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Inpatient Medical Coding Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Medical coding from CPC, CCS, and/or CDC certificate is REQUIRED * Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC) Or AHIMA Inpatient certification highly desired * Prior to moving forward to the team interview, all ...

Current BLS from the American Heart Association (be sure to include the AHA logo and QR Code). * Minimum of 1 year full-time experience as an inpatient Med Surg RN (most recent experience within the ...

Coder III - Hospital Coding

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$34.74 - $52.12/hr

Utilizes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, 3M encoding software, coding conventions, and local medical review policy to provide coding for inpatient and/or outpatient medical ...

Coder III - Hospital Coding

Vancouver, WA · Remote

$34.74 - $52.12/hr

Utilizes knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, 3M encoding software, coding conventions, and local medical review policy to provide coding for inpatient and/or outpatient medical ...

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Inpatient Medical Coding information

See Portland, OR salary details

$16

$23

$36

How much do inpatient medical coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient medical coding in Portland, OR is $23.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.13 and $25.48 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 near Portland, OR are hiring for Inpatient Medical Coding jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Inpatient Medical Coding job openings:

Infographic showing various Inpatient Medical Coding job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,460 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Family Medicine Coder (Coding Specialist 2)

Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, OR • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Oregon Health & Science University rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 95 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

171st of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department Overview

This level 2 coding position provides support to the Enterprise Coding Department for coding of physician fees. This position requires experience in coding and requires certification with AAPC or AHIMA.

Function/Duties of Position

Coding

  • Review clinical documentation of services to be coded in EPIC, and any other source of documentation available to ensure compliance with the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
  • Assign correct CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS codes for professional charges, which could include all E&M services including outpatient and inpatient; diagnostic services; procedural services; and/or Charge Routers and Charge entry.
  • Establish and maintain procedures and other controls necessary in carrying out all procedure and diagnostic coding and insurance billing activity for applicable work queues assigned professional services at OHSU.
  • Monitor activity for compliance with federal and/or state laws regarding correct coding set forth by CMS and Oregon Medical Assistance program (OMAP).
  • Coordinate all billing information and ensure that all information is complete and accurate.
  • Ability to maintain supportive and open communication with coding supervisor and team leads regarding coding issues and priority coding responsibilities assigned.
  • Develop and disseminate written procedures to facilitate and improve billing and coding processes for the department, and to train, support, orientate, and mentor coding staff as necessary.

Department Support

  • Serve as a resource to ERC outpatient coding leadership and coding team for a broad range of billing policy and procedure issues.
  • Attend coding meetings and seminars and shares knowledge with other coders. Participates in EC Huddles.
  • In collaboration with Enterprise Coding Leadership, develop and disseminate written procedures to facilitate and improve billing and documentation processes.
  • In collaboration with Leadership, make recommendations and implement remedial actions for problems
  • Monitor coding and billing information from newsletters, memos, and transmittals from coding publishers and government agencies to advise physicians of billing practice changes in CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS
  • Participate in Enterprise Coding education sessions, Kaizen events, maintain CEUs, stay informed of current trends in coding.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications
  • High School diploma or GED.

  • Minimum two years of hospital or professional services experience reviewing, abstracting, and coding medical records using ICD-10-CM and CPT coding.

  • Certification in one of the following coding certification from AAPC or AHIMA:

    • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

    • Active AHIMA membership may be required for some positions.

    • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) through the American Academy of Professional Coders; OR

    • Equivalent certification.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Accredited Coding Program required: AAPC Boot Camp, AHIMA Coding Boot Camp.
  • Knowledge of OPPS guidelines and both CPT Inpatient and Outpatient coding guidelines. CCI edits and familiarity with medical necessity guidelines, NCD and LCD requirements.
  • Experience using an EMR.
  • Knowledge of CPT, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS, Federal Register, Federal and State insurance billing laws and Mandates.
  • Proficiency with word processing and Excel spreadsheets.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to effectively communicate with individuals at all levels, physicians, nurses, administrative management, etc.
  • Ability to work as a team player.
  • Must be able to pass internal coding test.
  • Some college course work or education in classes related to anatomy/physiology, medical terminology, CPT and ICD-10-CM coding.
  • Experience using EPIC, 3M encoder.
Additional Details

Days of work are variable, could include rotating weekend days. Department Core hours are Monday - Friday, 5:00am -10:00pm (with some flexibility available). Regularly scheduled work hours are required and are allowed within the Core Hours.

This position is a telecommuting position.

Benefits

  • Healthcare for full-time employees covered 100% and 88% for dependents.
  • $50K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee.
  • Two separate above market pension plans to choose from.
  • Vacation - up to 200 hours per year dependent on length of service.
  • Sick Leave - up to 96 hours per year.
  • 9 paid holidays per year.
  • Substantial Tri-Met and C-Tran discounts.
  • Employee Assistance Program.
  • Childcare service discounts.
  • Tuition reimbursement.
  • Employee discounts to local and major businesses.
Why apply to OHSU?We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact askhr@ohsu.eduEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Oregon Health & Science University

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a distinguished institution under the industry of higher education and healthcare, specifically in the field of medical science. Based in Portland, Oregon, US, it maintains a reputation for promoting research, teaching, patient care, and outreach. Established in 1887, OHSU has continually sought to redefine the parameters of healthcare delivery and biomedical discovery through its expansive catalog of programs and initiatives. A galvanizing mission drives OHSU: to improve the health and quality of life for all Oregonians through excellence, innovation, and leadership in health care, education, and research.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Portland, OR, US

Year founded

1887