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Inpatient Medical Coding Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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DRG Validation Specialist

Nashville, TN · On-site

$40 - $45/hr

... for inpatient coding across multiple HSCs * Assists in ensuring HSC coding staff adherence with coding guidelines and policy * Demonstrates and applies expert level knowledge of medical coding ...

EnableComp

DRG Validator/Reviewer (REMOTE)

Franklin, TN · On-site

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification required. * 2-3 years' experience in DRG validation, inpatient medical coding, or related coding review. * Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding ...

Enablecomp

DRG Validator/Reviewer (REMOTE)

Franklin, TN · Remote

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification required. * 2-3 years' experience in DRG validation, inpatient medical coding, or related coding review. * Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding ...

EnableComp

DRG Validator/Reviewer (REMOTE)

Franklin, TN · Remote

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification required. * 2-3 years' experience in DRG validation, inpatient medical coding, or related coding review. * Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding ...

Enablecomp

DRG Validator/Reviewer (REMOTE)

Franklin, TN · Remote

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certification required. * 2-3 years' experience in DRG validation, inpatient medical coding, or related coding review. * Strong understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding ...

Parallon

DRG Validation Auditor

Franklin, TN · On-site

... inpatient and/or outpatient coding across multiple HSCs * Assists in ensuring HSC coding staff adherence with coding guidelines and policy * Demonstrates and applies expert level knowledge of medical ...

Parallon

DRG Validation Auditor

Murfreesboro, TN · On-site

... inpatient and/or outpatient coding across multiple HSCs * Assists in ensuring HSC coding staff adherence with coding guidelines and policy * Demonstrates and applies expert level knowledge of medical ...

Parallon

DRG Validation Auditor

Lebanon, TN · On-site

... inpatient and/or outpatient coding across multiple HSCs * Assists in ensuring HSC coding staff adherence with coding guidelines and policy * Demonstrates and applies expert level knowledge of medical ...

Parallon

DRG Validation Auditor

Nashville, TN · On-site

... inpatient and/or outpatient coding across multiple HSCs * Assists in ensuring HSC coding staff adherence with coding guidelines and policy * Demonstrates and applies expert level knowledge of medical ...

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Inpatient Medical Coding information

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How much do inpatient medical coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient medical coding in Tennessee is $20.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $21.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is inpatient medical coding?

Inpatient medical coding is the process of translating the healthcare diagnoses, procedures, and services documented during a patient's hospital stay into standardized codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance reimbursement, and maintaining accurate patient records. Inpatient coders work primarily with ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code sets, focusing on records from hospital admissions rather than outpatient or clinic visits. Their work ensures compliance with regulations and helps healthcare providers receive proper compensation for services rendered.

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

To thrive as an Inpatient Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, medical terminology, anatomy, and compliance regulations, typically supported by a certification such as CCS or RHIT. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding software, and hospital billing platforms is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate coding, proper reimbursement, and compliance with healthcare regulations, all of which are critical for hospital operations.

What are some common challenges faced by inpatient medical coders and how can they be addressed?

Inpatient medical coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. To address these challenges, it’s important to regularly participate in continuing education, utilize available coding resources, and communicate closely with healthcare providers for clarification when documentation is unclear. Many organizations also foster collaboration among coding teams, which helps in sharing knowledge and resolving difficult cases efficiently.

What is the difference between Inpatient Medical Coding vs Outpatient Medical Coding?

AspectInpatient Medical CodingOutpatient Medical Coding
CredentialsCPHIM, CPC, CCSCPHIM, CPC, CCS
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient centers
Industry UsageInpatient hospital staysOutpatient visits and procedures
Job FocusDiagnoses, procedures for hospital staysProcedures, diagnoses for outpatient visits

Inpatient Medical Coding involves coding diagnoses and procedures for hospital stays, requiring detailed knowledge of inpatient records. Outpatient Medical Coding focuses on outpatient visits and procedures. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in healthcare billing, but they differ mainly in work environment and the type of patient encounters they cover.

