentation.(EF)
  4. Understands computer systems and possesses the ability to reconcile various accounts, charges, including correcting discharge dates, and requesting billing to link accounts, as necessary.(EF)
  5. Works independently in coding as a remote employee. Troubleshoots and assists analysis of system issues independently with IT assistance.
  6. At the start of each day, review your virtual and coding worklists in Optum to prioritize work.
  7. Reviews medical record for medical diagnosis/procedures ensuring assignment of all diagnosis treated and procedures performed.(EF)
  8. Analyzes charges for edits and pends account for charge review and/or modifier correction to ensure an accurate claim at the time of billing.
  9. Utilizes Optum computer-assisted coding and encoder to assign ICD-10-CM/PCS codes, CPT codes, and modifiers and validates the E&M level based on the medical record documentation.(EF)
  10. Approves the code assignment by sending account to billing.(EF)
  11. Completes physician and/or provider query for documentation clarification/missing documentation when appropriate.

Hospital:
  1. Adheres to organization-wide and other applicable policies and procedures.
  2. Day-to-day performance complies with the hospital's Service Excellence Behavioral Expectations.
  3. Performs within the prescribed limits of the hospital's Ethics, Compliance and Confidentiality Program guidelines.
  4. Performs within professional Scope of Practice at all times.

Other Duties As Assigned:
  • Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.

Minimum Requirements
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Required: Successful completion of an approved coding program
Preferred: Associate's degree in health-related field OR possess preferred licensure/certification listed below along with high school diploma.
EXPERIENCE
Preferred: Six (6) months coding experience in an inpatient or outpatient setting.
Special Skills and Abilities
Required: Entry level ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding knowledge.
Preferred: Advanced Outpatient ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT coding knowledge and scoring a minimum of 80% on pre-employment coding test.
LICENSURE / CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Required: Certificate of completion of approved coding program
Preferred: AHIMA Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
COMPANY PROFILE
Citizens Medical Center is a not-for-profit, community hospital known for compassionate patient care, clinical expertise, and bringing advanced medical services to the South Texas region since 1956. Today, Citizens is a 317-bed acute care hospital with over 1,200 employees. Voted "Best of the Best" hospital in Victoria for 13 consecutive years, Citizens Medical Center is a level III Trauma Center, with a newly renovated 24/7 Emergency Department that includes an onsite medical helicopter. Citizens has a comprehensive Community Cancer Program that includes two linear accelerators and HDR brachytherapy. Citizens is recognized for its outstanding cardiology program which includes a nationally accredited Chest Pain Center and is a Primary Stroke Center. Citizens also includes a comprehensive, accredited Bariatric Surgery program, Birth Center with labor and delivery, an imaging and surgery center, sleep study center, state-of-the-art rehabilitation and fitness center, urology center and daVinci robotics minimally invasive surgery options, a home health agency, and has a long history of providing continuing education for healthcare providers and the community.
Citizens Medical Center is looking for employees who actively demonstrate service excellence by exemplifying our iCare values. If you are someone who displays respect and enthusiasm for patients, visitors, and coworkers while consistently upholding the hospital's commitment to providing outstanding outcomes, service excellence, and fiscal responsibility, then you could be a good fit for the CMC team!
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