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Contract Medical Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Loma Linda University Health

Coder 2-HIM

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$39.36 - $52.93/hr

... contract payers, and grant funding. Quality of data collected impacts the facility in multiple ways ... Knowledge of Medical Terminology preferred. Knowledge of the standards of Coding as set forth by ...

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Contract Medical Coder information

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How much do contract medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract medical coder in California is $22.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Medical Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectContract Medical CoderMedical Coder
CertificationsTypically requires CPC or CCS certificationsUsually requires CPC or CCS certifications
Work EnvironmentFreelance or temporary assignments, remote or onsiteFull-time, part-time, or freelance, often onsite or remote
Employer & IndustryHired by healthcare facilities or as independent contractorsEmployed directly by healthcare organizations or as freelancers

The main difference between a Contract Medical Coder and a Medical Coder lies in employment status. Contract Medical Coders typically work on temporary or freelance basis, often remotely, while Medical Coders may be employed full-time or part-time by healthcare providers. Both roles require similar certifications and skills, but their work arrangements and job stability differ.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a contract medical coder?

To thrive as a Contract Medical Coder, you need a deep understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems (ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS), and typically a certification such as CPC, CCS, or CCA. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems and medical coding software is essential for efficient and accurate work. Exceptional attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to work independently are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure coding accuracy and compliance, which are critical for proper billing, reimbursement, and legal standards in healthcare organizations.

What are common challenges faced by contract medical coders, and how can they be managed?

Contract Medical Coders often face challenges such as adapting to different healthcare providers' coding systems, staying updated with frequent regulatory changes, and managing productivity expectations while working remotely. To manage these effectively, it's important to maintain strong communication with client teams, participate in ongoing training, and utilize reliable coding references. Time management and self-discipline are also essential, as contract roles often require meeting strict deadlines without direct supervision.

What is a contract medical coder?

Contract Medical Coders are professionals who work on a temporary or project basis to assign standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures found in patient records. They help healthcare providers ensure accurate billing, compliance, and reimbursement by translating clinical documentation into universally recognized codes. Unlike full-time employees, contract coders typically work for a set period or for specific assignments, either remotely or on-site, and may serve multiple clients. This flexibility is beneficial for healthcare organizations needing additional support during busy periods or special projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in California? The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Medical Coder jobs in California? For Contract Medical Coder jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Medical Coder jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Medical Coder jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Medical Coder jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Medical Coder job openings:
Contract Medical Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Medical Coder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,027 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Sr. Specialty Physician Coder - Cardiology, CTS, Peds Cardiology & IR

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$35.46/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 18 days ago

MemorialCare rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Title: Sr. Specialty Physician Coder

Location: Fountain Valley, CA / Predominantly Remote

Department: Document Improvement

Status: Full-Time

Shift: Days (8hr)

Pay Range*: $35.46/hr - $51.46/hr

MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health system that includes four leading hospitals, award-winning medical groups - consisting of over 200 sites of care, and more than 2,000 physicians throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We are committed to increasing access to patient-centric, affordable, and high-quality healthcare; your personal contributions are integral to MemorialCare's recognition as a market leader and innovator in value-based and other care models.

Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation, and teamwork.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Coding Compliance Manager, the Senior Specialty Physician Coder plays a key role in reviewing and analyzing specialty coding and billing for charge processing. This role will be responsible for reviewing and accurately coding office, hospital, and surgical procedures for reimbursement and ensuring accurate and compliant medical coding for both inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic tests, and other medical services rendered to patients. In addition, the Senior Specialty Physician Coder will serve as a point of contact for contract coders, maintain the continuity of contract coding operations, and ensure the implementation of MemorialCare policies and procedures. The Senior Specialty Physician Coder will also work with the Coding Compliance Manager on discovered coding trends and irregularities and needed action items.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job

  1. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

  2. Proficient in Epic software.

  3. Strong analytical skills.

  4. Strong critical thinking skills.

  5. Detail oriented.

  6. The ability to anticipate, research, and resolve problems/strong problem-solving skills.

  7. Strong understanding of the healthcare revenue cycle.

  8. Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate information accurately and clearly.

  9. The ability to manage interpersonal relationships and effectively communicate with clinical partners and fellow business center teams.

  10. The ability to build and maintain positive provider relationships.

  11. Provide excellent customer service and address a moderate amount of incoming email and phone calls.

  12. The ability to train and mentor internal and external coding staff.

  13. Collaborative team player with the ability to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment.

  14. Professional demeanor at all times.

  15. The ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.

  16. Maintain patient confidentiality.

  17. Maintain a safe and orderly work area.

  18. Strong work ethic, honest, and dependable.

  19. Strong personal time management skills.

  20. Be at work and be on time.

  21. Follow company policies, procedures and directives.

  22. Interact in a positive and constructive manner.

  23. Prioritize and multitask.

*Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to, shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities. Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare-that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there's more...Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications/Work Experience:

  • 5 years' experience working in a hospital or physician's office as a medical coder and interacting with physicians.

  • 2-years' experience as a specialty coder in one of the following specialties: Cardiothoracic Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Interventional Radiology, Oncology/Chemotherapy/Infusion.

  • Expert knowledge of ICD10, CPT, and HCPCS.

  • Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.

  • Epic software experience is highly desired.

  • Proficient Microsoft skills.

Education/Licensure/Certification:

  • High School diploma or GED required;

  • CPC, CCS, CPC, COC, CCC, CCVTC, CIRCC certification required

  • Specialty coding certification is highly desired.

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