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Coding Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inland Behavioral and Health Services

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Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$27 - $29/hr

The Billing and Coding Specialist ensures the accurate and compliant coding and billing of medical, dental, and behavioral health services within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This ...

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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 Sep 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 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 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.

Is coding a high paying job?

Coding specialists, such as software developers and programmers, often earn competitive salaries that can be higher than average depending on experience, location, and skill level. Advanced skills in programming languages, certifications, and experience with in-demand technologies can lead to higher pay. However, salaries vary widely across industries and regions.
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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,254 per year, or $27 per hour.

QCDI Coding Specialist

Dignity Health Medical Group

Rancho Cordova, CA • Remote

$32.38 - $48.17/hr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Dignity Health rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 284 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Quality Clinical Documentation Improvement (QCDI) Coding Specialist, your primary focus will be to facilitate and ensure the comprehensive capture of billing data for the purpose of accurately reporting HCC's, participating in the reconciliation of patient medical and billing records, and identifying reimbursement/quality of care opportunities. Additionally this role will provide provider education and review trends of assigned provider or medical groups.  The Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) Quality Program was developed by CMS to promote quality care for Medicare Advantage members. By focusing on comprehensive documentation to identify, evaluate and assess chronic conditions at the appropriate specificity, patient medical needs are met at the highest level.
Every day you will perform comprehensive chart reviews to ensure documentation required to facilitate the reporting of HCC diagnoses to payer.  You will also identify claims correction opportunities and submit to appropriate personnel for processing.
To be successful in this role, you will have an extensive knowledge of payer contract guidelines, a strong background in coding, and a high level of attention to detail.
As a remote employee, we will provide you with the equipment needed to work from home, including a laptop, docking station, dual monitors, and accessories.


This position is work from home for residents of CA.

Job Requirements
Required:
  • 5 years experience as a clinic coder
  • Extensive knowledge of payer contract guidelines
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to understand clinical compliance guidelines, complex reimbursement structures and to apply contractual and governmental regulations to internal processes. Superior organizational skills. Superior written and verbal communication skills. Able to work with minimum daily supervision.

Preferred:
  • Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience
Where You'll Work

Dignity Health Medical Foundation, established in 1993, is a California nonprofit public benefit corporation with care centers throughout California. Dignity Health Medical Foundation is an affiliate of Dignity Health - one of the largest health systems in the nation - with hospitals and care centers in California, Arizona and Nevada. Today, Dignity Health Medical Foundation works hand-in-hand with physicians and providers throughout California to provide comprehensive health care services to the many communities we serve. As Dignity Health Medical Foundation continues to grow and establish new premier care centers, we provide increasing support and investment in the latest technologies, finest physicians and state-of-the-art medical facilities. We strive to create purposeful work settings where staff can provide great care, while advancing in knowledge and experience through challenging work assignments and stimulating relationships. Our staff is well-trained and highly skilled, qualities that are vital to maintaining excellence in care and service.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • 5 years experience as a clinic coder
  • Extensive knowledge of payer contract guidelines
  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Analytical and problem solving skills with the ability to understand clinical compliance guidelines, complex reimbursement structures and to apply contractual and governmental regulations to internal processes. Superior organizational skills. Superior written and verbal communication skills. Able to work with minimum daily supervision.

Preferred:
  • Bachelors degree or equivalent work experience
Employment Type: Full Time

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About Dignity Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We welcome the chance to help you feel your best. Excellent, affordable health care, delivered with compassion, is what we stand for. Since our founding in 1986, we've made it our goal to create environments that meet each patient's physical, mental, and spiritual needs. We also believe this healing philosophy promotes the wellbeing of our staff and the places they serve. Dignity Health is made up of more than 60,000 caregivers and staff who deliver excellent care to diverse communities in 21 states. Headquartered in San Francisco, Dignity Health is the fifth largest health system in the nation and the largest hospital provider in California. Through teamwork and innovation, faith and compassion, advocacy and action, we endeavor every day to keep you happy, healthy, and whole.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Francisco, CA, US

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