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Outpatient Coding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Coding Auditor

Manchester, IA · On-site

$24.50 - $28/hr

Performs compliance monitoring and auditing of billing, coding, and documentation related to inpatient, outpatient surgery, observation, emergency department, urgent care, and professional services ...

CODER 2-CERTIFIED

Pella, IA · On-site

$19 - $25.50/hr

Rheumatology, Urology), OB and Outpatient. * Knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS and CPT/HCPCS coding and medical necessity guidelines. * Understanding of reimbursement methodology, federal, state and payer ...

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Outpatient Coding information

See Iowa salary details

$15

$23

$27

How much do outpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for outpatient coding in Iowa is $23.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.70 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an outpatient coder?

An outpatient coder is a healthcare professional responsible for reviewing medical records and assigning accurate billing codes for outpatient services, such as office visits, outpatient surgeries, and diagnostic tests. They use coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT, often working in healthcare settings with knowledge of medical terminology and coding guidelines.

What is the difference between Outpatient Coding vs Inpatient Coding?

AspectOutpatient CodingInpatient Coding
CredentialsAHIMA or AAPC certification, CPC or CCSSame certifications, CPC or CCS
Work EnvironmentOutpatient clinics, physician offices, outpatient departmentsHospitals, inpatient facilities, acute care settings
Industry UsageAmbulatory care, outpatient servicesHospital inpatient stays, acute care
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

Outpatient Coding and Inpatient Coding both require similar credentials and certifications, such as CPC or CCS. Outpatient Coding focuses on coding services provided in outpatient settings like clinics and physician offices, while Inpatient Coding deals with hospital stays and acute care admissions. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path and prepare for industry-specific coding tasks.

What is the highest paid medical coder job?

The highest paid medical coding roles are often senior or specialized positions such as Coding Managers, Coding Directors, or Certified Professional Coders with extensive experience and advanced certifications like CPC-H or CCS. These roles typically involve overseeing coding teams, ensuring compliance, and working in complex or high-reimbursement specialties, which can significantly increase earning potential.

Where do outpatient coders work?

Outpatient coders typically work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, physician offices, and medical billing companies. They review medical records and assign codes for billing and insurance purposes, often working standard office hours and using coding software and guidelines like ICD-10 and CPT. Remote work is also common for experienced coders with proper certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Outpatient Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Outpatient Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT, typically backed by a certification like CPC or CCS. Proficiency in electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding software, and compliance with regulatory guidelines is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders accurately interpret medical documentation and ensure correct billing. These skills are critical to ensure proper reimbursement, minimize errors, and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

What are some common challenges outpatient coders face when ensuring accurate and timely coding?

Outpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical documentation, keeping up with frequent changes to coding guidelines (such as CPT and ICD-10), and working within tight deadlines to meet billing and reimbursement cycles. They also need to collaborate closely with healthcare providers to clarify ambiguous documentation and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Success in this role often depends on strong attention to detail, effective communication skills, and a commitment to ongoing education.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

In outpatient coding, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentials generally lead to higher salaries compared to Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentials due to their advanced training and broader scope. CCS coders often work in hospital settings and handle more complex cases, which can result in higher pay. However, salaries also depend on experience, location, and employer.
What are the most commonly searched types of Outpatient Coding jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Outpatient Coding jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Outpatient Coding job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% As Needed, 42% Full Time, and 31% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $49,313 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Coding Auditor

Coding Auditor

Thedacare

Manchester, IA • On-site

$24.50 - $28/hr

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago


ThedaCare rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 123 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

487th of 873 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Why ThedaCare?

Living A Life Inspired!

Our new vision at ThedaCare is bold, ambitious, and ignited by a shared passion to provide outstanding care. We are inspired to reinvent health care by becoming a proactive partner in health, enriching the lives of all and creating value in everything we do. Each of us are called to take action in delivering higher standards of care, lower costs and a healthier future for our patients, our families, our communities and our world.

At ThedaCare, our team members are empowered to be the catalyst of change through our values of compassion, excellence, leadership, innovation, and agility. A career means much more than excellent compensation and benefits. Our team members are supported by continued opportunities for learning and development, accessible and transparent leadership, and a commitment to work/life balance. If you're interested in joining a health care system that is changing the face of care and well-being in our community, we encourage you to explore a future with ThedaCare.

