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Inpatient Coding Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

... Tech Specialty Inpatient Job ID 18898839 Job Title CT Tech - Inpatient Weekly Pay $2081.0 Shift ... City Birmingham State AL Zip Code 35209 Job Board Disclaimer Equal Employment Opportunity: Pride ...

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Inpatient Coding information

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$14

$21

$30

How much do inpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inpatient coder?

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 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 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.

Does inpatient coding pay more?

Inpatient coding professionals often earn higher salaries compared to outpatient coders due to the complexity of inpatient medical records and coding requirements. Factors such as experience, certifications like CPC or CCS, and work setting can also influence pay rates. Overall, inpatient coding tends to be a higher-paying specialization within medical coding roles.

How do you become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing 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, and familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama?

The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Alabama are:

Infographic showing various Inpatient Coding job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,683 per year, or $21.5 per hour.

Registered Nurse (RN) - CDI (Hybrid)

Conifer Health Solutions

Anniston, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 17 days ago


Conifer Health Solutions rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 154 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

569th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description


JOB SUMMARY
Responsible for reviewing medical records to facilitate and obtain appropriate physician documentation for any clinical conditions or procedures to support the appropriate severity of illness, expected risk of mortality, and complexity of care of the patient, by improving the quality of the physicians' clinical documentation. Exhibits a sufficient knowledge of clinical documentation requirements, MS-DRG Assignment, and clinical conditions and/or procedures.
Educates members of the patient care team regarding documentation guidelines, including the following: attending physicians, allied health practitioners, nursing, and case management.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Include the following. Others may be assigned.
1. Record Review:
• Completes initial medical records reviews of patient records within 24-48 hours of admission for a specified patient population to: (a) evaluate documentation to assign the principal diagnosis, pertinent secondary diagnoses, and procedures for accurate MS-DRG assignment, risk of mortality and severity of illness; and (b) record in business partner designated CDI tool and/or host medical record system.
• Conducts follow-up reviews of patients every 24-48 hours or as needed up through discharge to support assigned working MS-DRG assignment upon patient discharge, as necessary.
• Formulate physician queries regarding missing, unclear, or conflicting health record documentation by requesting and obtaining additional documentation within the health record, as necessary.
• Collaborates with providers, case managers, nursing staff and other ancillary staff regarding documentation and to resolve physician queries prior to discharge.
2.CDI
• Communicates/Completes Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) activities and coding issues (lacking documentation, physician queries, etc.) for appropriate follow-up, provider education and DRG Miss-Match reconciliation.
• Assists with Provider education, rounding and communication regarding open queries for resolution.
3. Professional Development: Stays current with AHA Official Coding and Reporting Guidelines, CMS and other agency directives for ICD10-CM and PCS coding. Attends CDI Boot camp, CDI/coding trainings annually and quarterly for inpatient coding. Attends monthly education lecture series (MELS) and all CDI/coding assigned learn share modules as well as any additional required CDI education.
4. Assist in training department staff new to CDI
5. Performs other duties as assigned
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • CDI Specialist must display teamwork and commitment while performing daily duties
  • Must demonstrate initiative and discipline in time management and medical record review.
  • Travel may be required to meet the needs of the facilities.
  • Proficient knowledge of disease pathophysiology and drug utilization
  • Intermediate knowledge of MS-DRG classification and reimbursement structures
  • Critical thinking, problem solving and deductive reasoning skills.
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Excellent computer skills including MS Word/Excel
  • Knowledge of coding compliance and regulatory standards
  • Excellent organizational skills for initiation and maintenance of efficient workflow
  • Regular and reliable attendance
  • Capacity to work independently in facility on-site setting.
  • Capacity to work independently in a virtual office setting if required for specific assignment.
  • Exhibit flexibility as needed to meet program needs.
  • Understand and communicate documentation strategies.
  • Recognize opportunities for documentation improvement.
  • Formulate clinically, compliant credible queries.
  • Ability to successfully comply to robust auditing and CDI program monitoring
  • Ability to apply coding conventions, official guidelines, and Coding Clinic advice to health record documentation.
Conifer requires its candidates, as applicable and as permitted by law, to obtain and provide confirmation of all required vaccinations and screenings prior to the start of employment. This may include, but is not limited to, the COVID-19 vaccination, influenza vaccination, and/or any future required vaccines and screenings.
EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE
Include minimum education, technical training, and/or experience required to perform the job.
  • Preferred: Acute Care nursing and/or Provider relevant experience
  • Zero (0) to two (2) years CDI experience
  • Two (2) plus years' nursing experience - Medical/Surgical/Intensive Care and/or Case/Utilization Review
  • Two (2) plus years' Provider experience - Medical/Surgical/Intensive Care and/or Case/Utilization Review
  • Graduate from a Nursing program, BSN, or graduate program; OR
  • Graduate from Medical Doctor and/or Foreign Medical Doctor Program
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
  • Active state Registered Nurse license; OR
  • Graduate MD and/or FMD license
  • Preferred: CDIP or CCDS
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Ability to sit for extended periods of time.
  • Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
  • Must be able to efficiently use computer keyboard and mouse.
  • Good visual acuity
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
OTHER
  • Must be able to travel as needed, not to exceed 10%.

As a part of the Tenet and Catholic Health Initiatives family, Conifer Health brings 30 years of healthcare industry expertise to clients in more than 135 local regions nationwide. We help our clients strengthen their financial and clinical performance, serve their communities, and succeed at the business of healthcare. Conifer Health helps organizations transition from volume to value-based care, enhance the consumer and patient healthcare experience and improve quality, cost, and access to healthcare. Are you ready to be part of our solutions? Welcome to the company that gives you the resources and incentives to redefine healthcare services, with a competitive benefits package and leadership to take your career to the next step!

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