Clinical Coder
A Clinical Coder translates clinical information from patient medical records into standardised alphanumeric codes using the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) coding system. In Australia, clinical coding is used for hospital funding, statistics, and health service planning, with coders employed in public and private hospital settings.
Full-time AUD, 2025 indicative. Wide bands reflect variation by employer, experience, and location.
Steady demand in public and private hospitals driven by ongoing casemix funding requirements; shortages have been reported in regional facilities.
Occupation list membership
Which Department of Home Affairs skilled lists this occupation currently appears on.
- ROLRegional Occupation List
Occupations eligible for regional visas such as Subclass 491 and 494.
- CSOLCombined Skilled Occupation List
The merged skilled list that consolidates previous MLTSSL and STSOL eligibility under the Skills in Demand program.
Assessing authority
The body that assesses skills for migration purposes for this occupation.
- VETVETASSESSVisit official site →
Visa pathways
Australian visa subclasses for which this occupation is currently eligible.
- 186Learn more →Employer Nomination Scheme visa
Permanent employer-sponsored visa for workers nominated by an approved sponsor.
- 482Learn more →Skills in Demand visa
Employer-sponsored temporary visa (formerly TSS) for occupations on the relevant list.
- 491Learn more →Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa
Five-year provisional visa for workers willing to live and work in regional Australia.
- 494Learn more →Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa
Five-year employer-sponsored provisional visa in regional Australia, with a path to PR.
State nominations
States and territories that currently nominate this occupation for skilled migration.
| Code | State / Territory | Details |
|---|---|---|
| WA | Western Australia | View nomination → |
| SA | South Australia | View nomination → |
Key duties
- Review and interpret clinical documentation from patient medical records
- Assign ICD-10-AM diagnosis and procedure codes to episodes of care
- Liaise with clinicians to clarify documentation and obtain additional coding information
- Ensure coding accuracy and completeness for hospital casemix funding purposes
Skills required
- Knowledge of ICD-10-AM coding standards and Australian Coding Standards
- Understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical documentation practices
- Analytical skills for interpreting complex clinical information
- Proficiency with hospital patient information and coding software
Typical qualifications pathway
A Certificate IV in Health Administration (Health Terminology and Clinical Coding) or equivalent is typical. Fellowship with the Health Information Management Association of Australia (HIMAA) supports career progression. VETASSESS is the assessing authority for migration purposes.
Visa & occupation list information
This occupation appears on the ROL and CSOL. Eligible Australian skilled visa pathways include subclasses 186, 482, 491, and 494. State nominations are available from nominating states and territories. For advice on which pathway suits your circumstances, consult a registered MARA migration agent.
anzsco.com.au is information-only. For personalised advice on your situation, always consult a registered MARA migration agent.
Scan with your phone to open an AI chat about this occupation — no agent, no affiliation, just info you can trust.