High-Paying Remote Medical Coding Job with Federal Benefits – Apply Now!
Are you a certified medical coder looking for a stable, remote position with excellent benefits? The Department of Veterans Affairs is hiring Medical Records Technicians (Coders) for their Northern Arizona VA Health Care System, and this position offers the perfect blend of competitive salary, work-life balance, and the opportunity to serve those who served our country.
Job Overview: What You Need to Know
The Medical Records Technician (Coder-Outpatient) position is a full-time, permanent remote opportunity with the Veterans Health Administration. This GS-8 level position offers a salary range of $55,328 to $72,644 per year, with actual compensation varying based on locality pay charts.
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026
Job Announcement Number: CBSX-12878991-26-JS
Number of Vacancies: 1 position
Work Location: Anywhere in the U.S. (100% Remote)
Key Position Details
This is a fully remote position, meaning you’ll work from home full-time without the need to commute to a VA facility. However, it’s important to note that remote work status may be reassessed periodically, and the VA reserves the right to require office-based work in the future if circumstances change.
Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Service Type: Excepted Service
Security Clearance: Not Required
What Does a Medical Records Technician (Coder) Do?
As a Medical Records Technician at the VA, you’ll play a crucial role in the healthcare system by analyzing patient health records and assigning accurate diagnostic and procedural codes. Your expertise ensures proper documentation, facilitates appropriate reimbursement, and contributes to quality patient care for our nation’s veterans.
Primary Responsibilities
Code Assignment and Classification
- Select and assign codes from current coding systems (ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS)
- Establish primary and secondary diagnosis codes for outpatient encounters
- Code ambulatory surgical cases, diagnostic studies, and outpatient procedures
- Follow current regulations and requirements for allowable reimbursement
Record Analysis and Review
- Analyze health records to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures
- Evaluate documentation adequacy and completeness
- Interpret medical terminology, disease processes, and pathophysiology
- Read and understand complex medical documentation
Specialized Coding Tasks
- Code diagnoses from paper forms for VA registries including:
- Agent Orange Registry
- Ionizing Radiation Registry
- Persian Gulf Registry
- Prisoner of War Registry
- Conduct re-reviews of coded encounters identified by the VERA committee
- Ensure compliance with VERA coding requirements
Collaborative Work
- Function effectively within a team environment
- Communicate with healthcare providers regarding documentation
- Participate in quality improvement initiatives
Comprehensive Benefits Package
One of the most attractive aspects of federal employment is the outstanding benefits package. The VA offers benefits that go far beyond just salary.
Financial Benefits
Competitive Compensation
- Starting salary: $55,328-$72,644 annually (GS-8 level)
- Regular salary increases based on performance and tenure
- Locality pay adjustments based on geographic location
Retirement Planning
- Traditional federal pension with 5-year vesting period
- Federal 401(k) equivalent (Thrift Savings Plan)
- Up to 5% employer matching contributions
- Pension benefits can be carried into retirement
Time Off and Leave Benefits
Generous Paid Time Off
- 37-50 days of paid leave annually, including:
- 13-26 days of annual leave (vacation)
- 13 days of sick leave
- 11 paid federal holidays
Annual Leave Accrual Rates
- 4 hours per pay period (0-3 years of service)
- 6 hours per pay period (3-15 years of service)
- 8 hours per pay period (15+ years of service)
Veterans and those with prior federal service may qualify for service credit, allowing them to accrue leave at a higher rate from day one.
Parental Leave After 12 months of employment, eligible employees receive up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child.
Health and Insurance Benefits
Comprehensive Health Coverage
- Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) program
- Vision coverage options
- Dental insurance plans
- Term life insurance
- Long-term care insurance
Many federal insurance programs can be maintained into retirement, providing lifelong security for you and your family.
