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Inpatient Lead Coder Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Addison Group

HIM Supervisor

Iowa, IA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

Inpatient and outpatient coding teams * Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) * Release of ... Opportunity to lead and develop a strong HIM team. * Work with an established Addison Group client.

Soliant Health

Interim DOP - Hospital

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$125K - $166K/yr

Lead and support a team of 3 pharmacists and 4 pharmacy technicians * Manage staffing, budgeting ... Recent inpatient hospital pharmacy experience * Previous pharmacy management or Director of ...

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Inpatient Lead Coder information

What is an inpatient lead coder?

Inpatient Lead Coders are specialized medical coding professionals who oversee and coordinate the coding of patient records for hospital inpatient services. They ensure that diagnoses and procedures are accurately translated into standardized medical codes for billing and record-keeping. In addition to coding, they often review the work of other coders, provide training and guidance, and help resolve complex coding issues to ensure compliance with regulations and quality standards. Their expertise is essential for accurate reimbursement and maintaining data integrity in healthcare organizations.

What are the typical challenges faced by an inpatient lead coder when managing a coding team?

Inpatient Lead Coders often face the challenge of balancing high-quality coding standards with productivity targets while overseeing a team. They must stay updated on frequent regulatory changes and ensure the team is compliant with the latest coding guidelines, such as ICD-10 and DRG assignments. Additionally, they handle complex cases, provide education to team members, and act as a liaison between coders, clinical staff, and management to resolve discrepancies. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to navigate these responsibilities effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inpatient lead coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inpatient Lead Coder, you need in-depth knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, medical terminology, and a relevant certification such as RHIA, RHIT, or CCS. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding software, and auditing tools is typically required. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate coding for reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and the overall integrity of patient data in a hospital setting.

What is the difference between Inpatient Lead Coder vs Inpatient Coder?

AspectInpatient Lead CoderInpatient Coder
CertificationsAHIMA CCS or AAPC CPC-H, CPC, or CCSSame as Lead Coder
Work EnvironmentSupervises and reviews work of inpatient coders, often in hospital settingsPerforms inpatient coding tasks under supervision, in hospital or healthcare facilities
ResponsibilitiesLead coding projects, quality assurance, mentoringAssigning codes, ensuring accuracy, compliance

The main difference between an Inpatient Lead Coder and an Inpatient Coder is the level of responsibility. The Lead Coder oversees coding quality, mentors staff, and manages projects, while the Inpatient Coder focuses on accurately assigning codes for inpatient records. Both roles require similar certifications and work in hospital environments, but the Lead Coder has additional leadership duties.

Infographic showing various Inpatient Lead Coder job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution.

PA/ARNP Hospitalist - Emergency Response Team

Iowa City, IA • On-site

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinicsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

University Of Iowa Health Care rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 64 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Description
The line is 100% (1 FTE), 12-hour shifts, and this position would be day/night rotating based on the department's needs.
BASIC DUTIES:
  • Function independently in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and care plan for acutely decompensating patients in the inpatient and outpatient setting.
  • Respond to nursing and provider concerns, assess patients for acute change in clinical status, and institute appropriate interventions.
  • Promote evidence-based care and guidelines, including BLS and ACLS, and post-cardiac arrest care.
  • Provide patient care on inpatient units, proactively round on high-acuity patients, and lead Code Blue events and Rapid Response events. The goal of this clinical service includes early identification of deteriorating patients, prompt intervention, and transfer to the appropriate level of care. The ultimate goal is to reduce the length of patient stay, decrease transfers to the ICU, and improve patient survival.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Provision of Medical Care and Collaboration with Multidisciplinary Care Team:
  • Perform overall medical care and medical management for inpatients. Exercise autonomy in medical decision-making under a collaborative practice agreement.
    Proactively round on high acuity patients and discuss recommendations with the primary team and nursing staff to develop a patient care plan.
  • Respond to adult Rapid Response events by leading a multidisciplinary team.
  • Respond to adult Code Blue events by leading a multidisciplinary team.
  • Independently respond to outpatient adult Code Stroke alerts and facilitate triage for further management.
  • Assist with appropriate documentation.
  • Lead staff debrief meetings following adult Code Blue events.
  • Following a Code Blue or Rapid Response event, communicate with primary team and nursing staff to ensure smooth transition of care and hand off when patients are transferred to other units.
  • Discuss treatment options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions. Initiate goals of care discussion with patients and their families where appropriate.
  • Perform and record a medical history and physical examination.
  • Order and interpret laboratory tests, imagining studies, and other related studies.
  • Prescribe, order and administer medications.
  • Direct other medical personnel and health professionals in the execution of evidence-based patient care.

Compliance with Internal Policies and External Regulations for Safe and Effective Care Delivery and Health Profession and Education:
  • Accurately and appropriately complete documentation of patient care in the EMR and other records for compliance, billing and other regulatory standards.
  • Participate and/or lead in quality, safety, and process improvement activities.
  • Participate in education, training and simulation sessions.

Education/ Health/ Promotion/ Research:
  • Provide education to patients and their families.
  • Enhance and support the clinical educational experience of trainees including medical students, residents and other health professional learners.
  • Participate in ongoing research and professional development of self and other staff. Serve on committees to enhance patient care and operations.

Administration/ Human Resources Management:
  • Assure effective communication/collaboration with all team members in the delivery of care.
  • Follow prescribed practices in communicating and elevating any quality and patient safety concerns. Coach and recognize team members whenever appropriate.
  • Participate in the UI Health Care APP Council and professional activities in the department, hospital, community and professional organizations.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS
  • Physician Assistant (PA): Must comply with registration and licensure requirements as specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners which include graduation from an accredited PA educational program and/or certification by the NCCPA.
  • Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP): A Master's degree or Doctorate degree in nursing is required.
  • ARNP - Board certified and registered as an ARNP in state of Iowa.
  • ARNP - Current license to practice nursing in the State of Iowa is required.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills are required.
  • Reasonable experience in an Intensive Care setting in the last 5-7 years is highly desirable. Recent intensive care internship or practicum will be considered. Emergency Medicine experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of effective strategies for working with faculty, staff, and students from a variety of backgrounds and perspectives.
  • Experience providing overall medical care and provide medical management for patients in an inpatient setting is highly desirable.
  • Experience exercising autonomy in medical decision-making and services provided is highly desirable.
  • Experience managing length of stay, improve resource utilization and decrease costs to patients and the institution while providing personalized care is highly desirable.
  • Knowledge of UI Health Care policy and procedures is desirable.

Position and Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" to the submission:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact michaela-davis-1@uiowa.edu.

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