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Medical Coder Trainee Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

None Zip Code: 50613 Travel Percentage: 0 COMPENSATION INFORMATION: The pay range provided is not ... MEDICAL AND PRESCRIPTION PLANS EFFECTIVE ON YOUR START DATE. * Comprehensive healthcare benefits.

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance * Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid ... Basic computer skills Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area code.

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance * Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid ... Basic computer skills Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area code.

Medical, Dental, Vision, and Prescription Drug Insurance * Health and Wellness Incentives * Paid ... Basic computer skills Considered candidates will receive a phone call from a (952) area code.

This position performs production within prescribed codes, and according to prescribed procedures ... Medical, Dental & Vision coverage * 401(k) with Company Match * Continuing Education & Tuition ...

This position performs production within prescribed codes, and according to prescribed procedures ... Medical, Dental & Vision coverage * 401(k) with Company Match * Continuing Education & Tuition ...

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Medical Coder Trainee information

See Iowa salary details

$14

$21

$32

How much do medical coder trainee jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coder trainee in Iowa is $21.06, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.92 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a medical coder trainee?

Medical Coder Trainees are entry-level professionals who are learning how to convert healthcare diagnoses, procedures, medical services, and equipment into standardized codes. They work under the supervision of experienced medical coders or billing professionals as they gain practical experience and knowledge. Their primary role is to ensure accurate and efficient coding for billing and insurance purposes, following current coding guidelines and healthcare regulations. Trainees often participate in on-the-job training, educational courses, and may prepare for certification exams.

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

To thrive as a Medical Coder Trainee, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by a certificate in medical coding or related coursework. Familiarity with ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, as well as proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) and billing software, is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to work independently are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial to ensure accurate coding, regulatory compliance, and efficient reimbursement processes in healthcare organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by medical coder trainees during their initial months on the job?

Medical Coder Trainees often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex medical documentation accurately and familiarizing themselves with various coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS. Adjusting to productivity and accuracy standards while balancing the pressure of meeting deadlines can also be demanding. Additionally, trainees may need to develop effective communication skills to collaborate with healthcare providers and clarify documentation ambiguities. Supportive mentorship and consistent practice are key to overcoming these initial hurdles.

What is the difference between Medical Coder Trainee vs Medical Coder?

AspectMedical Coder TraineeMedical Coder
CertificationsTypically none or in progressCertified CPC, CCS, or equivalent
Work ExperienceEntry-level, on-the-job trainingUsually 1+ years of experience
Work EnvironmentSupervised training settingIndependent coding tasks in healthcare facilities
Job ResponsibilitiesLearning coding guidelines, shadowingAssigning codes, ensuring accuracy

The main difference between a Medical Coder Trainee and a Medical Coder is experience and certification. Trainees are in training, often without certifications, working under supervision. Medical Coders are experienced professionals with certifications, handling independent coding tasks in healthcare settings.

Can I get a medical coder trainee job with no experience?

Medical coder trainee positions often do not require prior experience, as they are designed for individuals new to the field. Candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, and completing a coding training program or certification can improve job prospects. On-the-job training is common, and familiarity with coding software and medical terminology is beneficial.

How to become a medical coder trainee?

To become a medical coder trainee, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a medical coding training program or course. Gaining knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and passing a certification exam such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can improve job prospects. Some employers may also offer on-the-job training for entry-level trainees.

How to get your first job as a medical coder?

To secure your first medical coder position, complete a recognized coding training program and obtain relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level roles, along with strong attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems, increases your chances of employment.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Medical Coder Trainee jobs in Iowa?

For Medical Coder Trainee jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Medical Coder Trainee jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Medical Coder Trainee jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Medical Coder Trainee jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Medical Coder Trainee job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Coder Trainee job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,805 per year, or $21.1 per hour.

Coding Representative (CDFT) - Physician/Hospital Accounts Receivable Management (P/HARM) - PFS

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site, Remote

$17 - $21.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New


University Of Iowa rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 85 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

464th of 629 rated colleges and universities


Job description

University of Iowa Health Care's department of Patient Financial Services is seeking a Coding Representative for an entry-level financial and insurance related position in the healthcare industry.   In this role, you will review coding denials and determine if you need to assign new ICD-10 codes and CPT codes for professional outpatient services and professional inpatient services.  The Coding Denial Follow Up Team (CDFT) Medical Coder will provide exceptional customer service to our external customers: patients, insurance contacts, etc; as well as internal customers. 

This position is eligible to participate in remote work and applicants who wish to work remotely will be considered.  Training will be held either ONSITE or via Hybrid (Inhouse/Zoom) from the HSSB building at a length determined by the supervisor.  Remote eligibility will be evaluated upon a satisfactory job training opportunity.  Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

University of Iowa Health Care - recognized as one of the best hospitals in the United States-is Iowa's only comprehensive academic medical center and a regional referral center. Each day more than 12,000 employees, students, and volunteers work together to provide safe, quality health care and excellent service for our patients. Simply stated, our mission is: Changing Medicine. Changing Lives. 

WE CARE Core Values:

  • Welcoming - We have an environment where everyone has a voice that is heard; that promotes the dignity of our patients, trainees, and employees; and allows all to thrive in their health, work, research, and education.

  • Excellence - We achieve and deliver our personal and collective best in the pursuit of quality and accessible health care, education, and research.

  • Collaboration - We collaborate with health care systems, providers, and communities across Iowa and the region as well as within our UI community. We believe teamwork-guided by compassion-is the best way to work.

  • Accountability - We behave ethically, act with fairness and integrity, take responsibility for our own actions, and respond when errors in behavior or judgment occur.

  • Respect - We create an environment where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected, supporting the well-being and success of all members of our community.

