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Remote Outpatient Coding Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Remote Outpatient Coding information

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

AspectRemote Outpatient CodingRemote Inpatient Coding
CertificationsCPCA, CPC, CCSCCS, CPC, CCS
Work EnvironmentOutpatient clinics, physician offices, outpatient departmentsHospitals, inpatient facilities, acute care settings
Industry UsageAmbulatory care, outpatient servicesHospital inpatient services, acute care
Job FocusOutpatient procedures, diagnoses, outpatient billingInpatient procedures, diagnoses, hospital billing

Remote Outpatient Coding involves coding outpatient procedures and diagnoses typically performed in clinics or outpatient departments, requiring certifications like CPC or CCS. Remote Inpatient Coding focuses on hospital inpatient records, often requiring CCS certification. While both roles involve medical coding, they differ mainly in work environment and the type of patient records handled.

Where do remote outpatient coders work?

Remote outpatient coders typically work from home or a private office setting, using computer systems and coding software to review medical records and assign diagnosis and procedure codes. They are employed by hospitals, clinics, insurance companies, or as independent contractors, often requiring certification and strong computer skills. Their work environment is flexible, allowing them to perform their duties remotely while adhering to healthcare privacy regulations.

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

To thrive as a Remote Outpatient Coder, you need in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, generally supported by a coding certification such as CCS, CPC, or CCA. Experience with electronic health record (EHR) systems and computer-assisted coding software is typically required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and the ability to work independently are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure accurate coding, compliance with regulations, and efficient workflow in a remote healthcare environment.

What are remote outpatient coding jobs?

Remote outpatient coding jobs focus on processing medical paperwork. In this field, your duties may include reviewing billing and insurance claims, sending an invoice to a patient after calculating the amount owed, coding the diagnosis and procedure used for the patient, and providing other clerical services as needed. A remote outpatient coding job is a work from home position that can function independently or as part of a full virtual clinic. Remote outpatient coders frequently enter assigned codes into computer abstraction systems, review records for completeness and accuracy, contact health care staff to clarify questions, and ensure patient confidentiality.

What is remote outpatient coding?

Remote outpatient coding is the process of assigning standardized medical codes to outpatient medical records and procedures while working from a location outside of a traditional healthcare facility, such as from home. Outpatient coders review patient charts for services like doctor visits, minor surgeries, and diagnostic tests, and translate these services into codes used for billing and insurance reimbursement. Remote coding offers flexibility and can be done for hospitals, clinics, or third-party coding companies. Coders must be familiar with coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, and often require certification such as CPC or CCS. Remote outpatient coders play a critical role in ensuring accurate billing and compliance with healthcare regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in remote outpatient coding roles and how can they be managed?

Remote outpatient coders often face challenges such as staying updated with frequent coding guideline changes, managing distractions at home, and maintaining clear communication with providers or team members. To overcome these, it's important to set up a dedicated workspace, adhere to a structured daily schedule, and participate in ongoing training or webinars. Additionally, leveraging collaborative tools and regularly checking in with colleagues helps ensure coding accuracy and fosters a supportive remote work environment.

Is there a demand for remote outpatient coders?

Remote outpatient coding is in high demand due to the increasing need for accurate medical record documentation and billing. Employers seek certified coders with knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and the role often offers flexible schedules and the ability to work from home. The healthcare industry continues to expand its remote coding workforce to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
What are popular job titles related to Remote Outpatient Coding jobs in Iowa? For Remote Outpatient Coding jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Remote Outpatient Coding jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Remote Outpatient Coding job openings:
Infographic showing various Remote Outpatient Coding job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Coding Quality Program Manager

UnityPoint Health

West Des Moines, IA • Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


UnityPoint Health rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

We are seeking a Coding Quality Program Manager to join our team at UnityPoint Health! This position is responsible for actively supporting and managing projects of various sizes and complexity related to Coding Quality activities. The Manager will provide high quality operational management and analysis, while partnering with key organizational leaders to identify and achieve priorities, goals, and objectives of each initiative.  This position will require outstanding leadership skills, change management, and the ability to lead with influence. 

Additionally, the Coding Quality Program Manager will be responsible for the opportunities identified through various avenues. This includes scoping projects in partnership with various departmental leaders. Applicants can expect to ensure standards of practice are established and followed for various projects for the Coding Quality Department. This individual will provide support by partnering with leaders across the organization to assist in the creation of the annual and long-term strategy for Coding Quality.

Finally, the Coding Quality Program Manager's responsibilities consists of designing project plans & project management for strategies with various stakeholders. The overarching goal is to provide visibility, effective communication for ongoing project plans, and ensure adherence through monitoring/reporting metrics for success. The Manager will also identify project dependencies, facilitate communication and prioritization of projects with the appropriate decision-making groups.

Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

Location: Remote - applicants must reside within the UnityPoint Health footprint of Iowa, Illinois, or Wisconsin 


At UnityPoint Health, you matter. We’re proud to be recognized as a Top 150 Place to Work in Healthcare by Becker's Healthcare several years in a row for our commitment to our team members.  

Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in. Here are just a few:   

  • Expect paid time off, parental leave, 401K matching and an employee recognition program.   
  • Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short and long-term disability and more. We even offer pet insurance for your four-legged family members.  
  • Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay, tuition reimbursement to help further your career and adoption assistance to help you grow your family.   

With a collective goal to champion a culture of belonging where everyone feels valued and respected, we honor the ways people are unique and embrace what brings us together.  

And, we believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is a vital part of delivering an exceptional employment experience. 

Find a fulfilling career and make a difference with UnityPoint Health.


Operational, Program Management & Coordination: 

  • Monitor denial volumes and aging
  • Adjust work assignments accordingly
  • Identify denial trends, communicating trends with identified stakeholders
  • Research, develop, troubleshoot and assist in implementing and updating of automations of existing platforms to streamline workflows and processes within the Coding Quality Department
  • Provide feedback and education to key stakeholders based on trends in various areas of focus, including but not limited to denials, coder quality reviews, and ad hoc audits
  • Support annual and long-term strategy planning, including opportunities on the Huddle Opportunity Board
  • Responsible for working with leadership in the development and execution of operational plans to execute departmental goals and initiatives

  • Develop and implement new programs, processes, and standards at a departmental level that will impact UnityPoint enterprise wide

  • Review and make recommendations to continuously improve, expand and create efficiencies in current programs and practices

  • Synthesize high-level information into action items, programs, or initiatives


Education:

  • Required: High School diploma/GED 
  • Preferred: Associates, Bachelor's, or Master's degree in Coding, HIM, or healthcare related field 

Experience:

  • Required: 5 + years progressive experience in coding, auditing and/or coding quality 
  • Required: Supervisory/leadership experience
  • Required: Minimum of 1 year of Project Management experience 
  • Preferred: Experience in measurement/analytics (data collection, analysis and interpretation) to support fact-based, predictive decision making 

Licenses/Certifications:

  • Required (one of the following): Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist -Physician Based (CCS-P) Certified Professional Coder (COC/CPC), Certified Inpatient Coder (CIC), Certified Professional Coder – Hospital Outpatient (CPC-H)

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About UnityPoint Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At UnityPoint Health, we provide care in nine regions throughout Illinois, Iowa, and Wisconsin. As the nation's fourth largest nondenominational health system in America, UnityPoint Health keeps people at the center of all we do. We are looking for dynamic and talented individuals to join our team. You'll find opportunities for every sized dream.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

West Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1995