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Inpatient Coding Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

DCH Health System

Inpatient Coder

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$20.25 - $24.25/hr

Individual responsible for coding all hospital IP records for purposes of reimbursement, research ... Must pass DCH's coding proficiency assessment for inpatient coders. * Some encoder experience ...

New

DCH Health System

Inpatient Coder

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$20.25 - $24.25/hr

Overview Individual responsible for coding all hospital IP records for purposes of reimbursement ... Must pass DCH's coding proficiency assessment for inpatient coders. * Some encoder experience ...

DCH Health System

Inpatient Coder

Tuscaloosa, AL · On-site

$20.25 - $24.25/hr

Overview Individual responsible for coding all hospital IP records for purposes of reimbursement ... Must pass DCH's coding proficiency assessment for inpatient coders. * Some encoder experience ...

New

Lee Obstetrics & Gynecology

Medical Coder

Auburn, AL · On-site

$16 - $21.50/hr

... inpatient and outpatient OB/GYN procedures. * Analyze operative reports, delivery logs, and office visit notes to ensure full coding compliance. * Review and clear billing edits to proactively ...

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Inpatient Coding information

See Alabama salary details

$14

$21

$30

How much do inpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient coding in Alabama is $21.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.94 and $22.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become a hospital inpatient coder?

To become a hospital inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by specialized training or certification in medical coding, such as the Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential. Familiarity with medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential for accurate coding in a hospital setting.

What are some common challenges faced by inpatient coders and how can these be managed effectively?

Inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, keeping up with frequent coding updates, and ensuring accurate documentation for compliance and reimbursement. These challenges can be managed by staying current with ICD-10 and DRG changes, participating in ongoing training, and communicating regularly with clinical staff to clarify documentation. Many coders also benefit from mentorship programs and support from experienced team members, which help them navigate difficult cases and maintain high accuracy standards.

What is the highest paying medical coder job?

Inpatient coding roles, especially those involving hospital coding and complex cases, tend to be among the highest paying medical coding jobs. Senior coders with certifications like CPC or CCS, along with experience in specialized areas such as trauma or cardiovascular coding, can earn higher salaries. Advanced skills, certifications, and working in larger healthcare facilities often contribute to higher compensation.

Will AI take over inpatient coding jobs?

Inpatient coding involves reviewing medical records and assigning accurate diagnosis and procedure codes, a task that AI tools are increasingly supporting but not fully replacing. Human coders are essential for complex cases, quality assurance, and interpreting nuanced clinical information, making AI a complement rather than a complete substitute at this time.

What is inpatient coding?

Inpatient coding is the process of translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services provided during a patient's hospital stay into standardized codes, such as ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Inpatient coders review documentation from physicians and other healthcare providers to assign the most appropriate codes that reflect the care given. Accurate inpatient coding ensures hospitals are properly reimbursed and comply with regulations.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coding is experiencing a demand for qualified professionals due to the complexity of hospital billing and the need for accurate documentation. The field often offers job stability and opportunities for certification, such as CPC-H, which can enhance employability. Overall, there is a recognized need for skilled inpatient coders in healthcare settings.

What is the difference between Inpatient Coding vs Outpatient Coding?

AspectInpatient CodingOutpatient Coding
CredentialsAHIMA or AAPC certification, CPC or CCSSimilar certifications, CPC or CCS
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient centers
Industry UsageUsed for hospital inpatient recordsUsed for outpatient visits and procedures

Inpatient Coding and Outpatient Coding share similar credentials and are both essential in healthcare billing. Inpatient Coding focuses on hospital stays, requiring detailed coding of diagnoses and procedures during inpatient admissions. Outpatient Coding, on the other hand, covers outpatient visits and procedures, often with less complex documentation. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals choose the right specialization for their career and ensures accurate billing and reimbursement.

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 in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, usually supported by credentials such as RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software like 3M or TruCode is critical for efficient and accurate code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure compliance, accuracy, and timely billing. These skills are vital for ensuring proper reimbursement, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting hospital operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama? For Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama are:
Inpatient Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Coding job openings in Alabama as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $44,683 per year, or $21.5 per hour.
Inpatient Coder

Inpatient Coder

DCH Health System

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$20.25 - $24.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

DCH Health System rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Individual responsible for coding all hospital IP records for purposes of reimbursement, research, and compliance with federal regulations. Applies correct ICD-10CM diagnosis and /ICD-10PCS procedure codes and assigns appropriate DRG.  Coder must abstract statistical data from records into hospital abstracting system in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.  Individual must have knowledge of DRG’s and federal and state coding guidelines.


  1. Reviews patient’s entire current medical record and assigns appropriate ICD-10-CM diagnosis and ICD-10-   PCS procedure codes according to accepted coding guidelines and hospital’s policies and procedures.
  2. Assigns accurate DRG to patient’s record utilizing hospital encoding system.
  3. Accurately abstracts statistical data from records using hospital abstracting system in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
  4. Attends hospital sponsored educational programs and department coding meetings.
  5. Issues queries or send charts for query to clarify diagnoses in the patient’s medical record in compliance with hospital policies and guidelines.
  1. Participates in and practices lean management principles and processes.

 

DCH Standards:

  • Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation.
  • Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook
  • Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self.
  • Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees.
  • Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees.
  • Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees.
  • Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet.
  • Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures.
  • All other duties as assigned.

  1. Associates or bachelor’s degree in Health Information Technology from an AHIMA/CAHIIM accredited school or graduate of an AHIMA accredited medical coding program.
  2. A minimum of 3 years of experience in an acute care setting.
  3. Must pass DCH’s coding proficiency assessment for inpatient coders.
  4. Some encoder experience preferred.
  5. RHIA, RHIT, CCS preferred.
  6. Experience working remotely preferred.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS

 

WORK CONTEXT

 

  1. Requires the ability to work 8 hours quietly at a computer screen and keyboard/mouse.
  2. Must be able to meet deadlines as assigned.
  3. Requires the ability to withstand pressures of constant deadlines, audits, educational demands and changing healthcare environment.
  4. Must have ability to accept criticism and to deal calmly and effectively in high stress situations.  
  5. Must be able to communicate both verbally and in writing on a daily basis. 
  6. Must be able to participate in groups.
  7. Must be able to adapt to changes in work area as assigned. 
  8. Displays a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. 
  9. Ability to maintain confidentiality.

PHYSICAL FACTORS

  1. Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range. 
  2. Able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation. 
  3. This job is considered light work. Must be able to exert up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
  4. This job involves standing, walking, sitting, stooping, pushing, pulling, and crouching.
  5. Ability to lift up to 20 pounds occasionally and 10 pounds frequently.
  6. Must have good dexterity
  7. Should be able to reach and extend arms in any direction.

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