Launch Your Career: Medical Records Technician (Inpatient Coder) at the Memphis VA
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a cornerstone of American healthcare, dedicated to fulfilling the promise to those who have served our nation. If you are a detail-oriented professional with a passion for health information management, a career as a Medical Records Technician (MRT) at the Memphis VA Medical Center offers an unparalleled opportunity to impact patient care while growing within the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
In this role, you will serve as a vital link between clinical documentation and healthcare billing/reporting. Key responsibilities include:
- Coding Accuracy: Selecting and assigning ICD-CM, PCS, and CPT/HCPCS codes for inpatient procedures.
- Documentation Review: Performing comprehensive audits of health records to ensure diagnoses and comorbidities are accurately reflected.
- Clinical Consultation: Collaborating with medical staff to clarify ambiguous or incomplete documentation.
- Data Integrity: Managing encoder software to resolve edits and ensure high-quality data submission.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal requirements:
- Must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Must possess relevant coding certification (e.g., CCA, CCS, RHIT, or CPC).
- Must pass a background security investigation.
- Must be comfortable with sedentary work requiring occasional movement for records management.
Grade Level Comparison
| Grade Level | Key Requirement | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|
| GS-4 | Entry level/Basic quals | Core understanding of medical terminology |
| GS-5 | Bachelor’s degree or 1 yr experience | Ability to navigate health records |
| GS-6 | 1 yr equivalent experience | Advanced ICD/PCS coding application |
| GS-7 | 1 yr equivalent experience | Troubleshooting and clinical communication |
| GS-8 | 1 yr equivalent experience | Full scope inpatient complex coding |
Salary and Benefits
Positions at the VA come with a comprehensive compensation package. The salary range for this role is $36,409 to $72,644 per year, depending on your experience and selected grade. Benefits include federal health insurance, a generous 401(k)-style retirement plan (TSP), and accrual of annual and sick leave.
Application Tips
- Use the Template: Follow the specific resume template linked in the job posting to ensure your application passes the initial screening.
- Be Explicit: Clearly map your coding experience to the KSA (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities) requirements listed in the announcement.
- Stay Current: Ensure all certifications are active and properly documented before applying.
A role at the Memphis VA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the mission of serving Veterans. If you possess the coding expertise and dedication required, apply today to join one of the most respected medical systems in the United States.
Why This Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient) Job Matters
Join the Veterans Health Administration in Memphis and transform your expertise in medical coding into a rewarding career that honors those who served.
Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient) Job Overview
The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a skilled Medical Records Technician (Inpatient Coder) to join the Health Information Management Section at the Memphis VA Medical Center. This position plays a critical role in the accurate documentation and classification of health records, ensuring that clinical data is correctly translated for patient care and regulatory compliance. You will work within a complex, state-of-the-art teaching facility serving over 206,000 Veterans across a tri-state area.
Requirements for Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient)
- U.S. Citizenship
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Certification from AHIMA or AAPC (Apprentice, Mastery, or Clinical Documentation Improvement levels)
- Completion of an accredited education program or equivalent experience in medical coding, anatomy, and physiology
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program
- Completion of a 1 or 2-year trial period
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient)
- Prior experience in inpatient ambulatory surgery coding
- Strong understanding of ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex coding requirements to clinical staff
- Experience with MS-DRG assignment and POA indicators
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and step increases
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance options
- ✓Generous paid time off, including federal holidays
- ✓Retirement programs including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- ✓Opportunities for professional development in a teaching hospital environment
- ✓Annual leave accrual based on prior federal or military service
💡 How to Apply Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Records Technician (Coder Inpatient) Job
- Create or log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Download and complete the required standard Clinical Resume Document.
- Prepare all supporting documentation, including transcripts and professional certifications.
- Complete the online occupational questionnaire.
- Submit your full application package before the deadline of July 20, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Be specific in your resume; do not leave the hiring team to make assumptions about your experience.
- Ensure your transcript clearly shows relevant coursework if qualifying via education.
- Use the provided standard resume template to ensure your application meets formatting requirements.
- Check your application status regularly through your USAJOBS dashboard.
- Verify your eligibility for Veterans' Preference and include required DD214 documentation if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the role of a Medical Records Technician (Coder)?
You will be responsible for reviewing health records to assign accurate diagnostic and procedural codes, ensuring that all clinical data supports the assigned DRG and meets regulatory guidelines.
Is this a remote position?
This position is primarily based on-site in Memphis, TN, though some virtual flexibility may be possible for highly qualified candidates at the GS-8 level.
Are there mandatory vaccinations for this role?
Yes, as a condition of employment with the VHA, you must participate in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Memphis VA Medical Center is a level-one tertiary care facility, serving over 206,000 Veterans across Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. As a teaching hospital, the facility is at the cutting edge of research, technology, and patient care. Working here means joining a diverse team committed to excellence across specialized fields, from spinal cord injury care to oncology.