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Inpatient Coder Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Coding Auditor

Manchester, IA ยท Remote

$24.50 - $28/hr

... Inpatient Coder/AAPC), or COC (Certified Outpatient Coder/AAPC). * Current or obtained within one year of hire - Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist obtained through Association of Clinical ...

Medical coder

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Code inpatient episodes, outpatient encounters, professional services, ancillary services, and surgical cases. * Code anesthesia and pathology services associated with surgical procedures. * Apply ...

Medical coder

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Code inpatient episodes, outpatient encounters, professional services, ancillary services, and surgical cases. * Code anesthesia and pathology services associated with surgical procedures. * Apply ...

CODER

Sioux City, IA ยท Remote

Coder Position in our Billing Department * 1-Full-time position * This position may be remote or work from home Education, Training and Skills: * High school diploma or GED equivalent. * CCS, CCS-P ...

Remote Coders

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$28.50 - $30/hr

Position Summary The Medical Coder will assign accurate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS Level II codes for inpatient, outpatient, ambulatory surgical, and professional-fee encounters. Coders ...

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Inpatient Coder information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$22

$31

How much do inpatient coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient coder in Iowa is $22.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.66 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an inpatient coder?

An inpatient coder works in the medical field and is responsible for medical coding. As an inpatient coder, you are a certified professional and have undergone extensive training, both in class and on-the-job, to understand how to interpret and apply medical codes to patient files based on health and treatment documents received from doctors and nurses. A variety of medical personnel use codes for purposes that include diagnosis, treatment, insurance, and billing. You work with coding software to process claims and should have a broad understanding of terms used in the medical field related to anatomy, biology, and pharmacology. One of your primary responsibilities is keeping accurate medical records.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inpatient coder?

To thrive as an Inpatient Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, and typically an RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and specialized coding software is essential for accurate chart review and code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting complex medical documentation and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills ensure precise coding for reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and data integrity in healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by inpatient coders, and how can they be addressed?

Inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and ensuring accuracy under productivity pressures. These challenges can be addressed by regularly participating in coding workshops or continuing education, collaborating closely with clinical staff for clarification, and utilizing coding software tools to streamline the process. Maintaining open communication with the coding team and seeking mentorship from experienced coders can also help new coders navigate the role more effectively.

What is the difference between Inpatient Coder vs Outpatient Coder?

AspectInpatient CoderOutpatient Coder
CertificationsAHIMA CCS, CPC, or CCAAHIMA CCS, CPC, or CCA
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient facilities
Job FocusInpatient hospital records, DRGsOutpatient visits, procedures
Industry UsageHospitals, inpatient care providersPhysician offices, outpatient clinics

Inpatient Coder and Outpatient Coder both require similar certifications and work in healthcare settings, but they focus on different types of medical records. Inpatient Coders specialize in hospital inpatient records and DRG coding, while Outpatient Coders handle outpatient visit documentation. Understanding these differences helps healthcare organizations assign the right coding professionals for each setting.

Is there a shortage of inpatient coders?

Inpatient coders are in high demand due to the complexity of hospital coding and the need for accurate medical record documentation. The profession often experiences staffing shortages, leading to competitive salaries and opportunities for certification and specialization. This demand is expected to continue as healthcare facilities prioritize accurate coding for reimbursement and compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coder jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Inpatient Coder jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Inpatient Coder jobs in IA?

For Inpatient Coder jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Inpatient Coder job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,303 per year, or $22.3 per hour.

[Coder] Medical Records Technician

Purposelink Recruitment

Des Moines, IA โ€ข Remote

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Contractor

Posted 11 days ago


Job description


Required Qualifications (Non‑Negotiable)
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Must reside within 50 miles of the nearest VA Medical Center
  • Active credential from AHIMA (RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS‑P, CCA, CDIP) or AAPC (CPC, CPC‑H, or successor)
  • Completion of an accredited program in coding, HIM, or HIT
  • Minimum 6–8 years of coding experience (outpatient or inpatient)
    • This is significantly higher than typical requirements; 2–3 years does NOT qualify
  • Current CEUs required to maintain credential
  • Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NAC), local file check, and obtain a PIV card
  • Cannot be a current VA employee — federal conflict‑of‑interest restriction

Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior VA/VHA coding experience
  • Surgical, anesthesia, or pathology coding experience
  • History of tracking/reporting personal accuracy and productivity metrics

Medical Records Technician (Coder)

VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS) – Des Moines, IA Remote Contract Position — Must Reside Within 50 Miles of a VA Medical Center

Position Type
  • Contract
  • Remote 
Schedule Expectations
  • Training Phase: Fixed schedule, 08:00–4:30 PM CST, Monday–Friday
  • Post‑Training: After sustaining 95% accuracy and meeting productivity standards for a full bi‑weekly pay period (~4 weeks), coders may move to a flexible 8‑hour shift between 06:00 AM–5:00PM CST
Key Responsibilities Outpatient Coders 
  • Code outpatient encounters, ancillary services (radiology, lab), prosthetics, and ambulatory surgical episodes
  • Apply ICD‑CM, CPT, and HCPCS
Inpatient Coder 
  • Code inpatient facility episodes 
  • Assign ICD‑CM diagnoses, ICD‑PCS procedures, and POA indicators
  • Additional Requirements for Inpatient Role
    • Proven ICD‑10‑PCS experience
    • Strong understanding of POA indicators, DRG logic, and inpatient professional fee coding
    • Experience creating encounters in the Patient Care Encounter (PCE) application preferred
All Coders
  • Work within VA systems: VistA/CPRS, national encoder, and required VA applications
  • Apply NCCI bundling rules and correct modifier usage
  • Flag insufficient documentation
  • Re‑review and correct coding within 1 business day when questioned due to billing edits or denials
  • Submit daily coded‑status reports and weekly summaries
  • Maintain 95% minimum accuracy — audited monthly and strictly enforced