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Medical Coder Jobs in Ames, IA (NOW HIRING)

HIM Supervisor

Iowa, IA · On-site

$40 - $50/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

HIM Coding & CDI Manager (Contract-to-Hire) Location (City, State): Hybrid - Must reside in Iowa ... This role is eligible for medical, dental, vision and 401k. About Our Client: Our client is a ...

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Medical Coder information

See Ames, IA salary details

$15

$21

$33

How much do medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coder in Ames, IA is $21.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.64 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is becoming a medical coder worth it?

Medical coding is a stable career that involves translating healthcare services into standardized codes using tools like ICD and CPT. It typically requires certification, such as the CPC, and offers opportunities for remote work and career advancement. The job has steady demand due to ongoing healthcare documentation needs.

What does a medical coder do?

A medical coder works in the billing department of doctor's offices, hospitals, or other medical facilities. Medical coders transfer healthcare claims into universal medical codes for insurance reimbursement. To work as a medical coder, you must have great attention to detail and a solid base knowledge of medical terminology, procedure and visit authorizations, and insurance billing procedures. Having a degree is not required, but many employers prefer candidates who have an associate degree in medical coding or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. When you first start in this job, your employer may have you shadow other billing staff members and be supervised when you submit your first few claims.

How much money do you make as a medical coder?

Medical coders typically earn a median annual salary of around $50,000 to $55,000, with entry-level positions starting lower and experienced coders earning more. Salaries can vary based on certification, experience, location, and work setting, such as hospitals or outpatient clinics.

Is medical coding still in demand?

Medical coding remains in high demand due to ongoing healthcare industry growth and the need for accurate medical record documentation. Certified coders with knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT are especially sought after, and employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.

Is it hard to get hired as a medical coder?

Getting hired as a medical coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong attention to detail improves job prospects. Employers often seek candidates with coding experience, familiarity with electronic health records, and knowledge of medical terminology. Entry-level positions are available, but some roles may require prior training or certification.

What is the difference between Medical Coder vs Medical Biller?

AspectMedical CoderMedical Biller
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), Certified Professional Biller (CPB)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician offices, insurance companiesMedical offices, billing companies, hospitals
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssigning codes to diagnoses and procedures based on medical recordsSubmitting claims, following up on payments, managing billing processes

Medical coders and medical billers work closely in healthcare revenue cycle management. While medical coders focus on translating medical records into standardized codes, medical billers handle the billing process to ensure healthcare providers are reimbursed. Both roles require understanding of healthcare documentation and often share certifications, but their core functions differ in coding versus billing tasks.

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

To thrive as a Medical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, often supported by a certification such as CPC, CCS, or CCA. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate and efficient code assignment. These skills are crucial to maximize reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce billing errors in healthcare settings.

What are some common challenges medical coders face when working with complex patient records?

Medical coders often encounter challenges when interpreting complex patient records, such as incomplete physician documentation or ambiguous medical terminology. Accurately assigning the correct codes requires strong attention to detail and frequent communication with healthcare providers to clarify information. Staying updated on coding guidelines and regulations is essential, as errors can impact billing and compliance. Many coders find that developing effective organizational habits and leveraging coding software helps manage these challenges efficiently.

What is a medical coder?

Medical coders are healthcare professionals who review clinical documents and translate medical diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Medical coders play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare providers are reimbursed correctly and that records comply with regulatory requirements. They must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and the coding systems used in healthcare, such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Ames, IA?

The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Ames, IA are:

What are popular job titles related to Medical Coder jobs in Ames, IA?

For Medical Coder jobs in Ames, IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Ames, IA are hiring for Medical Coder jobs?

