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Coding Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Aquent

Coding Specialist

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$38.29 - $41.07/hr

Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) * Expertise in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding conventions for inpatient ...

MedPOINT Management

HCC Coding Specialist

Sherman Oaks, CA · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

MedPOINT Management in Sherman Oaks, CA is looking for a detail-oriented HCC Coding Specialist to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a critical role in risk adjustment ...

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Coding Specialist information

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$16

$27

$38

How much do coding specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for coding specialist in California is $27.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.83 and $32.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Coding Specialists face when ensuring the accuracy of medical codes, and how are these typically addressed?

Coding Specialists often encounter challenges such as ambiguous or incomplete clinical documentation, evolving coding standards, and the need to stay updated with regulatory changes. To address these, they frequently communicate with healthcare providers for clarification, participate in ongoing training sessions, and utilize specialized coding software to help reduce errors. Collaboration with other coding professionals and compliance teams is also common to ensure consistent and accurate code assignment, which is essential for proper billing and regulatory compliance.

What is the difference between Coding Specialist vs Medical Coder?

AspectCoding SpecialistMedical Coder
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC certifications, such as CCS or CPCSame certifications, including CCS or CPC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, insurance companies, healthcare providersHospitals, outpatient clinics, insurance companies
Job FocusInterpreting medical records, coding diagnoses and procedures, ensuring complianceAssigning standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures
Common UsageUsed interchangeably in many settings; some employers differentiate based on scopeMost common term for the role of medical coding

The main difference between a Coding Specialist and a Medical Coder lies in their job scope and terminology. While both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, a Coding Specialist may have broader responsibilities, including reviewing records for accuracy and compliance. However, in many cases, the terms are used interchangeably, and the roles overlap significantly.

What Is a Coding Specialist?

A medical coding specialist is trained to enter billing and coding information. They are responsible for ensuring that patient records have the correct codes and managing insurance billing. Job duties include contacting insurance companies and reviewing medical records. Coding specialists must be skilled in gathering data and assigning ICD-10 codes, as well as understanding current procedural terminology (CPT). Coding specialists can learn about this by earning the certified professional coder (CPC) certification, and gain relevant skills through on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coding Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coding Specialist, you need in-depth knowledge of medical coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, often supported by a certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software is typically required in this role. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations. These competencies are vital for accurate billing, minimizing claim denials, and maintaining healthcare facility revenue integrity.

What are Coding Specialists?

Coding Specialists, also known as medical coders, are professionals who review clinical documents and assign standard codes for diagnoses and procedures using classification systems like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS. These codes are essential for healthcare billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Coding Specialists play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare providers are properly reimbursed and that data is accurately reported for regulatory and research purposes.
More about Coding Specialist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Coding Specialist jobs in California? The most popular types of Coding Specialist jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Coding Specialist jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Coding Specialist jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Coding Specialist jobs? Cities in California with the most Coding Specialist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Coding Specialist jobs in CA? For Coding Specialist jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Coding Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Coding Specialist job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,254 per year, or $27 per hour.

Coding Specialist

Aquent

Sacramento, CA • On-site, Remote

$38.29 - $41.07/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Placement Type:
Temporary
Salary:
$38.29-41.07 Hourly
Start Date:
Aug 3, 2026
Aquent is proud to partner with a leading healthcare organization dedicated to advancing patient care and medical innovation. This organization is at the forefront of delivering exceptional health services, driven by a commitment to quality, integrity, and community well-being. Join a team where your expertise directly contributes to the accuracy and efficiency of healthcare operations, ensuring that every patient's journey is meticulously documented and appropriately supported.
Step into a pivotal role where your expertise will directly shape the financial health and operational excellence of a leading healthcare organization. As a vital member of the team, you will be instrumental in maintaining the highest standards of medical coding, ensuring precision in patient data and supporting critical decision-making. Your work will have a tangible impact, contributing to accurate reimbursement and the seamless flow of essential healthcare services. If you're passionate about precision, compliance, and making a difference in patient care, this is your opportunity to thrive and contribute to a mission-driven environment.
What You Will Do
  • Review medical record documentation and accurately assign appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes (ICD-10-CM/PCS) for inpatient services.
  • Determine the correct payment groups, such as Medicare Severity-Diagnosis Related Group (MS-DRG) or All Patient Refined Diagnosis Related Group (APR-DRG), ensuring accurate reimbursement.
  • Verify patient discharge disposition, assign correct sources of admission, and apply appropriate present on admission (POA) indicators for regulatory reporting.
  • Ensure all assigned codes accurately reflect the documented reason for the visit and support the care provided.
  • Abstract required data elements per facility specifications and maintain compliance with federal, state, and third-party regulations, as well as professional coding guidelines and ethics.
  • Collaborate effectively with clinical documentation specialists and medical staff to clarify documentation, obtain missing information, and ensure comprehensive medical records.
  • Monitor accounts for timely and compliant processing through the revenue cycle, contributing to the organization's financial integrity.
  • Consistently meet and exceed established quality and productivity standards for coding and abstracting.
  • Stay abreast of current requirements from relevant regulatory bodies, coding compliance initiatives, quality indicators, and patient safety indicators to ensure clean claims and optimal reimbursement.
  • Utilize industry-standard coding and auditing tools and reference materials with high competency and accuracy.
  • Participate in required meetings and educational sessions, completing annual learning programs to ensure continuous professional growth and maintain expertise.

Must-Have Qualifications
  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Successful completion of a Coder Proficiency Exam (pre-hire).
  • Certifications: One of the following: Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Expertise in ICD-10-CM/PCS coding conventions for inpatient medical records.
  • In-depth knowledge of diagnosis/procedure grouping schemes, including MS-DRGs and APR-DRGs.
  • Strong understanding of professional coding ethics and standards, and the ability to apply professional data set standards.
  • Familiarity with health information systems and industry-standard coding and auditing software.
  • Knowledge of regulatory body requirements and coding compliance issues.
  • Demonstrated ability to review, analyze, and abstract complex information from medical documentation.
  • Exceptional critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, fostering effective working relationships and building consensus with individuals at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Commitment to maintaining accuracy and productivity standards.
  • Comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and disease processes.

Important Employment Requirements
  • Be authorized to work in the United States.
  • Not require sponsorship of any kind for the duration of the assignment.
  • Be able to work on a W-2 basis. C2C or 1099 is not permitted for this position.
  • Be able to work the following schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM and be able to work weekends when needed.

About Aquent Talent
Aquent Talent connects the best talent in marketing, creative, and design with the world's biggest brands.
Our eligible talent get access to amazing benefits like subsidized health, vision, and dental plans, paid sick leave, and retirement plans with a match. We also offer free online training through Aquent Gymnasium.
Aquent is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics. We're about creating an inclusive environment-one where different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, and everyone can contribute, grow their careers, and thrive.
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