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Remote Outpatient Coder Jobs in Des Moines, IA (NOW HIRING)

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Remote Outpatient Coder information

See Des Moines, IA salary details

$16

$24

$28

How much do remote outpatient coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for remote outpatient coder in Des Moines, IA is $24.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.62 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a remote outpatient coder?

A Remote Outpatient Coder is a healthcare professional who reviews and assigns standardized medical codes to outpatient medical records from a remote location, such as their home. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Remote coders use specialized software to access patient charts and ensure that diagnoses, procedures, and services are accurately coded according to regulatory guidelines. This role requires strong attention to detail, knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10-CM and CPT, and often certification such as CPC or CCS. Working remotely allows for greater flexibility while still adhering to healthcare privacy and security standards.

What does a remote outpatient coder do?

As a remote outpatient coder, you work from home to assign medical codes to health care procedures and services for an outpatient facility. Your duties are to review medical records, assign appropriate codes, ensure accurate documentation, follow up with physicians as needed, and correct documents. You also process invoices, submit the claim to insurance companies, and bill each patient. You choose the right billing code based on the procedures and services done at the time of an appointment. Your responsibilities may also include calling insurance companies or patients regarding the treatments or services rendered.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a remote outpatient coder?

To thrive as a Remote Outpatient Coder, you need strong knowledge of medical coding systems (such as CPT, ICD-10-CM, and HCPCS), anatomy, and healthcare regulations, typically supported by certification like CPC or CCS. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding software, and secure remote work platforms is essential. Attention to detail, self-discipline, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accuracy and collaboration while working remotely. These skills ensure compliant, precise coding, protect patient data, and support efficient healthcare reimbursement processes.

What are some common challenges faced by remote outpatient coders, and how can they be managed?

Remote Outpatient Coders often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequent coding guideline changes, ensuring accurate documentation from providers, and maintaining productivity while working independently. To manage these, coders should participate in ongoing education, maintain open communication with clinical staff, and utilize productivity tracking tools. Establishing a dedicated workspace and adhering to a structured daily routine can also help maintain focus and efficiency in a remote setting.

What is the difference between Remote Outpatient Coder vs Remote Inpatient Coder?

AspectRemote Outpatient CoderRemote Inpatient Coder
CertificationsAHIMA CCS, CPC or CPC-HAHIMA CCS, CPC or CPC-H
Work EnvironmentOutpatient clinics, physician offices, outpatient departmentsHospitals, inpatient facilities, acute care settings
Industry UsageAmbulatory care, outpatient servicesHospital inpatient coding, acute care
Job FocusOutpatient procedures, diagnoses, billingInpatient diagnoses, procedures, DRG assignment

Remote Outpatient Coders and Remote Inpatient Coders share similar certifications and work environments but focus on different healthcare settings. Outpatient coders handle outpatient services, while inpatient coders work primarily in hospitals with inpatient records. Understanding these differences helps healthcare organizations assign the right coding professionals for each setting.

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Remote Outpatient Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Remote Outpatient Coder job openings in Des Moines, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,238 per year, or $24.6 per hour.

[Coder] Medical Records Technician

Purposelink Recruitment

Des Moines, IA • Remote

$18.25 - $24.50/hr

Contractor

Posted 16 days ago

Job description


Required Qualifications (Non‑Negotiable)
  • U.S. citizenship
  • Must reside within 50 miles of the nearest VA Medical Center
  • Active credential from AHIMA (RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS‑P, CCA, CDIP) or AAPC (CPC, CPC‑H, or successor)
  • Completion of an accredited program in coding, HIM, or HIT
  • Minimum 6–8 years of coding experience (outpatient or inpatient)
    • This is significantly higher than typical requirements; 2–3 years does NOT qualify
  • Current CEUs required to maintain credential
  • Ability to pass a National Agency Check (NAC), local file check, and obtain a PIV card
  • Cannot be a current VA employee — federal conflict‑of‑interest restriction

 Preferred Qualifications
  • Prior VA/VHA coding experience
  • Surgical, anesthesia, or pathology coding experience
  • History of tracking/reporting personal accuracy and productivity metrics

Medical Records Technician (Coder)

VA Central Iowa Health Care System (VACIHCS) – Des Moines, IA Remote Contract Position — Must Reside Within 50 Miles of a VA Medical Center

Position Type
  • Contract
  • Remote 
Schedule Expectations
  • Training Phase: Fixed schedule, 08:00–4:30 PM CST, Monday–Friday
  • Post‑Training: After sustaining 95% accuracy and meeting productivity standards for a full bi‑weekly pay period (~4 weeks), coders may move to a flexible 8‑hour shift between 06:00 AM–5:00PM CST
Key Responsibilities Outpatient Coders 
  • Code outpatient encounters, ancillary services (radiology, lab), prosthetics, and ambulatory surgical episodes
  • Apply ICD‑CM, CPT, and HCPCS
Inpatient Coder 
  • Code inpatient facility episodes 
  • Assign ICD‑CM diagnoses, ICD‑PCS procedures, and POA indicators
  • Additional Requirements for Inpatient Role
    • Proven ICD‑10‑PCS experience
    • Strong understanding of POA indicators, DRG logic, and inpatient professional fee coding
    • Experience creating encounters in the Patient Care Encounter (PCE) application preferred
All Coders
  • Work within VA systems: VistA/CPRS, national encoder, and required VA applications
  • Apply NCCI bundling rules and correct modifier usage
  • Flag insufficient documentation
  • Re‑review and correct coding within 1 business day when questioned due to billing edits or denials
  • Submit daily coded‑status reports and weekly summaries
  • Maintain 95% minimum accuracy — audited monthly and strictly enforced