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Va Coding Jobs in Iowa City, IA (NOW HIRING)

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All JobsVa Coding JobsVa Coding Jobs in Iowa City, IA

Va Coding information

See Iowa City, IA salary details

$13

$32

$53

How much do va coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for va coding in Iowa City, IA is $32.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.47 and $39.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a VA coder?

A VA coder is a medical coding specialist who works for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Their primary role is to review clinical documentation and assign standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services provided to veterans. These codes are essential for billing, data collection, and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. VA coders typically use coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, and must stay current with the latest coding guidelines. They play a key role in facilitating accurate healthcare records and reimbursement processes within the VA system.

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

To thrive as a VA Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, as well as a relevant certification such as CPC or CCS. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software like VistA or 3M is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills are crucial soft skills for ensuring accurate code assignment and compliance. These abilities ensure precise billing, regulatory compliance, and optimal reimbursement in the VA healthcare system.

What are the most common challenges faced by VA coders, and how can new hires prepare for them?

VA Coders often encounter challenges related to keeping up with frequent updates to coding standards, such as ICD-10-CM and CPT, and navigating complex patient records within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. New hires can prepare by developing strong attention to detail, staying current with official coding guidelines, and seeking mentorship from more experienced coders on their team. Additionally, effective communication with providers and other healthcare staff is key to clarifying documentation and ensuring accurate coding, which directly impacts compliance and reimbursement.

What is the difference between Va Coding vs Medical Coding?

AspectVa CodingMedical Coding
Required CertificationsVA-specific coding certifications, VA coding trainingCertified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
Work EnvironmentVeterans Affairs healthcare facilities, government officesHospitals, clinics, healthcare providers
Industry UsagePrimarily within VA healthcare systemBroader healthcare industry
Common Search/ComparisonVa Coding vs Medical CodingMedical Coding

Va Coding and Medical Coding share similarities in coding principles and certifications, but Va Coding is specialized for the Veterans Affairs healthcare system, focusing on VA-specific procedures and regulations. Medical Coding is more widely used across various healthcare providers and requires different certifications. Both roles involve accurate medical record coding, but Va Coding is tailored to government healthcare settings, whereas Medical Coding applies broadly in the healthcare industry.

How to become a medical coder in VA?

To become a medical coder, you typically need to complete a coding training program or obtain certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Relevant skills include knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and attention to detail; some employers may also require prior experience or an associate degree in health information management.

What job categories do people searching Va Coding jobs in Iowa City, IA look for?

The top searched job categories for Va Coding jobs in Iowa City, IA are:

Va Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Coding job openings in Iowa City, IA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,206 per year, or $32.3 per hour.

Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (ACHIM))

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Iowa City, IA • On-site

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of the Iowa City VA medical center. Medical Records Administrators (MRAS) in VHA perform or supervise work concerned with the management of a health record program or the provision of services related to medical record administration/health information services.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education or Experience:
    • Experience. Three years of [creditable] experience in the field of medical records that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of [health] records and health information systems [demonstrating a knowledge of medical terminology,] medical records [procedures, medical coding, or medical, administrative, and legal requirements of health care delivery] systems. OR
    • Education. [Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university [recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology.] OR
    • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of [creditable] experience and education that equals 100 percent may be used to meet basic requirements. [For example, two years above high school from an accredited college or university, with 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management, plus one year and six months of creditable experience that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems meets an equivalent combination.
  • Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must meet one of the following:
    • Coding Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. OR
    • HIM Certification through AHIMA.OR
    • Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA.
NOTE. HIMs Certification is required for all positions above the full performance level.
  • Physical Requirements. See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.
  • English Language Proficiency. MRAs must be proficient in spoken and written English. See 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations: In addition to the basic requirements for employment, the following criteria must be met when determining the grade of candidates.
Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief (ACHIM)), GS-12
  • Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level that demonstrates all the KSAs described at that level. AND
  • Certification. Employees at this level must have a HIM Certification.
    • Health Information Management (HIM) Certification. Higher-level health information management certification is limited to certification obtained through AHIMA. To be acceptable for qualifications, the specific certification must represent a comprehensive competency in the occupation. Certification titles may change and certifications that meet the definition of HIM certification may be added/removed by the above certifying body; however, current HIM certifications include Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) and Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).
  • AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
    • Skill in managing various projects and processes], which includes the ability to develop new or improved solutions to complex technical problems in health information management.
    • Ability to advise management and staff [on a wide range of] health information [management practices] based on current [industry] standards, [policies, statutes, laws, and regulations].
    • Ability to plan, justify, [develop, evaluate,] assess, [monitor,] and/or advise on [ ] current health information management processes, and recommend changes in policies or procedures.
    • Ability to [determine] and [evaluate compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines, and accrediting bodies as they] apply [to] health information [management.]
    • Ability to [ ] successfully apply principles and techniques of sound [resource] management [(i.e., staffing, space, contracts, equipment).]
    • Ability to provide the full range of supervisory duties to include assignment of work, completing performance evaluations, selection of staff, and recommendation of awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-12.
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.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: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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