Family Support Benefits
Child Care Subsidy Full-time employees with total family income below $144,000 may qualify for childcare assistance:
- Available after 60 days of employment
- Covers up to 25% of eligible childcare costs
- Maximum monthly benefit: $416.66 per eligible child
Qualification Requirements
To be considered for this position, you must meet specific basic requirements and demonstrate the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Basic Requirements
Citizenship and Language
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Proficient in written and spoken English
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service
Education OR Experience (Choose One Path)
Option 1: Experience One year of creditable experience demonstrating knowledge of:
- Medical terminology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Pathophysiology
- Medical coding systems
- Health record structure and format
Option 2: Education An associate’s degree in:
- Health Information Technology
- Health Information Management
- Related field with minimum 12 semester hours in HIT/HIM
Coursework must include medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and introduction to health records.
Option 3: Coding Program Completion
- AHIMA-approved coding program, OR
- Intensive coding training program (approximately one year)
- Must include anatomy, physiology, medical terminology, ICD coding, and CPT coding
- Program must lead to certification eligibility
Option 4: Combined Experience/Education Various combinations of experience and education are acceptable, including:
- Six months creditable experience + one year above high school with 6 semester hours in HIT courses
- Military medical training (Armed Forces or U.S. Maritime Service) + six months creditable experience
Required Certification
You MUST hold one of the following certifications:
AHIMA Certifications:
- CCA (Certified Coding Associate)
- CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)
- CCS-P (Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based)
- RHIA (Registered Health Information Administrator)
- RHIT (Registered Health Information Technician)
- CDIP (Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner)
AAPC Certifications:
- CPC (Certified Professional Coder)
- COC (Certified Outpatient Coder)
- CIC (Certified Inpatient Coder)
ACDIS Certification:
- CCDS (Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist)
GS-8 Grade Requirements
For the GS-8 level, you must have:
- One year of creditable experience equivalent to GS-7
- Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities including:
KSA #1: Ability to analyze health records to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures, evaluate documentation adequacy, and understand disease processes and pathophysiology.
KSA #2: Ability to accurately perform full scope outpatient coding, including ambulatory surgical cases, diagnostic studies, procedures, and outpatient encounters.
KSA #3: Skill in interpreting and adapting incomplete or inadequate guidelines, using judgment to complete assignments despite gaps in specificity.
How to Apply
The application process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is complete.
Application Steps
Step 1: Create or Access Your USAJOBS Account Visit USAJOBS.gov and create an account or log into your existing account.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Click “Apply Online” on the job announcement page. The complete application includes:
- Online questionnaire
- Resume/CV upload
- Required supporting documents
Step 3: Submit Required Documents
Mandatory Documents:
- Clinical Resume/CV using the standard template: Download Clinical Resume Template
- Full resume (no page limitation) uploaded in the “Other” document field
- Professional certification (CCA, CCS, CPC, etc.)
Additional Documents (if applicable):
- DD-214 or Statement of Service (veterans)
- SF-50 (current or former federal employees)
- Official transcripts (if using education to qualify)
- License (if applicable)
Step 4: Submit by Deadline All application materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 13, 2026. Note that the announcement may close earlier if 100 applications are received.
Application Tips for Success
Be Specific and Clear When describing your experience, provide concrete examples and quantifiable achievements. The review team cannot make assumptions about your qualifications.
Include All Relevant Experience Document paid and unpaid experience, including:
- Previous coding positions
- Internships and externships
- Volunteer work with healthcare organizations
- Military medical experience
- National Service programs (Peace Corps, AmeriCorps)
Verify Your Certification Ensure your coding certification is current and upload a clear copy of your certification document.
Proofread Everything Errors or omissions can affect your consideration for employment. Review all materials before submission.
Understanding the Selection Process
After you submit your application, here’s what happens next:
Evaluation Process
Initial Screening Applications are reviewed to ensure all qualification and eligibility requirements are met. This includes verification of:
- U.S. citizenship
- Required certifications
- Educational credentials
- Experience claims
- Complete documentation
Referral Qualified candidates are referred to the hiring manager via a referral certificate. You’ll receive email notification of your referral status.
Interview Referred applicants may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. Prepare to discuss:
- Your coding experience and expertise
- Knowledge of coding guidelines and regulations
- Problem-solving abilities
- Experience working in remote/virtual environments
- Understanding of VA mission and commitment to veterans
Reference Checks The VA performs pre-employment reference checks to verify information and gain additional insights into candidate abilities.