How to become an inpatient medical coder?

To become an inpatient medical 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 Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) is often required or preferred. Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential for success in this role.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coding is experiencing a workforce shortage due to increasing healthcare documentation complexity and a growing demand for accurate coding. This has led to higher job opportunities, especially for certified coders with knowledge of ICD-10 and hospital coding systems. The shortage emphasizes the importance of certifications like CPC or CCS and ongoing training in medical coding standards.

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Inpatient Medical Coding jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Inpatient Medical Coding job openings:

Inpatient Medical Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Medical Coding job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,329 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

DRG Coder, Registered Nurse

Pivotal Placement Services

Brentwood, TN • Remote

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform in-depth DRG quality audits of inpatient medical records and validate DRG assignments against clinical documentation and coding guidelines.

  • Evaluate physician documentation to ensure clinical indicators support assigned diagnoses and procedures, and assess severity of illness, risk of mortality, and DRG impact.

  • Ensure compliance with Medicare, CMS, and payer-specific documentation and coding requirements, and document audit findings clearly and professionally.

Job description

DRG Coder, Registered Nurse

Remote | Full-Time | Healthcare | Clinical Documentation & Coding

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced DRG Coder / Clinical Auditor (RN) to conduct comprehensive DRG quality and validation audits of inpatient medical records. This role is critical in ensuring accurate DRG assignment, strong clinical documentation support, and compliance with Medicare and CMS regulations. The ideal candidate is highly analytical, clinically strong, and comfortable working independently in a production-driven audit environment.

You will play a key role in improving coding accuracy, reimbursement integrity, and regulatory compliance while providing clear, defensible audit findings.

Key Responsibilities DRG Validation & Chart Review
  • Perform in-depth DRG quality audits of inpatient medical records.
  • Validate DRG assignments against clinical documentation and coding guidelines.
  • Identify missed opportunities, discrepancies, and documentation gaps impacting reimbursement.
Clinical Documentation Review
  • Evaluate physician documentation to ensure clinical indicators appropriately support assigned diagnoses and procedures.
  • Apply strong clinical judgment to assess severity of illness, risk of mortality, and DRG impact.
Audit & Compliance
  • Ensure compliance with Medicare, CMS, and payer-specific documentation and coding requirements.
  • Identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities related to DRG accuracy and quality.
  • Support organizational initiatives focused on audit accuracy, compliance, and revenue integrity.
Coding Expertise
  • Apply extensive hands-on knowledge of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS, Coding Clinic guidance, and Official Coding Guidelines.
  • Utilize MS-DRG and APR-DRG methodologies when reviewing and validating records.
Communication & Reporting
  • Document audit findings clearly, concisely, and professionally.
  • Communicate results and rationale effectively to internal stakeholders as required.
Additional Duties
  • Support other documentation, coding, and audit-related activities as assigned.
Required Qualifications Licensure
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license required
    (Non-RN candidates will not be considered)
Experience
  • Minimum of 2 years of recent DRG quality auditing experience in a hospital or health plan setting.
  • Extensive hands-on inpatient ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS coding experience required.
Certifications
  • National coding certification required (AHIMA or AAPC).
  • CCS, CIC, or equivalent strongly preferred.
Technical Knowledge
  • Proficiency in Medicare and CMS documentation and coding guidelines.
  • Strong understanding of MS-DRG and APR-DRG methodologies.
  • Advanced familiarity with Coding Clinic citations and Official Coding Guidelines.
Soft Skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail and analytical accuracy.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • Clear, professional written and verbal communication.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, production-driven environment.
Tools
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Compensation

Pay Range: $90,000 – $104,841

Compensation is based on location, experience, qualifications, and internal equity. Final compensation may vary following the interview and assessment process.

Who We Are

Headquartered in Central Florida, Pivotal Placement Services is a full-service national workforce solutions firm specializing in healthcare talent—from frontline staff to executive leadership—in both clinical and non-clinical roles. We deliver customer-focused staffing solutions through Direct Placement and MSP/VMS partnerships nationwide.