Launch Your Career as a Medical Records Technician with the VA

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for data accuracy and healthcare documentation? The Alaska VA Healthcare System is looking for a skilled Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) to join their team in Anchorage. This position is a perfect blend of administrative precision and clinical support, allowing you to contribute directly to the well-being of our nation’s veterans.

Job Responsibilities

As an MRT (Coder), your primary goal is to ensure the integrity of patient health data. You will:

Assign diagnostic and procedural codes using ICD, CPT, and HCPCS systems.
Review electronic health records for medical, demographic, and administrative data.
Consult with medical professionals to clarify clinical documentation.
Monitor regulatory requirements to ensure full compliance with VA policies and industry standards.

Requirements

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Proficiency: Excellent written and verbal English skills.
Background: Successful completion of a security investigation.
Certification: Must hold a relevant AHIMA or AAPC coding certification.

Grade Level Comparison

Grade Level	Key Focus
GS-4	Entry level, requires basic coding knowledge.
GS-5	Requires one year of experience and proficiency with EHR.
GS-6	Requires intermediate knowledge of regulatory/legal documentation.
GS-8	Full performance level; ability to handle complex coding and gaps in guidelines.

Salary Overview

The salary for this position ranges from $41,168 to $82,139 per year. The specific grade and step offered will depend on your unique qualifications and experience.

Benefits

Federal employees enjoy a comprehensive 'Total Rewards' package:

Time Off: Generous annual, sick, and federal holiday leave.
Health: Access to top-tier health, dental, and vision insurance.
Retirement: Federal pension and 401(k) style Thrift Savings Plan with agency matching.
Work-Life Balance: Access to parental leave and childcare subsidies for eligible families.

Application Tips

Use the Required Template: Ensure you use the provided clinical resume template.
Be Detailed: Clearly document your coding experience, including the types of cases you have handled.
Double-Check Requirements: Confirm your certifications are active and recognized by the VA.

If you are ready to take the next step in your medical coding career while living in the beautiful, tax-friendly city of Anchorage, apply today. Your expertise is essential to ensuring our veterans receive the care they deserve.

Why This Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) Job Matters

Advance your career while serving those who served. Join the Alaska VA Healthcare System as a Medical Records Technician and play a vital role in high-quality veteran care.

Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) Job Overview

The Alaska VA Healthcare System is seeking a dedicated Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) to join the Health Information Management team in Anchorage, Alaska. In this role, you will be responsible for classifying medical data, ensuring coding accuracy, and supporting the clinical mission of the VA by maintaining high standards for health record integrity. This is an on-site position located in the vibrant city of Anchorage, which offers an exceptional quality of life with access to outdoor recreation, cultural amenities, and modern living.

Requirements for Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient)

Must be a United States Citizen.
Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
Must be able to successfully complete a background and security investigation.
Must complete an online onboarding process.
Must adhere to the mandatory seasonal influenza vaccination program.
Must be able to provide acceptable identification for I-9 verification.

Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient)

Possession of an AHIMA or AAPC Apprentice/Associate or Mastery Level certification.
Clinical Documentation Improvement certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.
Academic background in Health Information Management or Technology.
Direct experience in medical coding, including ICD-CM, CPT, and HCPCS classification systems.
Familiarity with Joint Commission and CMS documentation guidelines.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓13 to 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year.
✓11 paid Federal holidays annually.
✓Federal health, vision, dental, and life insurance plans.
✓Traditional federal pension plan with 5-year vesting.
✓Federal 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan) with up to 5% agency matching.
✓Paid parental leave for eligible employees.
✓Childcare subsidy for qualifying families.

💡 How to Apply Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) Job

Create a profile on the USAJobs portal.
Download the standard Clinical Resume Document from the provided VA career link.
Prepare your comprehensive resume and any supporting documents like transcripts or certifications.
Complete the occupational questionnaire within the application portal.
Upload all required documentation, including the specific Clinical Resume and professional certifications.
Review your application for accuracy before final submission.

💡 General Tips

Be specific: Do not leave room for assumptions. Quantify your experience and describe your exact duties.
Follow formatting: Ensure the required standard Clinical Resume is uploaded exactly as requested in the 'Resume' section.
Stay current: Check your email frequently for notifications regarding your status after submission.
Verify education: If using your degree to qualify, ensure your institution is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a remote position?

No, this position is physically located at the Anchorage VA Medical Center in Alaska.

What certifications are required?

Applicants must hold an Apprentice/Associate or Mastery level certification from AHIMA or AAPC, or a Clinical Documentation Improvement certification from AHIMA or ACDIS.

What is the grade range for this position?

The position is advertised for GS-04 through GS-08, with the full performance level at GS-08.

Can I work from home?

*A: No, this is an on-site, in-person position at the Anchorage VA Medical Center.*

Is there relocation assistance?

*A: No, relocation assistance is not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Veterans Health Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for those who have served in the military. The Alaska VA Healthcare System provides high-quality, compassionate care to veterans across the state. Joining our team means becoming part of a supportive culture defined by our 'I CARE' core values: Integrity, Commitment, Advocacy, Respect, and Excellence.