ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Inpatient Coding Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Cooper Thomas

Inpatient PTF Coders

Washington, DC · On-site +1

$23.75 - $28.75/hr

... coding, auditing, and training services to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has up to immediate openings for VA experienced Inpatient PTF Coders with at least 2 years of experience for (W-2 ...

Cooper Thomas

Inpatient PTF Coders

Washington, DC · Remote

$22.25 - $26.75/hr

... coding, auditing, and training services to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), has up to immediate openings for VA experienced Inpatient PTF Coders with at least 2 years of experience for (W-2 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsInpatient Coding JobsInpatient Coding Jobs in Washington, DC

Inpatient Coding information

See Washington, DC salary details

$17

$26

$38

How much do inpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient coding in Washington, DC is $26.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.65 and $28.56 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Washington, DC are:

Inpatient Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Coding job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 28% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,814 per year, or $26.8 per hour.

Coding Quality Review Specialist -Inpatient (CCS Required)

MedStar Health

Annapolis Junction, MD • On-site

$31.28 - $56.39/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Medstar Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 240 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

133rd of 896 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Inpatient Coding Quality Review Specialist

MedStar Health is seeking an experienced inpatient coder to join our Coding Quality Assurance team. The ideal candidate will have experience in inpatient coding, with auditing experience strongly preferred. Candidates must hold a current Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential through AHIMA.

In this role the Inpatient Coding Quality Review Specialist is responsible for providing expert review to ensure the quality and integrity of medical records. Responsibility includes validating ICD-10-CM/PCS codes by examining medical record documentation the assignment of present on admission (POA) indicators and discharge disposition status. Also responsible for reviewing Quality indicators which include MHACs, HACs, PSIs and Mortality reviews.

MedStar Health is a great place to work and grow your career. We provide a supportive and inclusive work environment, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, generous paid time off, tuition assistance, retirement plans, and many other benefits focused on your wellbeing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Assists with the development of system-specific coding guidelines as needed and participates in Quality review team meetings.
  • Uses knowledge of coding compliance plan to direct efforts to achieve plan by focusing on areas identified through coding reviews or targeted by management for improvement.
  • Helps select areas for focused quality reviews.
  • Meets established Quality, Accuracy and Productivity standards as defined by policies.
  • Provides/identifies trends to provide feedback to appropriate sources. Identifies and assists in areas to provide additional training/education under the direction of Manager.
  • Queries the medical staff and other caregivers as necessary to obtain accurate and complete physician documentation that supports the severity of the patient illness and risk of mortality
  • Performs retrospective reviews on coding staff. Reviews, analyzes and interprets medical record documentation to identify diagnoses and procedures. Assigns correct ICD 10-CM and ICD 10-PCS codes using standard guidelines and automated encoding software. Assigns the appropriate DRG.
  • Works closely with the Coding Quality Review team to identify areas for improvement and problematic cases.

Minimal Qualifications

  • High School Diploma or GED required
  • Vocational/Technical Degree or certificate. Associate in Health Information Management, Health Information Technology or similar degree with successful completion of medical terminology, Anatomy and Physiology and Coding courses in ICD-10 CM and PCS preferred

Experience

  • 1-2 years inpatient coding experience, preferably in an acute care setting required
  • 3-4 years Auditing experience preferred

Licenses and Certifications

  • AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association) CCS required
  • Certificate as a Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC AAPC) preferred

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong computer skills preferred.

This position has a hiring range of USD $31.28 - USD $56.39 /Hr.

What Medstar Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Medstar Health logo

About Medstar Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Medstar Health Jobs

Apply