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Inpatient Coding Consultant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Inpatient Coding Auditor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$28 - $32/hr

Demonstrates knowledge of current, compliant coder query practices when consulting with physicians ... Inpatient Coding (AIC)" * Regis Health Information Administrator (RHIA) preferred * Encoder ...

Inpatient Coder

$22.25 - $26.75/hr

Remote Inpatient Coder Company: Health Information Partners (HIP-inc.com) Location: Remote Job ... Our team is committed to excellence in coding, compliance, and consulting services. We value our ...

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How much do inpatient coding consultant jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient coding consultant in the United States is $34.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.73 and $37.74 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Inpatient Coding Consultant, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inpatient Coding Consultant, you need a thorough understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding guidelines, medical terminology, and a relevant credential such as RHIA, RHIT, or CCS. Familiarity with hospital information systems, coding software like 3M or Optum, and compliance regulations such as DRG validation is essential. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication enable consultants to accurately interpret clinical documentation and collaborate with healthcare teams. These competencies ensure precise coding, regulatory compliance, and optimization of hospital reimbursement processes.

What are some common challenges faced by Inpatient Coding Consultants, and how can they be addressed?

Inpatient Coding Consultants often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, ensuring compliance with evolving coding guidelines, and managing tight deadlines for claim submissions. Staying up to date with regulatory changes (like ICD-10-CM/PCS updates) and ongoing training can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with clinical staff and participating in regular audits also supports accurate and compliant coding, ultimately reducing denials and improving reimbursement.

What are Inpatient Coding Consultants?

Inpatient Coding Consultants are healthcare professionals who specialize in reviewing and assigning standardized medical codes to patient records for hospital stays, ensuring accurate documentation and billing. They analyze clinical documentation, verify coding accuracy, and help hospitals comply with regulations and maximize reimbursement. These consultants often train staff, perform audits, and provide recommendations for improving coding practices. Their expertise is critical for healthcare organizations to maintain compliance with coding standards and avoid costly errors.

What is the difference between Inpatient Coding Consultant vs Outpatient Coding Specialist?

AspectInpatient Coding ConsultantOutpatient Coding Specialist
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC CCS, CPC, or CICSimilar certifications like CPC or CIC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient centers
Job FocusInpatient hospital records, DRG assignmentOutpatient visits, CPT coding
Industry UsageHealthcare providers, hospitalsMedical practices, outpatient clinics

Inpatient Coding Consultants and Outpatient Coding Specialists both require coding certifications and work within healthcare settings. However, Inpatient Coding Consultants focus on hospital inpatient records and DRG assignments, while Outpatient Coding Specialists handle outpatient visit coding. The roles differ mainly in the work environment and specific coding tasks, but both are essential for accurate medical billing and reimbursement.

More about Inpatient Coding Consultant jobs
What states have the most Inpatient Coding Consultant jobs? States with the most job openings for Inpatient Coding Consultant jobs include:
Infographic showing various Inpatient Coding Consultant job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 67% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,110 per year, or $34.7 per hour.
Senior Consultant - Inpatient Coding

Senior Consultant - Inpatient Coding

SunStone Consulting LLC

Harrisburg, PA โ€ข Remote

$22.25 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

SunStone is seeking a team player who is proficient with inpatient documentation, coding and billing in a workplace culture which emphasizes open communication and opportunities for growth. Must be organized and possess coding certification and/or clinical expertise. The ideal candidate can work independently in a home office setting, is a problem-solver, taking on challenges independently with a strong attention to detail, who enjoys working in a collaborative and team-based environment. Experience in technical outpatient documentation, coding and billing preferred but not mandatory.


Responsibilities

  • Conduct inpatient and MS-DRG documentation, coding and billing reviews to identify opportunities for clinical documentation improvement, proper coding and reporting of diagnosis, procedures, CCโ€™s and/or MCCโ€™s in order to identify potential compliance risks and/or coding improvements.
  • Apply knowledge of Official Coding Guidelines for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, Coding Clinic and CPT Assistant to various coding situations.
  • Assist with governmental or third-party payer denials by evaluating compliance with coding guidelines, LCDโ€™s, NCDโ€™s and any applicable CMS or managed care payer guidelines.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in preparing accurate and thorough work papers, with clinically credible documentation references to support findings.
  • Develops education material and conduct education with clients on clinical documentation and coding opportunities, to include practitioners, clinical staff, allied health professionals and coders.



Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Health Information Management or/ Current licensure as a Registered Professional Nurse; BSN preferred.
  • Minimum of 10+ years of multi-entity health information and/or clinical/coding experience.
  • Strong clinical background with knowledge of anatomy, physiology and medical terminology commensurate with the ability to correctly code various types of services and diagnoses.
  • Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with managers, clients and team members.
  • Demonstrates independent judgment, discretion, accuracy, analytical skills and decision-making abilities.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel and e-mail application.