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Va Medical Coding Jobs in Louisiana (NOW HIRING)

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Va Medical Coding information

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.

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 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.

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 knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and may require certification. They work within the VA healthcare system to support administrative and clinical functions.

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 software, and knowledge of healthcare regulations are also important for working in a VA medical coding role.

What cities in Louisiana are hiring for Va Medical Coding jobs?

Cities in Louisiana with the most Va Medical Coding job openings:

Infographic showing various Va Medical Coding job openings in Louisiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Lead Medical Records Technician (Coder)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Pineville, LA

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

This position is located in the Health Information Management (HIM) section at the Central Alexandria VA Health Care System. Medical Records Technician (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.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.
  • 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:
  • 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
  • Education. An associate's 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
  • 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
  • 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: Candidates 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.
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: (KSAs must be clearly reflected in resume under description of duties in order to be found qualified for this position/grade level).
Lead Medical Records Technician (Coder), GS-9:
Experience:
One year of creditable experience equivalent to the journey grade level MRT (Coder)
Certification: Employees at this level must have a mastery level certification
Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
  • Ability to work with a team to provide technical guidance, plan, organize, and coordinate activities in order to effectively complete job duties of assignment, such as distributing workload, monitoring the status and progress of work, monitoring accuracy of work, etc.
  • Advanced knowledge of current coding classification systems for the subspecialty being assigned (outpatient, inpatient, outpatient and inpatient combined) and the ability to research and solve complex questions related to coding conventions and guidelines in an accurate and timely manner.
  • Ability to effectively communicate, both orally and in writing, in order to meet program objectives.
  • Knowledge of training methods and the ability to provide training to new coding staff.
  • Ability to collect and analyze data and present results in various formats, which may include presenting reports to various organizational levels.
  • Leadership skills, including interpersonal relations and conflict resolution between employees, managers, and clinical staff.
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-09.
Physical Requirements: Physical aspects associated with work required of this assignment are typical for the occupation, see Duties section for essential job duties of the position. May require standing, lifting, carrying, sitting, stooping, bending, puling, and pushing. May be required to wear personal protective equipment and undergo annual TB screening or testing as conditions of employment.
Work Environment: Work is performed in an office/clinic setting with minimal risks that requires normal safety precautions; the area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated. However, the work environment requires someone with the ability to handle several tasks at once in sometimes stressful situations.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