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Va Medical Coder Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

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Va Medical Coder information

See Columbia, SC salary details

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How much do va medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for va medical coder in Columbia, SC is $20.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.68 and $22.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does the VA use medical coders?

Yes, the VA employs medical coders to review and assign appropriate codes for patient diagnoses and procedures in their healthcare system. VA medical coders typically need knowledge of medical coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and may require certification. They work within the VA's electronic health record environment to ensure accurate billing and record-keeping.

How to become a VA medical coder?

To become a VA medical coder, you typically need to complete a medical coding training program or obtain certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Experience with medical records, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and familiarity with VA healthcare procedures are also important for employment in this role.

What are the typical challenges faced by a VA medical coder and how can they be overcome?

VA Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as keeping up with evolving coding guidelines, accurately interpreting complex medical records, and ensuring compliance with both VA and federal regulations. Staying current through regular training, certification renewals, and active participation in industry forums can help address these challenges. Collaboration with healthcare providers and other coding professionals is also key, as it allows coders to clarify documentation and share best practices. By being proactive in their professional development and communication, VA Medical Coders can maintain high accuracy and efficiency in their work.

What is a VA medical coder?

A VA Medical Coder is responsible for reviewing medical records and assigning standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and treatments provided to veterans. These codes help ensure accurate billing, proper data tracking, and compliance with healthcare regulations. VA Medical Coders must understand medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines (ICD, CPT, and HCPCS). They work in VA hospitals, clinics, or remotely to support the Veterans Health Administration. Certification, such as CPC or CCS, is often required for this role.

Is there still a demand for va medical coders?

VA medical coders are in demand due to ongoing needs for accurate medical billing and coding within the Veterans Affairs healthcare system. The role requires knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and often involves certification, making it a stable career choice with consistent employment opportunities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA medical coder?

To thrive as a VA Medical Coder, you need expertise in medical coding procedures, knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and compliance with HIPAA regulations, often supported by certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with coding software, electronic health record (EHR) systems, and VA-specific coding guidelines is crucial. Strong attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are vital for ensuring accuracy in coding, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting optimized healthcare reimbursement processes within the VA system.

What are the most commonly searched types of Va Medical Coder jobs in Columbia, SC? The most popular types of Va Medical Coder jobs in Columbia, SC are:
What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Va Medical Coder jobs? Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Va Medical Coder job openings:
Infographic showing various Va Medical Coder job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,146 per year, or $20.7 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (CDIS-Outpatient and Inpatient)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Columbia, SC

$61K/yr

Other

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

This position is in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the Columbia VA Health Care System. MRTs (Coder) are skilled in classifying medical data from patient health records in the hospital setting, and/or physician-based settings, such as physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, and specialty centers. These coding practitioners analyze and abstract patients' health records, and assign alpha-numeric codes for each diagnosis and procedure.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.
  • English Language Proficiency: MRTs (Coder) must be proficient in spoken and written English as required by 38 U.S.C. 7403(f).
  • Experience and Education:
    • (1) Experience: One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and the structure and format of a health records. OR,
    • (2) Education: An associate degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records); OR,
    • (3) Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding. The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, and the sponsoring academic institution must have been accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor, or comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed. OR,
    • (4) Experience/Education Combination: Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements. The following educational/training substitutions are appropriate for combining education and creditable experience:
      • (a) Six months of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, general understanding of medical coding and the health record, and one year above high school, with a minimum of 6 semester hours of health information technology courses.
      • (b) Successful completion of a course for medical technicians, hospital corpsmen, medical service specialists, or hospital training obtained in a training program given by the Armed Forces or the U.S. Maritime Service, under close medical and professional supervision, may be substituted on a month-for-month basis for up to six months of experience provided the training program included courses in anatomy, physiology, and health record techniques and procedures. Also, requires six additional months of creditable experience that is paid or non-paid employment equivalent to a MRT (Coder).
  • Certification: Employees at this level must have either a mastery level certification or a clinical documentation improvement certification.Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either (1), (2), or (3) below:
    • (1) Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
    • (2) Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
    • (3) Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.
      • NOTE: Mastery level certification is required for all positions above the journey level; however, for clinical documentation improvement specialist assignments, a clinical documentation improvement certification may be substituted for a mastery level certification.
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 Technician (Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (CDIS-Outpatient and Inpatient)), GS-09
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey grade level of a MRT (Coder-Outpatient and Inpatient);
OR,
An associate's degree or higher, and three years of experience in clinical documentation improvement (candidates must also have successfully completed coursework in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records);
OR,
Mastery level certification through AHIMA or AAPC and two years of experience in clinical documentation improvement;
NOTE: See paragraph 2g for a detailed definition of mastery level certification.
OR,
Clinical experience such as RN, M.D., or DO, and one year of experience in clinical documentation improvement.
Preferred Experience: Prefer 2 years experience in CDIS.
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-08. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is the GS-09.
Physical Requirements: This work requires some physical exertion such as prolonged periods of standing, bending, reaching, crouching, stooping, stretching, and lifting moderately heavy items such as manuals, record boxes, equipment or assisting patients.
See https://dvagov.sharepoint.com/sites/OCHCO/SitePages/D5019.aspx VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service for requirements.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