INPATIENT CODER SKILLS, EXPERIENCES, AND JOB REQUIREMENTS

Published: Sep 12, 2025 - The Inpatient Coder demonstrates expertise in ICD, DRG, and CPT coding principles with a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and reimbursement guidelines. This role requires compliance with CMS HCC Risk Adjustment methodology, Medicare Prospective Payment System requirements, and proficient use of coding and abstracting software. The coder also ensures high standards of accuracy and effective communication to support collaboration with physicians, staff, and other healthcare professionals.

Essential Hard and Soft Skills for an Inpatient Coder Resume
  • ICD-10 Coding
  • DRG Assignment
  • Chart Review
  • Data Accuracy
  • Reimbursement Compliance
  • Risk Adjustment
  • PCS Procedures
  • Data Integrity
  • Error Resolution
  • Billing Support
  • Physician Query
  • Team Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Coding Education
  • Problem Solving
  • Documentation Clarity
  • Knowledge Sharing
  • Customer Response
  • Peer Review
  • Provider Training

Summary of Inpatient Coder Knowledge and Qualifications on Resume

1. BS in Nursing with 7 years of Experience

  • Coding experience in an inpatient acute care setting
  • Experience and successful completion of the Centura Health Internal coding program
  • Must demonstrate competency in inpatient coding guidelines and DRG assignment
  • Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, emails and troubleshooting computer problems
  • Experience successfully working in a remote environment
  • Demonstrate intermediate to advanced technical coding competency in ICD-10-CM, CPT-4, HCPCS and Coding Modifiers
  • Knowledge of disease management, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, pharmacology and coding systems (i.e., 3M)
  • Current AHIMA credentials (i.e., RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P) or AAPC credentials (COC, CIC, CPC-H, CPC)
  • Extensive knowledge of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding principles and guidelines, DRG Assignment, federal, state and payor-specific regulations and policies about documentation, coding and billing
  • Understands medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, surgical technology, pharmacology and disease processes
  • High level of coding accuracy, critical thinking skills and attention to detail
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills

2. BA in Healthcare Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Working experience in coding and DRG validation experience in a large acute care and/or academic teaching facility 
  • Good knowledge of revenue cycle, billing systems, EPIC Electronic Health Record and 3M Encoder, Computer Assisted Coding software (CAC)
  • Excellent analytical skills for trending and analysis
  • Understanding of RACs and DRG validations
  • Ability to clearly articulate a response to RAC's and DRG validations by utilizing appropriate Coding Clinic references
  • Thorough knowledge of DRG methodologies and regulatory requirements associated with coding and DRG assignment
  • Comprehensive knowledge of disease processes, clinical science, anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, pathology and laboratory medicine
  • Knowledge of ICD-9-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, ICD-10 training, AHA Coding Clinic and CMS regulations
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to use Excel, Word and have basic computer operational knowledge

3. BS in Health Information Management with 3 years of Experience

  • Must have AHIMA/AAPC Certification
  • Working experience in EPIC and 3M
  • Strong knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
  • Working experience in IP coding in a hospital acute care coding environment and a hospital outpatient coding environment
  • Demonstrated complex diagnostic and procedural inpatient coding experience in a computerized/electronic environment
  • Documented evidence of advanced coursework in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS
  • Ability to communicate with various members of the healthcare team
  • Advanced ICD-9-CM, ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT-4 coding skills

4. BS in Health Information Technology with 6 years of Experience

  • Working experience in acute care inpatient and/or IVR coding with same-day surgery, ED and OP diagnostic outpatient coding experiences
  • Must have American Association of Professional Coders Specialty Certification
  • Ability to present information clearly and professionally to individuals at varying levels throughout the patient care process
  • Must have computer skills and dexterity for data entry and retrieval of information
  • Must be proficient with Windows-style applications, various software packages specific to the role and keyboard
  • Knowledge of ICD-9-CM, ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS and coding principles
  • Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, analytical and quality management skills
  • Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing
  • Ability to learn appropriate software application(s)
  • Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Must have good organizational skills

