Medical Coder

Medical Coder - Health Information Specialist

Iowa City VA Health Care System

Optimize Veteran Care through Clinical Coding Excellence

Are you passionate about leveraging your medical coding expertise to make a meaningful impact on Veterans' lives? Join the Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) as a Medical Records Technician (Coder) and play a pivotal role in our mission to deliver exceptional healthcare. Your precision in classifying medical data and assigning accurate codes will directly enhance the quality of care for our nation's heroes.

Your Mission as a Medical Coding Specialist

As a vital member of our Health Information Management (HIM) team, you'll ensure the integrity and accuracy of patient health records. Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyzing and abstracting complex patient health records to assign precise ICD-10 and CPT codes for diagnoses and procedures
• Ensuring compliance with national coding standards, HIPAA regulations, and VA guidelines
• Collaborating with healthcare professionals to clarify documentation and resolve coding discrepancies
• Contributing to data accuracy for informed decision-making and improved patient outcomes
• Streamlining health records management to enhance overall healthcare efficiency

Health Information Management Qualifications

• Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program

OR

• Associate's degree from an accredited college with a major field of study in health information technology or health information management

OR

• Proven experience (at least 1 year) in clinical coding and health information management

Clinical Coding Specialist Compensation and Benefits

• Medical Coding Salary: $61,111 - $79,443 per year
• Health Information Management Wage: $29.38 - $38.19 per hour
• Annual Salary Increases: 2% federal, 2% local, and promotional (on average)
• Retirement: Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement (401k) with employer contributions
• Pension: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) pension contributions
• Insurance: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance ($16,000 in premiums paid by VA)
• Optional life insurance coverage
• Professional Development: Scholarship and degree advancement opportunities ($44,248 lifetime award)
• Dependent Care: Child care subsidy ($5,000 per year)

Licensed Practical Nurse Work-Life Balance

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave per qualifying event
• 11 paid federal holidays annually
• 13-26 paid vacation days annually (based on years of service)
• 13 paid sick days annually
• 15 days of paid military leave annually
• Credit for military service

Medical Coding Career Growth Opportunities:

The VA supports your career growth through various programs including:

• Educational benefits and scholarships
• ILEAD leadership programs
• VA Talent Management System
• Internal preference for promotions and open positions

Our Commitment to You

At the VA, your work is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to be part of an exceptional healthcare system dedicated to serving our Veterans with the highest level of care and compassion.

VA Workplace Culture and Environment

We foster a positive workplace culture built on trust, safety, teamwork, and professional development opportunities. Our leadership is committed to your growth, and we value your contributions to our mission.

Join Our Mission

Ready to apply your medical coding expertise to improve Veterans' healthcare? Submit your application on USAJobs (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/834374500) by April 7, 2025, at 11:59 PM to become our next Health Information Specialist.

For application assistance, contact Alicia.Beanblossom2@va.gov. For status updates or position-specific inquiries, refer to the HR representative listed at the bottom of the USAJobs announcement page.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $61,111.00 - $79,443.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Ability to Commute:

• Iowa City, IA 52246 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $29 - $38