1

Va Medical Coding Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

... Code Zoning. In addition to housing many Alabama government agencies, public and private ... Central Alabama VA Medical Center-Montgomery The VA Central Alabama Healthcare System provides you ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Va Medical Coding information

How much does the VA pay medical coders?

The VA pays medical coders an annual salary that typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and grade level. Federal pay scales and certifications such as CPC or CCS can influence salary levels for VA medical coding positions.

How much does a medical coder in VA make?

A medical coder working for the VA typically earns between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced coders with certifications like CPC or CCS can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of medical coding systems and electronic health records.

What is the difference between Va Medical Coding vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectVa Medical CodingMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCPMA, CPC, CCSCertified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), CPC
Work EnvironmentVeterans Affairs hospitals, clinicsHospitals, clinics, private practices
Job FocusAssigning codes for VA medical servicesProcessing insurance claims and billing
Industry UsagePrimarily in VA healthcare systemBroad healthcare settings

Va Medical Coding involves assigning medical codes for services provided to veterans within the VA system, focusing on accurate documentation. Medical Billing Specialists handle the billing process, submitting claims to insurance companies across various healthcare settings. While both roles require coding and billing certifications, Va Medical Coders work specifically within the VA system, whereas Medical Billing Specialists serve a wider range of healthcare providers.

What is VA medical coding?

VA medical coding is the process of translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services provided to veterans within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system into standardized alphanumeric codes. These codes are essential for accurate medical records, billing, and reimbursement, as well as for tracking healthcare statistics and outcomes. VA medical coders use specialized knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, and must also be familiar with VA-specific documentation and compliance requirements. Their work ensures that services delivered to veterans are properly documented and reported, supporting both patient care and administrative processes.

Does the VA use medical coders?

Yes, the VA employs medical coders to review and assign appropriate codes for patient diagnoses and procedures, ensuring accurate billing and record-keeping. VA medical coders typically need certification and familiarity with healthcare coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, working within electronic health record systems. Their role is essential for maintaining compliance and efficient healthcare administration within the VA system.

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

To thrive as a VA Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems (like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS), and typically a certification such as CPC or CCS. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and medical billing software is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate coding, proper reimbursement, and compliance with federal regulations in the VA healthcare system.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Medical Coders, and how can they be addressed?

VA Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequent changes in coding regulations and accurately interpreting complex medical documentation. Additionally, understanding the specific requirements of the Veterans Affairs healthcare system can be demanding. To address these challenges, it’s important to participate in ongoing training, utilize official coding resources, and actively communicate with healthcare providers for clarification. Many VA Medical Coders also benefit from collaborating with peers and joining professional networks to share best practices.

What is the highest paying medical coder job?

The highest paying medical coding roles are often senior or specialized positions such as Coding Manager, Coding Director, or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) with additional certifications like CCS or CPC-H. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and knowledge of complex medical billing and coding systems, leading to higher salaries within healthcare organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Va Medical Coding jobs in Alabama? For Va Medical Coding jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Va Medical Coding jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Va Medical Coding job openings:
Infographic showing various Va Medical Coding job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Remote job distribution.

Medical Records Administrator (Assistant Chief Health Information Management)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Tuscaloosa, AL • On-site

$75K/yr

Other

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

This position is in the Health Information Management (HIM) section under Health Administration Services at the Tuscaloosa VA Medical Center. Medical Records Administrators (MRAs) manage, preserve, analyze, and supervise the use of diagnostic and therapeutic health records/health information management. They develop policies and procedures and provide advice on the use of health records and health information management.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
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.
Grandfathering Provision: All persons employed in VHA as an MRA are considered to have met all qualification requirements for the title, series, and grade held, including positive education, and registration and/or certification that are part of the basic requirements of the occupation. For employees who do not meet all the basic requirements in this standard, but who met the qualifications applicable to the position at the time they were appointed, the following provisions apply:
  1. Such employees may be reassigned, promoted up to, and including, the full performance ([journeyman]) level, or changed to lower grade within the occupation, but may not be promoted beyond the [journeyman] level or placed in supervisory or managerial positions.
  2. Employees who were appointed on a temporary basis, prior to the effective date of the qualification standard, may not have their temporary appointment extended or be reappointed on a temporary or permanent basis until they fully meet the basic requirements of the standard.
  3. Employees initially grandfathered into this occupation who subsequently obtain additional education and/or licensure/registration/certification, and meet all the basic requirements of this qualification standard, must maintain the required credentials as a condition of employment in the occupation.
  4. MRAs who are converted to title 38 hybrid status under this provision and subsequently leave the occupation lose protected status and must meet the full VA qualification standard requirements in effect at the time of reentry, as a medical records administrator.

GS-11 Grade Determinations: To Qualify for the GS-11, you must meet all the following requirements (Experience or Education, Certification, and KSAs) in addition to the basic requirements.
Experience/Education:
  • Experience: At least one year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level GS-9 that demonstrates all of the following KSAs:
    • Knowledge of medical and legal requirements related to health information management and health records.
    • Ability to provide technical advice and guidance on health information management practices.
    • Skill in extracting data from various sources and analyzing health information to create reports.
    • Skill in researching, interpreting, and applying health information management guidelines.
    • Knowledge of performance and process improvement techniques to develop new or improved solutions in health information management.
OR,
  • Education: Education equivalent to three full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of health information management.
AND
Required Certification: Employees at this level must have HIM Certification.
AND
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
  • Skill in performance and process improvement [techniques to develop and implement new or improved solutions in health information management.
  • Ability to advise management and staff, at various levels, regarding health record documentation requirements and health information management practices based on current industry standards, policies, statues, laws, and regulations.
  • Ability to plan, justify, develop, evaluate, assess, monitor, and 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 plan, justify, develop, evaluate, assess, monitor, and/or advise on current HIM processes and recommend changes in policies or procedures.
  • 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 for awards, advancements, and disciplinary actions, when appropriate.

Preferred Experience:
  • Education and training for staff.
  • Clear understanding of clinical and documentation improvement.

Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required.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