Launch Your Medical Coding Career with the Veterans Health Administration
Are you a skilled medical coding professional looking to transition into a career where your work directly honors those who served our country? The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is hiring Medical Records Technicians (Coder-Inpatient) to support the Sioux Falls VA Medical Center. This role is a vital component of the healthcare system, ensuring that clinical data is accurate, compliant, and accessible for patient care and research.
Job Responsibilities
As an Inpatient Coder, you will play a critical role in the revenue cycle and data integrity of the VA healthcare system. Your core duties will include:
- Coding Accuracy: Assigning precise diagnostic and procedural codes utilizing ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS systems.
- Data Abstraction: Reviewing comprehensive health records to capture pertinent medical, surgical, and administrative data.
- Collaboration: Working directly with clinical staff to resolve documentation ambiguities and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
- Quality Control: Conducting re-reviews of coded data to align with VERA (Veterans Equitable Resource Allocation) requirements.
Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet the following criteria:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Proficiency in English.
- One year of relevant experience or an accredited degree/certificate in Health Information Management.
- Active coding certification (AHIMA or AAPC).
- Commitment to the influenza vaccination program.
Grade Progression Overview
| Grade Level | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| GS-4 | Entry level / Foundational knowledge |
| GS-5 | Development of coding skills and EHR usage |
| GS-6 | Analysis of health records and regulatory compliance |
| GS-7 | Specialized care coding and clinical communication |
| GS-8 | Advanced coding judgment and complex documentation analysis |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary range of $37,193 to $72,644 annually. Beyond the paycheck, the VA provides an unmatched benefits package, including robust health insurance, federal retirement planning, and the opportunity for professional development in a premier teaching hospital environment.
Application Tips
To stand out, ensure your resume is tailored to reflect your coding expertise. Use the specific VA-provided template to avoid common errors, and make sure your certification status is clearly visible.
Join us in serving the heroes who have served our nation. If you have the coding precision we need, apply today to start your journey with the VA.
Why This Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient) Job Matters
Elevate your career in medical coding while supporting those who served. Join the Veterans Health Administration as a Medical Records Technician (Inpatient Coder) and make a direct impact on the quality of care for our nation's Veterans.
Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient) Job Overview
The Veterans Health Administration is seeking detail-oriented professionals to join our Health Information Management team. In this pivotal role, you will analyze patient health records, assign accurate diagnostic and procedural codes, and ensure the integrity of our healthcare data. This is a remote-eligible position, offering the flexibility to contribute to our mission of providing world-class care to Veterans from the comfort of your home.
Requirements for Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient)
- U.S. Citizenship (Non-citizens may only be appointed if qualified citizens are not available).
- Must be proficient in written and spoken English.
- Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
- One year of creditable experience involving medical coding, terminology, anatomy, and health records; OR an associate degree in health information management; OR completion of an accredited coding program.
- Possession of a recognized AHIMA or AAPC certification.
- Ability to pass a background/security investigation.
- Participation in the annual seasonal influenza vaccination program as a condition of employment.
Preferred Qualifications for Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient)
- Experience with MS-DRG classification and POA indicators.
- Proficiency in both inpatient and outpatient professional fee coding.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret clinical documentation and translate complex findings into accurate codes.
- Expertise in regulatory compliance, including HIPAA, Privacy Act, and Joint Commission guidelines.
- Strong technical skills in navigating electronic health record (EHR) systems.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health insurance packages
- ✓Opportunities for professional growth and specialized training
- ✓Work-life balance with remote work potential
- ✓Inclusion in a mission-driven, supportive environment
- ✓No state income tax (depending on location)
- ✓Participation in federal retirement programs
💡 How to Apply Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Medical Records Technician (Coder-Inpatient) Job
- Log in to or create your USAJOBS account.
- Review the full vacancy announcement and gather required documents (Resume, SF-50, Certifications, Transcripts).
- Download and complete the required clinical resume document provided by the VA.
- Complete the occupational questionnaire via the provided link.
- Upload all documents, including your specialized resume and supporting proof of eligibility.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your coding experience, including specific systems and patient settings.
- Use the VA-provided clinical resume template to ensure your submission meets standard requirements.
- Clearly articulate your mastery of ICD-10 and CPT coding in your work experience description.
- Double-check that all supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, certificates) are attached before submission.
- Monitor your email for status updates following the close of the announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position fully remote?
This position is currently remote-eligible; however, employees must reside within 50 miles of a VA Medical Center and may be required to work on-site based on agency policy assessments.
What certifications are accepted?
The VA accepts Apprentice, Associate, or Mastery level certifications from AHIMA or AAPC, as well as Clinical Documentation Improvement certifications from AHIMA or ACDIS.
Job from Veterans Health Administration
The Veterans Health Administration is the largest integrated health care system in the United States. We are committed to fulfilling President Lincoln's promise: "To care for those who have served in our nation's military and for their families, caregivers, and survivors." By joining our team, you become part of a network that prioritizes whole-person health and cutting-edge clinical research.