Selection Decision All referred applicants receive final notification once a selection has been made.
Important Conditions of Employment
Before accepting this position, be aware of these important requirements:
Trial Period
New employees must serve a 1-2 year trial period during which the agency evaluates:
- Performance and conduct
- Fit with agency needs and interests
- Whether continued employment advances public interest
- Contribution to organizational goals
- Advancement of federal service efficiency
Employment continues beyond the trial period only with written certification that your continued employment advances public interest.
Influenza Vaccination Requirement
Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is mandatory for all VA Health Care Personnel. You must either:
- Receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination, OR
- Obtain approved medical or religious exemption (requires wearing face mask)
Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service.
Background Investigation
Selected applicants undergo background/security investigation.
Online Onboarding
Complete online onboarding process with acceptable identification. Important: Starting May 7, 2025, non-REAL ID compliant driver’s licenses cannot be used for employment verification. Acceptable documents are listed on the I-9 Acceptable Documents page.
Why Choose a Career with the VA?
Working for the Department of Veterans Affairs offers unique rewards beyond typical employment.
Mission-Driven Work
Every day, you’ll contribute to providing quality healthcare for America’s veterans. Your accurate coding ensures:
- Proper reimbursement for veteran care
- Quality data for healthcare improvement
- Compliance with regulations
- Support for veteran health registries
Job Security
Federal employment offers unparalleled job stability. As a permanent employee in the Excepted Service, you’ll have:
- Protection from arbitrary termination
- Clear grievance procedures
- Union representation options (though this position is non-bargaining unit)
Career Development
The VA supports professional growth through:
- Training opportunities
- Continuing education support
- Certification maintenance assistance
- Career advancement pathways
Work-Life Balance
The remote work arrangement combined with generous leave benefits provides exceptional work-life balance. Enjoy:
- No commute time or expenses
- Flexible work environment
- Home office setup
- Quality time with family
Diversity and Inclusion
The VA encourages applications from diverse candidates, including persons with disabilities. The agency is committed to:
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Fair and transparent hiring processes
- Accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is this position really 100% remote? Yes, this is a fully remote position. However, the VA may reassess remote work arrangements and could require return to office work in the future.
Q: Can I live anywhere in the United States? Yes, as long as you’re legally authorized to work in the U.S. and can work during the scheduled hours (7:30 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday).
Q: Will my salary vary based on where I live? Yes, locality pay adjustments apply based on your geographic location within the U.S.
Q: Can I receive credit for my previous coding experience? Yes, prior work experience may count toward annual leave accrual rates. This must be requested and approved before your appointment date.
Q: Do I need to be a veteran to apply? No, this position is open to all U.S. citizens. While veterans’ preference may apply to some VA positions, this position is on the Critical Shortage List, which waives veterans’ preference requirements for external applicants.
Q: What happens if I don’t have all required documents when I apply? Applications missing required documents may be rated ineligible or receive a lower rating. Ensure all materials are submitted before the deadline.
Q: Can I apply if my certification is about to expire? You must hold a current, valid certification at the time of application. If your certification is expiring soon, renew it before applying.
Take Action Today
This is an exceptional opportunity to build a rewarding career with the federal government while enjoying the flexibility of remote work and the satisfaction of serving those who served our country.
Ready to Apply?
Application Deadline: February 13, 2026 (or when 100 applications received)
Apply Now: USAJOBS Job Announcement #856681200
Need More Information?
Agency Contact:
Jonathan Stumpf
Phone: (602) 741-0960
Email: Jonathan.Stumpf@va.gov
Address:
Bob Stump VA Medical Center
500 Highway 89 North
Prescott, AZ 86313
Additional Resources
- USAJOBS Help Center – Application assistance
- VA for Vets – Career tools for veterans
- VA Qualification Standards – Detailed requirements
- The Fair Chance Act – Information about criminal history inquiries
Don’t miss this chance to join the nation’s largest integrated healthcare system and make a real difference in the lives of veterans. Apply today and start your journey toward a fulfilling federal career with excellent benefits, job security, and the opportunity to serve with purpose.