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Inpatient Coding Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

UAB Medicine

Physician Assistant - Neurosurgery

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$93K - $127K/yr

The Advanced Practice Provider will function as an autonomous provider supporting the inpatient ... Code) or under supervision of a Board-Certified Physician (Section 540-X-7 of the Alabama Board of ...

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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 Jul 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.

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 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.

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:
Inpatient Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Coding job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 17% 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.
Clinical Documentation Specialist-Medical Records-FT-1st shift

Clinical Documentation Specialist-Medical Records-FT-1st shift

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$34.50 - $46.25/hr

Other

Posted 16 days ago

Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 206 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

729th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS) implements clinical documentation improvement (CDI) activities in an effort to support accuracy and quality of the patient records at CHS facilities and to ensure that coded diagnoses are an accurate reflection of the patient's clinical status and care. The role of the CDI specialist involves reviewing the medical record documentation and clinical indicators and working with providers to ensure a complete and accurate medical record. An accurate medical record is important for the patient, for continuity of care by the next provider, and to demonstrate high quality care by the physician and the hospital. The CDI Specialist will identify potential gaps in clinical documentation for inpatient and payer populations as directed throughout the hospitalization. He/she will also educate physicians and key healthcare providers regarding clinical documentation improvement and the need for accurate and complete documentation in the health record.

Qualifications

Education:  At least one of the following is required:   BSN, RN, or comparable clinical degree

Experience:

  • Must possess at least five years of acute hospital nursing experience (e.g. medical/surgical unit, intensive care). Experience in Utilization Management/Case Management, Critical Care, patient outcomes/quality management and/or inpatient coding considered a plus.
  • Prior experience in clinical documentation improvement, ICD coding and MS-DRGs preferred.
  • Prior experience educating physicians/providers preferred.
  • Previous experience working in a clinical documentation improvement department or as a consultant strongly encouraged.
  • Minimum of one-year auditing experience strongly encouraged.
  • This individual must possess a comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, disease processes and clinical competency.
  • Candidate must possess excellent communication (verbal and written), interpersonal, collaboration and relationship-building skills.  Strong critical thinking skills and ability to integrate knowledge is necessary. Prioritization and organizational skills required.  Must exhibit the ability to educate members of the healthcare team about clinical documentation.  Individual must demonstrate data quality and integrity skills.
  • To perform this job successfully, an individual should have strong working knowledge of word processing software, spreadsheet software and reporting software.  Also, experience working with encoder software, clinical documentation improvement software and the electronic medical record is preferred
  • English is required for both verbal and written communication.  Ability to communicate effectively at a high level is required

Licenses/Certificates: At least one of the following is required:   BSN, RN, or comparable clinical degree. In addition, the following are highly desired:  RHIT, RHIA, CDIP, CCDS, CCS and ICD-10 certification or designation

Employment Type: OTHER

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