5. BA in Public Health with 3 years of Experience

  • Working experience in ICD-10-CM/ICD-10-PCS coding and abstracting experience at a Level 1 Trauma and Rehab hospital 
  • Experience with coding inpatient hospital medical records
  • Strong analytical and organizational skills
  • Ability to prioritize workloads
  • Able to meet deadlines and work effectively under pressure
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to problem solve and work with minimal supervision
  • Familiar with basic medical terminology

6. BA in Medical Records Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Experience coding multiple/various coding and abstracting applications
  • Able to relate cooperatively and constructively with customers and co-workers
  • Adaptable to frequent changes in assignments
  • Proficient in alphabetical and numerical filing systems
  • Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
  • Knowledge of medical record requirements, HIPAA privacy rules, and assigning and sequencing ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes
  • Must have CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), or CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder), or RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician) or RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator) 
  • Working experience in Trauma Level 1 and an Academic Teaching facility 
  • Working experience in auditing
  • Must be proficient at ICD-10-PCS coding

7. BA in Health Sciences with 6 years of Experience

  • Must have CCS, RHIA or RHIT certification
  • Experienced in coding in a hospital setting
  • Demonstrated complex diagnostic and procedural inpatient coding experience in a computerized/electronic environment
  • Working knowledge of coding classification systems to include Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) and All Patient Refined-DRGs (APR-DRGs)
  • Knowledge of Clinical Documentation and query processes
  • Ability to function independently, with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team
  • Thorough knowledge of medical record content to include electronic medical records (EMRs) 
  • Ability to function under continual deadlines
  • Ability to maintain accuracy during frequent interruptions
  • Proficiency in keyboarding skills and working knowledge of computers
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Working knowledge of coding software tools to include encoder, Computer Assisted Coding (CAC) and Clinical Documentation Improvement System (CDIS) tools

8. BS in Clinical Informatics with 4 years of Experience

  • Hospital-based coding experience to include complex CPT surgical coding and advanced ICD-10-CM-PCS coding
  • Experience in Teaching facilities and/or Trauma Facilities 
  • Must be credentialed with an HIM/Coding Credentials and/or Certification by AHIMA or AAPC
  • Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work accurately while meeting multiple deadlines
  • Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form
  • Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with critical thinking and professional composure
  • Ability to understand and follow instructions
  • Ability to exercise sound and independent judgment
  • Knowledge and skill in the use of job-appropriate technology and software applications

9. BA in Medical Office Administration with 5 years of Experience

  • Must have CCS, RHIT or RHIA (AHIMA) or CPC, COC (AAPC)
  • Working experience in a facility-based outpatient 
  • Knowledge of Federal, state and payer regulations
  • Capable of interpreting medical records, reports and chart entries
  • Capable of applying judgment and decision-making
  • Basic Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, etc.)
  • Basic background proficiencies with computers, using multiple systems at a time
  • Self-motivated with the ability to work autonomously and in a team in a fast-paced environment
  • Well organized and able to balance multiple projects and priorities
  • Strong oral and written communication skills
  • Able to be flexible and adaptable to change

10. BS in Healthcare Informatics with 7 years of Experience

  • Demonstrated proficiency in hospital and/or multiple physician specialty coding
  • Experience in CMS HCC Risk Adjustment payment methodology, coding and documentation requirements
  • Must possess a thorough knowledge of ICD/DRG coding and/or CPT coding principles, and the recommended American Health Information Management Association coding competencies
  • In-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology
  • Thorough understanding of the content of the clinical record
  • Extensive knowledge of all coding conventions and reimbursement guidelines across all service lines
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as effective human relations skills for building and maintaining a working relationship with all levels of staff, physicians, and other contacts
  • Must consistently demonstrate the ability to understand the Medicare Prospective Payment System, and the Clinical coding database and indices
  • Familiar with coding and abstracting software, as well as common office software and the electronic medical records software
  • Must be able to achieve an acceptable accuracy rate on the coding test administered by the hiring facility according to pre-established company standards
  • Must be able to work effectively with common office software and coding software and abstracting systems