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Entry Level Medical Coding Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Patient Advocate Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... medical coding, medical billing, eligibility (hospital or government) or other pertinent medical ...

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... medical coding, medical billing, eligibility (hospital or government) or other pertinent medical ...

Patient Advocate Specialist

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. * 1 - 3 years' experience of medical coding, medical ...

$17 - $22/hr

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. 1 - 3 years' experience of medical coding, medical ...

Patient Advocate Specialist

Franklin, TN · On-site

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... medical coding, medical billing, eligibility (hospital or government) or other pertinent medical ...

Patient Advocate Specialist

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$17 - $22/hr

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. * 1 - 3 years' experience of medical coding, medical ...

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. 1 - 3 years' experience of medical coding, medical ...

$17.50 - $22.75/hr

FULL Time, Entry Level - GREAT way to get hands on experience! Plenty of opportunities for growth ... High School Diploma or equivalent required. 1 - 3 years' experience of medical coding, medical ...

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Oak Ridge, TN. Your Role * Assist in designing ... Apply knowledge and experience, industry best practices, regulatory guidance, codes and standards ...

This is an entry-level position and is based out of Oak Ridge, TN. Your Role * Assist in designing ... Apply knowledge and experience, industry best practices, regulatory guidance, codes and standards ...

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Entry Level Medical Coding information

See Tennessee salary details

$4

$27

$42

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

As of Jul 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level medical coding in Tennessee is $27.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.45 and $31.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a coder with no experience?

To become an entry-level medical coder with no experience, start by completing a medical coding training program or certification, such as the CPC from the AAPC. Gaining familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and developing attention to detail, can help you qualify for internships or entry-level positions where on-the-job training is provided.

What is entry level medical coding?

Entry level medical coding refers to the process of assigning standardized codes to medical diagnoses, procedures, and services for billing and record-keeping purposes, usually performed by individuals new to the field. Entry level medical coders work in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices and rely on coding manuals, such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, to accurately document patient information. Training is often required, and many entry level positions expect candidates to have completed a medical coding certificate or associate degree. Accuracy and attention to detail are crucial skills for these roles, as errors can impact billing and patient care.

Can I get a medical coder job with no experience?

Entry level medical coding jobs often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a certification such as CPC or CCS and familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Employers may provide on-the-job training, making it possible to start without previous work experience in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Medical Coding vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectEntry Level Medical CodingMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCPR, CPC (optional for entry)CPR, CPC (optional for entry)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician officesHospitals, clinics, billing companies
Job FocusAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresProcessing insurance claims and payments
Common Search IntentEntry Level Medical Coding vs Medical Billing

Entry Level Medical Coding involves assigning standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures, focusing on accurate documentation. Medical Billing Specialists handle submitting claims, following up on payments, and managing insurance processes. While both roles often work together and share similar environments, their core responsibilities differ: coding centers on documentation, billing on reimbursement. Certifications like CPC benefit both roles, making them complementary in healthcare revenue cycle management.

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

Entry-level medical coders often face challenges such as understanding complex medical terminology, keeping up with frequent coding updates, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. To address these challenges, new coders should regularly review coding guidelines, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and utilize ongoing training resources. Staying organized and asking questions when uncertain can also help build confidence and prevent errors, leading to a smoother transition into the role.

What is the easiest medical coding job to get?

Entry-level medical coding jobs, such as outpatient or physician office coding, are generally the easiest to obtain because they often require only a basic understanding of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, along with a certification such as CPC. These roles typically have lower experience requirements and may offer on-the-job training, making them accessible for newcomers to the field.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Medical Coder, you need a basic understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by a certificate in medical coding or health information technology. Familiarity with ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS coding systems, and electronic health record (EHR) software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring accuracy and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills are essential to maintain compliance, ensure proper billing, and support the financial health of medical practices.

Which medical coding is best for beginners?

For entry-level medical coding, starting with ICD-10-CM and CPT coding systems is recommended, as they are widely used and essential for most healthcare settings. Obtaining a certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can also improve job prospects for beginners. Familiarity with medical terminology and coding software is beneficial for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coding jobs in Tennessee? The most popular types of Medical Coding jobs in Tennessee are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Medical Coding jobs in Tennessee? For Entry Level Medical Coding jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Entry Level Medical Coding jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Entry Level Medical Coding job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Medical Coding job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,615 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (Coder In/Out)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Johnson City, TN • On-site

$36K/yr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the James H. Quillen VA Medical Center. MRTs (Coder-Outpatient and Inpatient) are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements Continued:
  • Education: An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records); OR,
  • Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding. The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, and the sponsoring academic institution must have been accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor, or comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed.
  • Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, general understanding of medical coding and the health record, and one year above high school, with a minimum of 6 semester hours of health information technology courses.
  • Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service, under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. Also, requires six additional months of creditable experience that is paid or non-paid employment equivalent to a MRT (Coder).
Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either below:
  • Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  • Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.
NOTE: Mastery level certification is required for all positions above the journey level; however, for clinical documentation improvement specialist assignments, a clinical documentation improvement certification may be substituted for a mastery level certification. Proof of your certification must be included in your application package.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-04 Entry Level Experience or Education: none beyond the basic education or experience.
GS-05 Developmental Level Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level OR,
Education: I have a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or technology. Must provide transcripts with your application AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to use health information technology and various office software products used in MRT (Coder) positions (e.g., the electronic health record, coding and abstracting software, etc.).
  • Ability to navigate through and abstract pertinent information from health records.
  • Knowledge of the ICD CM, PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and CPT guidelines.
  • Ability to apply knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy/physiology, and disease processes to accurately assign codes to inpatient and outpatient episodes of care based on health record documentation.
  • Knowledge of The Joint Commission requirements, CMS, and/or health record documentation guidelines.
  • Ability to manage priorities and coordinate work to complete duties within required timeframes, and the ability to follow-up on pending issues.
GS-06 Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation.
  • Ability to determine whether health records contain sufficient information for regulatory requirements, are acceptable as legal documents, are adequate for continuity of patient care, and support the assigned codes. This includes the ability to take appropriate actions if health record contents are not complete, accurate, timely, and/or reliable.
  • Ability to apply laws and regulations on the confidentiality of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, and HIPAA).
  • Ability to accurately apply the ICD CM, PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and CPT Guidelines to various coding scenarios.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of current classification systems, such as ICD CM, PCS, CPT, HCPCS, and skill in applying classifications to both inpatient and outpatient records based on health record documentation.
  • Knowledge of complication or comorbidity/major complication or comorbidity (CC/MCC) and POA indicators to obtain correct MS-DRG.
GS-07 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Skill in applying current coding classifications to a variety of specialty care areas for outpatient episodes of care and/or inpatient professional services to accurately reflect service and care provided based on documentation in the health record.
  • Ability to communicate with clinical staff for specific coding and documentation issues, such as recording diagnoses and procedures, ensuring the correct sequencing of diagnoses and/or procedures, and verifying the relationship between health record documentation and coder assignment.
  • Ability to research and solve coding and documentation related issues.
  • Skill in reviewing and correcting system or processing errors and ensuring all assigned work is complete.
GS-08 Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level AND,
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation. This includes the ability to read and understand the content of the health record, the terminology, the significance of the findings, and the disease process/pathophysiology of the patient.
  • Ability to accurately perform the full scope of outpatient coding, including ambulatory surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and outpatient encounters, and/or inpatient professional fee services coding.
  • Skill in interpreting and adapting health information guidelines that are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity, and the ability to use judgment in completing assignments using incomplete or inadequate guidelines.

Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-8. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to GS-8.Employment Type: OTHER