The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) is one of the largest healthcare systems in the United States. To maintain accuracy, compliance, and financial integrity, the VA hires Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditors who specialize in reviewing and auditing medical coding data.
This GS-9 level position is not an entry-level job. It is designed for experienced and certified medical coding professionals who want a long-term federal career with the ability to work remotely from anywhere in the USA median
What Does a Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor Do?
A Coder Auditor goes beyond basic medical coding. Their main responsibility is to audit, review, and validate coded healthcare data to ensure it meets federal standards.
Why Auditors Are Critical in the USA Healthcare System
Medical coding directly affects:
- Insurance reimbursements
- Federal healthcare funding
- Patient care quality
- Fraud and abuse prevention
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Even a small coding error can cost millions of dollars at the federal level. That is why the VA relies on trained auditors.
Job Overview – Key Details at a Glance
Basic Information
- Job Title: Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor
- Federal Grade: GS-9
- Department: Veterans Affairs (VA)
- Service: Competitive Federal Service
- Employment Type: Permanent, Full-Time
- Work Mode: 100% Remote (Virtual Job)
Job Location
- Anywhere in the United States
- No relocation required
- No travel needed
This makes it one of the best work-from-home federal jobs in the USA.
Salary Structure – How Much Does a GS-9 Coder Auditor Earn?
Annual Salary Range
The salary for a GS-9 Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor typically ranges between:
- $66,505 to $86,461 per year
This range depends on:
- Locality pay area
- Federal pay adjustments
- Experience and step level
Why Federal Salary Is More Secure
Unlike private jobs:
- Salary is stable
- Annual raises are structured
- Pay is protected by federal law
Federal Benefits – A Major Advantage
Health & Insurance Benefits
Federal employees receive:
- Medical insurance
- Dental coverage
- Vision plans
Leave & Time Off
- Paid annual leave
- Paid sick leave
- Paid federal holidays
Retirement & Long-Term Security
- Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Government contributions
This makes federal jobs extremely attractive for long-term career planning.
Remote Work & Schedule Details
Is This a Fully Remote Job?
Yes. This is a virtual federal position, allowing employees to work from home.
Daily Work Schedule
- Monday to Friday
- Flexible start time
- Standard 8-hour shift
Perfect for professionals who value work-life balance.
Detailed Job Responsibilities (In-Depth)
Core Audit Responsibilities
Coder Auditors are responsible for:
- Auditing inpatient and outpatient records
- Reviewing ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes
- Validating CPT and HCPCS codes
- Reviewing MS-DRG assignments
- Checking POA (Present on Admission) indicators
Reporting & Analysis
- Create audit reports
- Analyze coding trends
- Identify recurring documentation issues
Collaboration With Clinical Staff
Working With Doctors & Coders
Auditors frequently:
- Communicate with physicians
- Clarify documentation gaps
- Train coding staff
Education & Guidance Role
They also:
- Provide coding education
- Explain regulatory updates
- Help prevent future errors
Education Requirements (Explained Simply)
Accepted Educational Paths
You qualify if you meet any one of the following:
- Associate degree in Health Information Management
- Associate degree in Health IT
- AHIMA-approved coding program (1 year+)
- Education + experience combination
Relevant Subjects
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Medical Coding
- Health Records Systems
Experience Requirements
Minimum Experience Needed
- At least 1 year of experience equivalent to a journey-level coder
- Experience in medical coding or auditing
Volunteer Experience Counts
Federal jobs also count:
- Volunteer work
- Unpaid healthcare experience
- Internships
Mandatory Certifications (Very Important)
Certification Is Required by Law
For GS-9 level:
- Mastery-level certification is mandatory
Accepted Certifications
- CCS
- CCS-P
- RHIT
- RHIA
- CPC
- COC
- CIC
Only certifications from AHIMA or AAPC are accepted median
Skills & Abilities Required (KSAs)
Technical Skills
- Advanced coding knowledge
- Understanding of federal healthcare rules
- Audit and data analysis skills
Soft Skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Conflict resolution
Who Should Apply for This Job?
Ideal Candidates
This job is perfect for:
- Certified medical coders
- Healthcare auditors
- Professionals seeking remote USA jobs
- Candidates wanting federal job stability
Who Should Not Apply
- Non-certified applicants
- Freshers with no coding background
Application Process – Step-by-Step (USAJOBS)
How to Apply Online
- Create a USAJOBS account
- Upload resume and certifications
- Complete occupational questionnaire
- Submit before deadline
Resume Format Tip
The VA provides a standard clinical resume format that applicants must use median
Selection & Hiring Process
How Applications Are Reviewed
- Eligibility verification
- Experience validation
- Certification checks
Final Steps
- Referral list
- Interview (if selected)
- Final job offer
Career Growth After GS-9
Promotion Opportunities
With experience, employees can move to:
- GS-11
- GS-12
- Compliance leadership roles
Long-Term Career Stability
Federal careers offer:
- Slow but guaranteed growth
- Job protection
- Retirement security
Why This Is One of the Best USA Remote Jobs in 2026
Top Benefits
- Work from home
- High salary
- Government job security
- Healthcare industry demand
- Excellent retirement benefits
SEO Focus Keywords (Comma-Separated)
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Final Conclusion (User-Friendly)
The VA Medical Records Technician (Coder) Auditor GS-9 job is a dream opportunity for experienced medical coders in the USA. It combines remote work, strong pay, federal benefits, and long-term security, making it one of the best government healthcare jobs in 2026.
