Medical Coding in a Hospital

Hospitals tend to be more rigid and bureaucratic in their approach to medical coding employment than smaller, more nimble medical clinics or physician groups. However, their pay rates can also be higher.


Hospitals tend to require a higher level of inpatient coding skill and certification. On the other hand, large hospitals can offer medical transcription employment benefits which far outweigh those provided by smaller organizations. These benefits may include overtime pay, flex-time, sick leave, paid vacation, and perhaps most importantly - generous health care benefits. Also, if you are interested in pursuing a long-term career as a Medical Records Director or Hospital Administrator, a large hospital system will typically provide more opportunities for upward mobility.


Medical clinics and physicians offices tend to operate under relatively normal business hours. This allows medical coders employed by these organizations to enjoy a traditional and fairly stable medical coding work schedule. However, if medical coding job flexibility is important to you, you should consider a medical coding job in a hospital setting. Most hospitals are open 24 hours per day 7 days per week and often offer significant flexibility to medical coders in terms of flex schedules and shift work.