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Medical Coding Associate Jobs in Memphis, TN (NOW HIRING)

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Medical Coding Associate information

See Memphis, TN salary details

$23.3K

$56.8K

$131.1K

How much do medical coding associate jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical coding associate in Memphis, TN is $56,772.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,500.00 and $67,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get an Associates in medical coding?

A Medical Coding Associate typically refers to a role that requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, but an associate degree in medical coding is not always required. Many professionals complete certificate programs or training courses to qualify for entry-level positions, though some employers may prefer or require an associate degree in health information technology or a related field. Certification from organizations like AAPC or AHIMA can also enhance job prospects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Coding Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Coding Associate, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, often supported by certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with medical billing software, electronic health records (EHRs), and coding databases is essential for daily tasks. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective written communication are vital soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and compliance. These skills ensure proper claims processing, minimize errors, and support the financial health of healthcare organizations.

How can I get a medical coding job with no experience?

Medical Coding Associates can often start with minimal experience by completing a coding training program or certification, such as the CPC from AAPC. Gaining familiarity with coding software and medical terminology, along with entry-level certifications, can improve job prospects even without prior work experience.

Is an associate's degree in medical billing and coding worth it?

For a Medical Coding Associate, obtaining an associate's degree in medical billing and coding can improve job prospects and earning potential by providing foundational knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems, and healthcare regulations. Many employers prefer or require certification such as CPC or CCS, which are often easier to obtain with formal education. Overall, the degree can be a valuable investment for entering and advancing in the medical coding field.

What is a medical coding associate?

A medical coding associate is a professional responsible for reviewing healthcare documentation and assigning standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services for billing and record-keeping. They typically use coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT and may need certification such as CPC to perform their duties accurately.

What are some common challenges Medical Coding Associates face and how can they overcome them?

Medical Coding Associates often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequent coding updates, understanding complex medical records, and ensuring accuracy under time constraints. Staying current with changes in CPT, ICD, and HCPCS codes is essential, so regular training and reference to official coding resources is important. Collaborating with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and maintaining strong attention to detail can help prevent errors and support compliance. Building a network with other coders and participating in professional organizations can also provide valuable support and learning opportunities.

What is the difference between Medical Coding Associate vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectMedical Coding AssociateMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), CPC-ACertified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), CPC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Job FocusAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresProcessing payments, submitting claims, managing accounts
Common UsageUsed for accurate medical record-keeping and insurance claimsHandling billing processes and revenue cycle management

The Medical Coding Associate primarily focuses on translating medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, essential for insurance claims and medical records. In contrast, the Medical Billing Specialist manages the billing process, ensuring claims are submitted correctly and payments are collected. Both roles often work together within healthcare settings and require similar certifications, but their core responsibilities differ in focus and daily tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coding jobs in Memphis, TN? The most popular types of Medical Coding jobs in Memphis, TN are:
What are popular job titles related to Medical Coding Associate jobs in Memphis, TN? For Medical Coding Associate jobs in Memphis, TN, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Memphis, TN are hiring for Medical Coding Associate jobs? Cities near Memphis, TN with the most Medical Coding Associate job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Coding Associate job openings in Memphis, TN as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,772 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Memphis, TN • On-site