  • Empowerment - We commit to fair access to research, health care, and education for our community and opportunities for personal and professional growth for our staff and learners.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Review medical records to assign CPT/HCPCS and/or ICD-10-CM/PCS diagnosis and procedure codes consistent with coding compliance policies, ICD-10-CM/PCS Official Coding Guidelines and regulatory guidelines.

  • Monitor compliance/coding standards and policies to ensure UI Health Care receives full and accurate reimbursement for services that comply with HIPAA as well as coding and payment rules/regulations. 

  • Resolve claims from an assigned work-queue to ensure that all claims are worked within the timely filling/appeal guidelines.

  • Determine if appropriate payment has been made by various entities; and/or work with patients and insurance companies, government entities (such as Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) to obtain correct payments; and/or appeal claim payments/denials.

  • Perform denial management, research, obtain proper documentation to support resolution of overpayment, resolving credit balances and to resolve outstanding accounts receivable by interacting with third-party entities via websites, telephone, or written inquiries.

  • Identify & report undesirable trends and reimbursement modeling errors or underlying causes of incorrect payment; review allowed variances from third party payers.

  • Be expected to maintain a high-level of accuracy to meet productivity and quality requirements.

  • Identify trends and/or work processes for potential process improvements.

  • Review and analyze report data to provide status updates to leadership. 

  • Communicate with providers, payers, patients, internal departments, co-workers and Coordinator's to resolve issues.

  • Communicate changes in payor policies and denial trends; escalates claim payment delays as appropriate.

Classification Title: Coding Representative (CDFT)

Department: Patient Financial Services (PHARM)

Percent of Time: 100%

Schedule: Monday - Friday 

Pay Grade: 2B

Location: Hospital Support Services Building (HSSB)

This position is eligible to participate in remote work and applicants who wish to work remotely will be considered.  Training will be held either ONSITE or via Hybrid (Inhouse/Zoom) from the HSSB building at a length determined by the supervisor.  Remote eligibility will be evaluated upon a satisfactory job training opportunity.  Per policy, work arrangements will be reviewed annually and must comply with the remote work program and related policies and employee travel policy when working at a remote location.

Equipment:

  • Onsite - The department will provide a workstation which contains 3 (three) monitors, laptop/power cord, docking station/power cord, keyboard, mouse, headset, and desk supplies can be found in the supply closet.

  • Hybrid - while working onsite, the department will provide a workstation which contains 3 (three) monitors, a laptop/power cord, docking station/power cord, keyboard, mouse, headset, and desk supplies. When working offsite, the employee will take their laptop/power cord to carry back and forth, a second docking station/power cord to keep offsite. Prior to working offsite, the employee, at their own expense, will need to supply 2 (two) monitors, in addition to the university-issued laptop, which will serve as a third monitor due to its built-in camera function, a keyboard, and a mouse. Employees will be required to provide a photo of the domicile office setup and perform an internet speed test by visiting https://www.speedtest.net/ with a minimum 30mb download and 10mb upload reflecting a University of Iowa IP address, then providing a screenshot of the speed test to HR.  The employee's remote workstation should replicate the onsite setup as if they were working onsite at HSSB.

  • Remote - when working offsite, the department will provide the employee a laptop/power cord, docking station/power cord, headset. Prior to working offsite and at their own expense, the employee will be required to obtain or possess 2 (two) monitors, in addition to the university-issued laptop, which will serve as a third monitor due to its built-in camera function, a keyboard, and a mouse. Employees will be required to provide a photo of the domicile office setup and perform an internet speed test by visiting https://www.speedtest.net/ with a minimum 30mb download and 10mb upload reflecting a University of Iowa IP address, then providing a screenshot of the speed test to HR.  The employee's remote workstation should replicate the onsite setup as if they were working onsite at HSSB.

Education Required:

  • Bachelor's degree; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certification Required

  • Certification as RHIT, RHIA, CPC, CCS, CCSP, or equivalent through a nationally recognized credentialing body such as AHIMA or AAPC.

Required Qualifications:

  • Related customer service experience (typically 6 months or more) in a professional, financial, health care or medical related environment.

  • Strong attention to detail with a proven ability to gather and analyze data and keep accurate records.

  • Proficiency with computer software applications, i.e. Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) or comparable programs and an ability to quickly learn and apply new systems knowledge.

  • Demonstrated ability to handle complex and ambiguous situations with minimal supervision.

  • Self-motivated with initiative to seek out additional responsibilities, tasks and projects.

  • Medical terminology knowledge.

  • Basic knowledge and understanding of HIPAA laws and regulations.

Desirable Qualifications: 

  • 1-3 years' experience with medical coding and/or billing preferred, will consider applicants with less experience.

  • Knowledge, understanding and/or experience with CMS regulations or industry standards.

  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology.

  • Experience maintaining professionalism while handling difficult situations with callers or customers.

  • Demonstrated ability to maintain or improve established productivity and quality requirements.

  • Basic knowledge of healthcare billing (healthcare revenue cycle); insurance, and/or federal and state assistance programs.

Application Process: In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a "Relevant File" for the submission:

  • Resume

  • (optional) 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. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the date of closing.

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 Veronica Clark at veronica-clark@uiowa.edu.

Applicant Resource Center: Need help submitting an application or accepting an offer? Support is available!

Our Applicant Resource Center is now open in the Fountain Lobby at the Main Hospital. 

Hours:

  • Monday 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

  • Tuesday 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

  • Wednesday 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

  • Thursday 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

  • Friday 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m.

Or by appointment - Contact TAHealthCareSupport@healthcare.uiowa.edu to schedule an appointment or just stop by.

Visit the website for more information: Application Resource Center | University of Iowa Health Care 


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