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Outpatient Coding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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Outpatient Coding information

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$15

$23

$27

How much do outpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 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:
What are popular job titles related to Outpatient Coding jobs in Iowa? For Outpatient Coding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Outpatient Coding job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,313 per year, or $23.7 per hour.
Chargemaster Pricing Analyst

Chargemaster Pricing Analyst

The University Of Iowa

Iowa City, IA • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago


University Of Iowa rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 84 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

412th of 541 rated colleges and universities


Job description

UI Finance and Accounting Services is seeking a Chargemaster (CDM) Pricing Analyst to be responsible for the accuracy, integrity, and compliance of the hospital and physician Charge Description Master. This role ensures that all billable services, supplies, procedures, and pharmaceuticals are correctly represented, priced, and maintained in accordance with regulatory and organizational standards. The CDM Analyst collaborates closely with clinical departments, revenue cycle teams, and Finance to maintain a compliant, competitive, and operationally effective CDM.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Add, update, or inactivate CDM items including charge descriptions, revenue codes, pricing, HCPCS/CPT codes (as applicable), and departmental mappings.

  • Maintain internal naming conventions, CDM standards, workflow policies, and required governance approvals.

  • Develop, update, and review specialty or bundled pricing structures-such as elective procedures, self pay package rates, and cosmetic services-to ensure transparency, competitiveness, and strategic alignment.

  • Ensure compliance with institutional policies to determine whether supplies are chargeable and accurately apply guidelines in billing processes.

  • Maintain a thorough understanding of supply manufacturer information, FDA designations, Global Unique Device Identification Database (GUDID) requirements, and payor guidelines to ensure accurate classification and compliance.

  • Ensure accuracy across both hospital and professional billing CDMs.

  • Monitor and implement quarterly and annual regulatory updates, including CMS OPPS and MPFS rules, AMA CPT annual updates, HCPCS Level II changes, state specific billing and coding requirements

  • Apply regulatory updates to the CDM and validate downstream impacts on charging workflows and reimbursement.

  • Collaborate with Compliance, Coding, and Revenue Cycle teams to ensure adherence to federal, state, and payer-specific billing rules.

  • Conduct routine pricing reviews and maintenance in collaboration with Finance and Decision Support.

  • Support market comparison studies, cost-based pricing models, and rate analyses.

  • Ensure pricing strategies align with reimbursement methodologies, payer contract terms, and organizational margin goals.

  • Maintain documentation and audit trails related to pricing decisions and updates.

  • Partner with clinical and operational leaders (e.g., Radiology, OR, Lab, Pharmacy, Therapy, ED) to accurately structure CDM items that reflect delivered services.

  • Provide education and subject matter expertise on new, revised, or complex charge codes and charging requirements.

  • Assist departments in understanding regulatory impacts and charging changes resulting from new services, technology, or operational workflows.

  • Maintain thorough documentation of CDM changes, rationales, and approvals in accordance with governance standards.

  • Support internal, external, payer, or regulatory audits by researching charge history, pricing, and CDM updates.

  • Participate in remediation activities and continuous improvement efforts tied to audit findings.

  • An integral part in the development of policies and procedures as they relate to improving processes, strengthening controls, enhancing revenue, and improving cash flow.

  • Maintain all assigned Revenue Integrity Epic work queues related to Chargemaster.

  • Maintain effective working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and the public.

Required qualifications:

  • A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Healthcare Administration, Finance, Business, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.

  • 1 year of experience in accounting, business administration, or clinical charge capture and billing

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

  • Proficient in computer software applications.

  • Adaptability, creative problem solving, project management, and organizational skills.

  • Knowledge of team dynamics and skilled in building consensus.  Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with internal and external partners.

  • Strong analytical skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

  • Ability to prioritize workload based on dynamic deadlines.

  • Demonstrated experience working effectively in a welcoming and respectful workplace environment.

Desired qualifications:

  • Working knowledge of CPT/HCPCS, UB 04 and CMS billing guidelines.

  • Experience with EMR charging systems (Epic, Cerner, etc.) and CDM management tools.

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

  • Deep understanding of hospital and professional billing requirements

  • Knowledge of medical record documentation types and concepts related to outpatient and inpatient services (e.g., outpatient and inpatient evaluation and management services, procedural/operative services, laboratory, and radiologic services).

  • Knowledge of computer systems such as Epic, Microsoft Office products, and Adobe.

  • Knowledge of University policies, procedures, and regulations.

  • Knowledge of claims billing and follow-up

  • Strong ability to engage interdisciplinary teams including clinical staff

  • Reasonable knowledge of complex financial and statistical analysis and presentation.

  • Experience with supply research and GUDID.

Application Process: To be considered, applicants must upload a cover letter and resume (under the submission of relevant materials) that clearly address how they meet the listed required and desired qualifications of this position. Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days. 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 questions, contact Sharon Walther at sharon-walther@uiowa.edu.

This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization now or in the future.

This position is eligible for hybrid work within Iowa and will require a work arrangement form to be completed upon the start of your employment. 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. 

Additional Information
  • Classification Title: Financial Analyst
  • Appointment Type: Professional and Scientific
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Work Modality Options: Hybrid within Iowa
Compensation
  • Pay Level: 3B
Contact Information
  • Organization: Healthcare
  • Contact Name: Sharon Walther
  • Contact Email: sharon-walther@uiowa.edu

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