$36K/yr

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Inpatient (Coder) select codes from current versions of ICD CM, PCS classification systems for inpatient facility and/or professional services. Inpatient duties consist of the performance and review of documentation within the health record to assign ICD codes for diagnosis, complications/major complications, comorbid/major comorbid conditions, surgery, and procedures for assignment of diagnosis related groups (DRG),and/or assigning CPT/HCPCS codes.
Qualifications:BASIC REQUIREMENTS.
(a) United States Citizenship: Must be a U. S. citizen.
(b) English Language Proficiency. MRTs (Coder) must be proficient in spoken and written English.
(c) Certification. MRT (Coder) GS-0675 must have either (1), (2), or (3) below:
(1) Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  • Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
  • Certified Professional Coder-Apprentice (CPC-A)
  • Certified Outpatient Coding-Apprentice (COC-A)
(2) Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  • Certified Coding Specialist - Physician-based (CCS-P)
  • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT)
  • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA)
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Outpatient Coder COC)
  • Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
(3) Clinical Documentation Improvement
  • Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP)
  • Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist
(1) Experience. One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding & the structure/format of a health record.
~OR~
(2) Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college/university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, medical coding & introduction to health records).
~OR~
(3) Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program /other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, & basic CPT coding. The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, the sponsoring academic institution must be accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor/comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed
(4) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience/education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements.
(a) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, general understanding of medical coding & the health record, and one year above high school, with a minimum of 6 semester hours..
(b) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists/hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service under close medical professional supervision.
GRADE DETERMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS.
(1) Medical records Technician (Coder-Inpatients), GS-4
(a) Experience or Education- None beyond basic requirements above.
(2) Medical records Technician (Coder-Inpatients), GS-5
(a) Experience. One year creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
~OR~
(b) Education. Successful completion of a bachelor's degree from accredited college or university.
(c) (Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
1. Ability to use health information technology and various office software products used in MRT (Coder) positions.
2. Ability navigate through and abstract pertinent information from health records.
3. Knowledge of the ICD CM and PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and reporting.
4. Ability to apply knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy/physiology, and disease processes to accurately assign codes to inpatient records based on health record documentation.
5. Knowledge of The Joint Commission requirements CMS and/or health record documentation guidelines.
6. Ability to manage priorities and work to complete duties within the required timeframes and the ability to follow-up on pending issues.
(3) Medical records Technician (Coder-Inpatients), GS-6
(a) Experience. One year creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
(Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
1. Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation.
2. Ability to determine whether health records contain sufficient information for regulatory requirements, are acceptable as legal documents, are adequate for continuity of patient care, and support the assigned codes. This includes the ability to take appropriate actions if health record contents are not complete, accurate, timely, and/or reliable.
3. Ability to apply laws and regulations on the confidentiality of health information (e.g., Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act, and HIPAA).
4. Ability to accurately apply the ICD CM and PCS Official Conventions and Guidelines for Coding and Reporting to various coding scenarios.
5. Comprehensive knowledge of current classification systems, such as ICD Clinical Modification (CM) and PCS, CPT, and HCPCS, and skill in applying said classifications to inpatient records based on health record documentation. Knowledge of complication or comorbidity/major complication or comorbidity(CC/MCC), and POA indicators to obtain correct Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG).
(4) Medical records Technician (Coder-Inpatients), GS-7
(a) Experience. One year creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
(Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
1.Skill in applying current coding classifications to a variety of inpatient specialty care areas to accurately reflect service and care provided based on documentation in the health record.
2.Ability to communicate with clinical staff for specific coding and documentation issues, such as recording diagnoses and procedures, the correct sequencing of diagnoses and/or procedures, and the relationship between health record documentation and code assignment.
3.Ability to research and solve coding and documentation related issues.
4.Skill in reviewing and correcting system or processing errors and ensuring all assigned work is complete.
5.Ability to abstract, assign, and sequence codes, including complication or comorbidity/major complication or comorbidity (CC/MCC), and POA indicators, to obtain correct MS-DRG.
(5) Medical records Technician (Coder-Inpatients), GS-8
(a) Experience. One year creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
(Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs). In addition to the experience, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
1.Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for inpatient coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation. This includes the ability to read and understand the content of the health record, the terminology, the significance of the comments, and the disease process/pathophysiology of the patient.
2.Ability to accurately perform the full scope of inpatient coding, including inpatient discharges, surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and inpatient professional services.
3.Skill in interpreting and adapting health information guidelines that are not completely applicable to the work or have gaps in specificity, and the ability to use judgment in completing assignments using incomplete or inadequate guidelines..
Physical Requirements: The work is primarily sedentary. There is walking, bending & reaching required such as for filing or locating material & carrying items such as reports, documents/supplies.Education:Preferred Experience: Inpatient ambulatory surgery coding experience.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-4 to the full performance level of a GS-8.
References: VA Handbook 5005/122, Part II, Appendix G57
Education IMPORTANT: A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.Employment Type: OTHER