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Inpatient Coder Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Ensemble Health Partners

Coder Quality Auditor

Ames, IA · On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as ...

New

Ensemble Health Partners

Coder Quality Auditor

Johnston, IA · On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as ...

New

Ensemble Health Partners

Coder Quality Auditor

Ames, IA · On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as ...

New

Ensemble Health Partners

Coder Quality Auditor

Ankeny, IA · On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as ...

New

Ensemble Health Partners

Coder Quality Auditor

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as ...

New

Ensemble Health Partners

Coder Quality Auditor

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as ...

New

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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 Jul 18, 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inpatient Coder, and why are they important?

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.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coders are in high demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical record documentation and billing. 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 coding accuracy and compliance.

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.

How much does a hospital coder get paid?

Inpatient coders typically earn a median annual salary between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on experience, certification, and geographic location. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of cases, work setting, and whether the coder is certified in coding systems like ICD-10 or CPC. Many inpatient coders work full-time in hospital environments, often requiring strong attention to detail and familiarity with medical records and coding software.

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.

Does inpatient coding pay more?

Inpatient coding roles typically offer higher pay compared to outpatient coding due to the complexity of coding inpatient hospital stays and the required certifications like CPC-H or CCS. Salaries can also vary based on experience, location, and employer, but inpatient coding generally commands a higher wage within medical coding specialties.

How do I become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification from organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is often required or preferred. Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential for success in this role.

What are Inpatient Coders?

Inpatient Coders are healthcare professionals responsible for reviewing patient medical records and assigning standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services provided during a hospital stay. These codes are essential for accurate billing, insurance claims, and maintaining medical records. Inpatient Coders must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. Their work helps ensure hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement and that patient data is accurately recorded for analysis and reporting.
More about Inpatient Coder jobs
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 Iowa? For Inpatient Coder jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Inpatient Coder jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for 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:
Inpatient Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Coder job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 39% Locum Tenens, 50% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 62% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 37% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,303 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Coder Quality Auditor

Coder Quality Auditor

Ensemble Health Partners

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$57K - $99K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Ensemble Health Partners rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 239 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

140th of 148 rated financial services

Job description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY OFFERING:

  • Bonus Incentives
  • Paid Certifications
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Comprehensive Benefits
  • Career Advancement
  • This position pays between $57,400 to $99,000 annually based on experience

The Coder Quality Auditor conducts monthly and quarterly quality assessments of individual codes. Provides guidance and education to coding associates and leaders on established coding guidelines and procedures. Performs additional quality assurance follow-up reviews to assess comprehension of education and training efforts. Serves as a subject matter expert for professional fee coding for all involved personnel; ensures that information is accurate and current, meeting professional coding standards and following CMS/AMA guidelines.  Candidate should possess the ability to code and a clear understanding of the coding principles and guidelines for multiple specialties. 

Job Responsibilities:

  • Quality Review - Monitors and audits inpatient and outpatient accounts across the system, looking at physician coding for both inpatient and outpatient accounts. Performs initial baselines as well as quarterly performance quality assurance reviews to assess coders’ comprehension and further assess ongoing education. Also assists in special project audits, as assigned. 
  • Educating - Assesses the educational needs of coding staff based on individual coder audit results and overall trends. Creates presentations, develops learning material, handbook and other educational materials. 
  • Edits/Denials/Coding - Assists operational coding team with initial coding, edits, and denials and appeals on an as needed basis.
  • Training - Assists with training new and existing staff. Develops all training materials and coding aids for both formal training and use by coders in daily work. Identifies coders to be cross-trained and suggests areas for training improvement. Assists in the implementation and administration of effective systems, processes, and procedures. 
  • Resource - Serves as a technical resource for all involved personnel; ensures that information is accurate and current, meeting AMA, CMS, and professional coding standards. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
  • Reporting - Provides reports of audit findings to coding management, individual coders and leadership as needed/requested along with providers that are contracted/employed and outlined in the client SOW.  Assists with the creation of various documents and reports as requested. Immediately provides reports related to compliance risks when requested. 

Experience We Love:

  • 5+ years of coding experience. 

  • 3+ years of auditing experience. 

  • Proficiency in multiple EMR’s, encoders, and the Microsoft Office suite. 

  • Educated in HIPAA regulations; must maintain strict confidentiality of patient and client information. 

  • Consistently achieves quality and productivity standards. 

  • Ability to organize and complete work in a timely manner. 

  • Ability to read, write and effectively communicate in English. 

  • Ability to understand medical/surgical terminology. 

  • Above average written and verbal communication skills. 

  • Must be inquisitive and demonstrate openness to innovation including AI to explore better processes and ways to alleviate friction and improve patient and client experiences. 

  • This is a remote position; however, candidates must be willing and able to travel to and work onsite at client, temporary, or corporate office locations as business needs require.

Minimum Education:

  • Associates degree or equivalent experience 

Required Certifications:

Candidates must have and keep current at least one of the following professional certifications (CPC, CPMA or CCS Preferred):

  • CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
  • CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist-Phys Based)
  • CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
  • CMPA (Certified Professional Medical Auditor)
  • RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
  • RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)

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