Benefits, with a whole-person approach to wellness -

  • Lifestyle Engagement
    • e.g. health coaches, relaxation rooms, health focused apps (Wonder, Ripple), mental health support
  • Access & Affordability
    • e.g. minimal or zero copays, team member cost sharing premiums, daycare

About ThedaCare!

Summary :The Coding Auditor performs coding quality audits of records to ensure appropriateness and accurate code assignments in accordance with Center of Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) guidelines. Provides ongoing feedback and analysis of the education needs for providers and coding team members. Monitors for compliance with regulatory requirements and works closely with corporate compliance. Provides feedback and education to coders when discrepancies and areas of opportunity are identified through auditing and payer denial reviewJob Description:

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

  • Performs compliance monitoring and auditing of billing, coding, and documentation related to inpatient, outpatient surgery, observation, emergency department, urgent care, and professional services for all payers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Reviews and prepares compliance audit reports to ensure ThedaCare meets coding accuracy standards that are set in place.
  • Assists in the preparation and response to external oversight agency and commercial payer audits and inquiries including CMS, Medicaid, RAC, HRSA, and PERM to ensure appropriate reimbursement. Reviews internal processes to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Responds to identified areas of risk through investigation and internal audit to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Assists in the preparation and execution of the annual audit plan as part of the corporate compliance plan.
  • Assists in monitoring and responding to corporate compliance hotline reports related to hospital coding.
  • Stays current with changing regulatory requirements through review of periodicals, compliance association newsletters, and review of state and federal regulatory agency work plans to ensure compliance.
  • Assists in the development and management of learning management systems and compliance training materials to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Serves as subject matter expert to educate coders, providers, and others regarding documentation requirements for accurate coding.
  • Interacts with physicians and other patient care providers regarding billing and documentation policies, procedures, and regulations. Obtains clarification of conflicting, ambiguous, or non-specific documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Trains, instructs, and/or provides technical support to medical providers as appropriate regarding coding compliance documentation, regulatory provisions, and third party payer requirements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Maintains working knowledge of changes and requirements related to compliance/regulations and coding.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • High School diploma or GED preferred
  • Minimum three years of experience in hospital coding
  • Minimum two years of experience in clinical medical audit review
  • Current or obtained within one year of hire - Certified Coding Credential obtained through AHIMA or AAPC, or RHIT (Registered Health Information Technologist/AHIMA), or RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator/AHIMA). Minimum certification requirement is one of the following: CCS (Certified Coding Specialist/AHIMA), CPC (Certified Professional Coder/AAPC), CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder/AAPC), or COC (Certified Outpatient Coder/AAPC).
  • Current or obtained within one year of hire - Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist obtained through Association of Clinical Documentation Integrity Specialists (ACDIS)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

  • Ability to move freely (standing, stooping, walking, bending, pushing, and pulling) and lift up to a maximum of twenty-five (25) pounds without assistance
  • Job classification is not exposed to blood borne pathogens (blood or bodily fluids) while performing job duties

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

  • Normally works in climate controlled office environment
  • Frequent sitting with movement throughout office space
  • Use of computers throughout the work day
  • Frequent use of keyboard with repetitive motion of hands, wrists, and fingers

Position requires compliance with department specific competencies.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:16Scheduled FTE:0.4Location:ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Appleton - Appleton,WisconsinOvertime Exempt:NoWorker Shift Details:Days

What ThedaCare employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About ThedaCare

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We want to make exceptional care effortless for our patients. At ThedaCare, that means going above and beyond treating a particular condition – it means helping you achieve better health for life. You and your family are at the center of everything we do, from prioritizing your schedule when making appointments to designing our facilities for your comfort and convenience. Remaining proactive in your care allows us to better predict and prevent disease before complications arise, and when it comes to making important health-related decisions, we are here to support you. In every interaction, we want you to have full confidence the care you receive is purposeful, cost-effective and will help you continue enjoying life as you’ve planned it. ThedaCare is the third largest healthcare employer in Wisconsin, and the largest employer in Northeast Wisconsin with over 7,000 team members.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Neenah, WI, US

Year founded

1909