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Ancillary Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Keeps abreast of coding guideline changes. May identify chargeable items for facility level for given department. May assign codes for diagnoses and treatment for ancillary outpatient encounters.

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Ancillary Coding information

See California salary details

$10

$28

$64

How much do ancillary coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for ancillary coding in California is $28.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.71 and $33.66 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Ancillary Coding vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectAncillary CodingMedical Billing Specialist
CredentialsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Associate (CCA)Billing and Coding Certification (CBC), CPC often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Job FocusAssigning codes for procedures and diagnoses in ancillary servicesProcessing claims, billing patients, insurance follow-up
Industry UsageUsed mainly in outpatient and hospital settings for codingUsed across healthcare settings for billing and claims processing

Ancillary Coding primarily involves assigning medical codes for outpatient procedures and services, focusing on accurate documentation for billing purposes. Medical Billing Specialists handle the entire billing process, including submitting claims and managing payments. While both roles require coding knowledge and certifications, Ancillary Coding is more specialized in coding procedures, whereas Medical Billing Specialists focus on the billing cycle and insurance claims.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ancillary coder?

To thrive as an Ancillary Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, often supported by a coding certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), coding software, and medical billing platforms is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and resolving discrepancies. These skills are crucial for ensuring compliant, accurate reimbursement and minimizing claim denials in healthcare organizations.

What is ancillary coding?

Ancillary coding refers to the process of assigning medical codes to services and procedures that support patient care but are not the primary reason for a healthcare visit. These services can include laboratory tests, radiology imaging, physical therapy, and other supportive treatments. Ancillary coders ensure that these services are accurately documented and billed, supporting proper reimbursement and compliance with healthcare regulations. The role requires knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems such as CPT and ICD-10, and attention to detail.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in ancillary coding, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Ancillary Coding often encounter challenges such as keeping up with frequent updates to coding regulations, accurately interpreting complex medical documentation, and ensuring compliance with payer requirements. Staying current through ongoing education, participating in regular team training sessions, and utilizing robust coding resources can help address these challenges. Collaborating closely with healthcare providers and billing teams also promotes accuracy and efficiency, helping to minimize claim denials and improve reimbursement rates.
What are the most commonly searched types of Ancillary Coding jobs in California? The most popular types of Ancillary Coding jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Ancillary Coding jobs in California? For Ancillary Coding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Ancillary Coding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,427 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Coding Technician I - FT Days

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Torrance, CA • On-site

$32.72 - $51.47/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Torrance Memorial Medical Center rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Description
This position's primary purpose is to accurately abstract, code, and electronically record all diagnoses and procedures documented by a physician in any non-surgical outpatient medical record (i.e. Emergency Department visits, outpatient diagnostic ancillary visits) In accordance with current Federal Coding Compliance regulations and guidelines, and using current ICD-10-CM , CPT-4, and HCPCS code sets/systems.Core Competencies
  • Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for
    the principal procedure, other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures according to the coding conventions and guidelines outlined in the CPT code set, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), the Outpatient Coding Editor (OCE), and the AMA CPT Assistant publication.
  • Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for the principal diagnosis, principal procedure, complications and comorbid (CC) conditions, and other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures that should be coded according to ICD-10-CM official guidelines for coding and reporting, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM.
  • Applies Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) coding assignment requirements regarding the following: Modifiers approved for Hospital Outpatient use, CPT consistent with HCPCS Level II , Medical Necessity Justification (i.e., linking diagnosis to procedure/service performed), Evaluation and Management code assignment, when necessary.
  • Consults with physicians and other healthcare providers to obtain clarification documentation to assist with accurate and complete diagnosis and procedure code assignments.
  • Demonstrates competency in performance of coding functions by maintaining current knowledge in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding.
  • Assists with the accurate abstraction and the correction of 'hospital discharge data set' through the Medical Information Reporting for California (MIRCal) system, in accordance with the regulations administered by the Office of Statewide Health, Planning nd Development (OSHPD).
  • Maintains a daily productivity level according to the benchmarks and standards outline in the HIM department policy and procedure.
Department Specific Competencies
  • Participates in departmental and hospital performance improvement activities (BPI projects, task forces, etc) when appropriate.
  • Answers telephone in a timely manner and ascertains needs and routes accordingly.
  • Performs clerical tasks and other duties as assigned.

Education
DegreeProgramCertificateHealthcareN/AHealthcare
Additional InformationHigh School Diploma, GED, or Higher Education. Completion of an 'American Health Information Management Association' (AHIMA) or an 'American Academy of Professional Coders' (AAPC) approved/sanctioned ICD-10-CM & CPT-4 coding certification program. Completion of (1) Medical Terminology and (2) Anatomy & Physiology courses. One of the following certifications is required: AHIMA CCS; AHIMA CCA; AHIMA CCS-P; AAPC Certified Professional Coder - Hospital CPC-H
Experience
Number of Years ExperienceType of Experience3ancillary and/or emergency department coding experience
Additional InformationN/A
License / Certification Requirements
Compensation Range:
$32.72 - 51.47 / Hour

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