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Your role as a clinical coder
As a clinical coder, you’ll interpret and record health information about our patients so we can see what care they've had.
You’ll use your communication skills and attention to detail to:
- review and analyse a patient’s health records
- record their diagnosis, medical care or treatment using standard alphanumeric (letter and number) codes
- talk with doctors, nurses and other health professionals to check information is correct.
If you’re in a higher-level role, you may also train and mentor junior clinical coders and review their coding.
We have full time, part time and casual roles.
How a clinical coder is different to a health information manager
A clinical coder interprets patient information and translates it into coded data in our systems. A health information manager has more responsibility and looks after the systems that store information. They keep data safe and secure, and make sure we follow laws and ethical practices.
What your day might look like
Many of our clinical coders work in hospitals, health centres and office buildings across Queensland. You might also travel to rural and remote areas to provide hands on support, train staff or check on their processes for collecting data.
You'll work with digital and paper records and use a computer to assign standardised codes in our digital systems. The codes help us:
- plan and manage patient care
- track our performance
- inform healthcare providers about patients and their care.
They're also used in government budgets, research and reporting.
Read more about working as a clinical coder on the Your Career website.
Qualifications
You’ll have one of the following qualifications.
- Diploma of Clinical Coding
- Bachelor of Health Information Management
- Master of Health Information Management
You can also apply for student clinical coding roles if you're studying for a Diploma of Clinical Coding and have completed half of your studies.
Pay and benefits
Your pay rate and benefits will depend on your role and your pay point. In your first year, you’ll start at clinical coder stream grade 2, pay point 1. You’ll get a different rate if you’re a trainee or in a higher level role.
We also offer:
- regular wage increases
- a superannuation rate of 12.75%
- a supportive workplace with flexible working arrangements
- several types of leave
- salary packaging.
If you're moving to start a new job with us, you may be able to get help with moving and travel costs.
Professional growth
You’ll develop your professional skills through:
- orientation programs for new staff
- workplace learning and coaching
- online training courses
- professional development and upskilling opportunities.
Some hospitals also have a clinical coder graduate training program for new graduates.
Career paths
Getting experience as a clinical coder and doing more training can lead to work in other roles.
- Coding educator
- Coding auditor
- Coding manager
- Health information manager
- Health data analyst
- Health policy analyst
If you plan to do more study, ask your training provider if your past studies can count towards a higher qualification.