Cities near Ames, IA with the most Medical Coder job openings:

Infographic showing various Medical Coder job openings in Ames, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, and 29% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,621 per year, or $21.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Mary Greeley Medical Center rating

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Job description

  • Position Summary
    • Ensures all actions taken in carrying out responsibilities support patient centered care. Under general supervision, performs routine and intensive respiratory care treatment, diagnostic testing, manages routine and critical care equipment, provides patient education and care planning, and assists with discharge planning for patient neonatal through geriatric. Key member of critical care response teams, include Code Blue, Rapid Response Team (ACT team), Trauma Alert, and Cardiac Alert.
  • Position Responsibilities

    • Unit Specific Position Responsibilities
      • Conducts training for new personnel and assists in developing and implementing continuing education programs. Advises respiratory care technicians and assistants.
      • Stocks patient care areas utilizing LEAN concepts.
      • Performs routine preventive maintenance on various pieces of equipment.
      • Assists with on-call responsibilities, as assigned.
      • Cleans, disinfects and sterilizes various pieces of equipment according to procedures. Assembles and checks equipment function prior to patient use.
      • Assessment: Observes and monitors signs, symptoms and reactions to respiratory care treatment and diagnostic testing, determines whether these exhibit normal or abnormal characteristics and consults with medical staff and other members of the health care team by making recommendations and suggesting changes as necessary.
      • Care Plan: Develop, implement, and monitor respiratory care plan.
      • Routine Therapy: Delivers aerosol therapy, medical gas therapy, chest physical therapy and postural drainage, and incentive breathing exercises. Initiates oxygen therapy per physician order or protocol and advises physician on options available. Periodically checks oxygen therapy delivery system and patient response.
      • Critical Care: Sets up, operates and troubleshoots mechanical ventilators, CPAP systems and headboxes in ICCU and NICU; checks such functions as flow, volumes, pressures, gas mixture and humidification system. Performs and interprets weaning parameters, determines patient's pulmonary compliance and advises physician of patient's ability to be weaned from mechanical ventilatory support during daily ICU Rounds.
      • Diagnostics: Performs bedside pulmonary function testing, exhaled gas analysis, ECG testing, and utilizes pulse oximetry to assess, adjust and wean oxygen therapy. Performs arterial blood gas collection, analysis, reporting, and
      • Airway Maintenance: Suctions patients, assits with tracheostomy care, conscious sedation support, and responds to emergency calls to provide airway maintenance.
      • External Transports: Coordinates and participates in the transport of certain types of patients by monitoring equipment and cardiopulmonary status of these patients.
      • Procedure Assist: Assists with special procedures such as bedside bronchoscopy.
      • Documentation: Maintains medical records and departmental records.
      • Emergency Response/Support: Key member of critical care response teams, include Code Blue, Rapid Response Team (ACT team), Trauma Alert, and Cardiac Alert.
      • Age Specific Care: Take into consideration the age, growth and development of the patient when planning and providing care and diagnostic procedures.
      • Advanced Training: With applicable training and competency assessment, assists with diagnostic bronchoscopies, complete pulmonary function studies including DLCO and TGV, Pulmonary Rehabilitiation, Sleep Studies and as a home medical equipment therapist. [See “Special Procedure Therapist”]
      • Assists with discharge planning and contributes to daily patient care conferences.
      • Participates in community educational programs, smoking cessation and pulmonary function testing to promote health awareness.
  • Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
    • Required Qualifications (Including any licensure, certification, education):
      • Complete Respiratory Therapy Program
      • Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree and,
      • Successfully complete registry level credentialing examinations offered by the National Board of Respiratory Care (NBRC)
      • Must be licensed as Respiratory Care Practitioner by the Iowa Department of Public Health.
      • Mandatory Reporter training within 90 days of hire and must maintain throughout employment.
      • Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification within six months of hire and must maintain throughout employment.
    • Organizational Requirements:
      • Maintain stroke education per regulatory requirements.
    •  
      Preferred Qualifications:
      • Registry-Level (RRT) credential through NBRC, licensed as RCP in state of Iowa DPH
    •  
      Required Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
      • Ability to demonstrate and maintain considerable cardiopulmonary care knowledge, patient routine and critical care, equipment, diagnostics, patient education, and care planning for the neonatal through geriatric patient.
    •  
      Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Experience:
      • Diverse training and experience in Cardiopulmonary Care in various setting, procedures, diagnostics, and critical care.
      • Two years experience in acute care.

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