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Drg Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Assigns MS-DRG, Present on Admission (POA) indicators, Hospital Acquired conditions), and ... Codes are used for billing, internal and external reporting, research and regulatory compliance ...

MS-DRG coding/auditing experience * 3+ years' experience performing inpatient coding reviews/ audits in health insurance and/or hospital settings * Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs Word ...

Inpatient Coder

Oakland, CA · On-site

$25 - $30.25/hr

Assign codes and modifiers using the appropriate version of ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCPCS as well ... Determines that the DRG is appropriate for each case and reviews DRG discrepancies to ensure ...

Inpatient Coder

Redwood City, CA · On-site

$26.75 - $32.25/hr

Assign codes and modifiers using the appropriate version of ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCPCS as well ... Determines that the DRG is appropriate for each case and reviews DRG discrepancies to ensure ...

Inpatient Coder

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$25.50 - $31/hr

Assign codes and modifiers using the appropriate version of ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCPCS as well ... Determines that the DRG is appropriate for each case and reviews DRG discrepancies to ensure ...

Showing results 21-40

Drg Coder information

See California salary details

$15

$27

$42

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for drg coder in California is $27.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $34.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drg Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectDrg CoderMedical Coder
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC certifications, specialized in DRG assignmentCertified Professional Coder (CPC), general coding certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilities, focusing on inpatient codingClinics, outpatient facilities, focusing on outpatient coding
Job FocusAssigning Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) for inpatient billingConverting medical records into standardized codes for billing and documentation

While both Drg Coders and Medical Coders handle medical coding, Drg Coders specialize in inpatient coding and DRG assignment, often requiring specific certifications and experience with hospital billing. Medical Coders have a broader scope, working in outpatient settings with different coding systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

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

To thrive as a DRG Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical coding, anatomy, and disease processes, often supported by a coding certification such as CCS, RHIT, or CPC. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10-CM/PCS, encoder software, and hospital information systems is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with clinical staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurate reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and supporting overall healthcare data quality.

Are Drg coders still in demand?

DRG coders, also known as diagnosis-related group coders, are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical coding in healthcare reimbursement. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD and CPT, and demand is expected to remain stable as healthcare providers and insurers prioritize precise coding for billing and compliance.

What is a DRG coder?

DRG coders are medical coding professionals who assign Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes to inpatient hospital records. These codes are used to classify hospital cases into groups for the purpose of reimbursement, billing, and data analysis. DRG coders analyze clinical documentation and translate diagnoses, procedures, and patient information into standardized codes according to official guidelines. Their work ensures hospitals receive proper payment from insurance providers and government programs. Accuracy and compliance with regulations are critical in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by DRG coders in accurately assigning codes, and how can they overcome these challenges?

DRG Coders often face challenges such as incomplete or ambiguous clinical documentation, rapidly changing coding guidelines, and the pressure to meet productivity standards while ensuring accuracy. To overcome these obstacles, coders should actively collaborate with physicians for clarifications, participate in ongoing education to stay current with coding updates, and utilize internal audit feedback to continuously improve their skills. Building strong communication channels with clinical and billing teams also helps in resolving discrepancies efficiently.

What cities in California are hiring for Drg Coder jobs?

Cities in California with the most Drg Coder job openings:

Infographic showing various Drg Coder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, and 31% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,433 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Lead Certified Coder, Acute Inpatient (Remote)

Adventist Health

Roseville, CA • Remote

$23.75 - $31.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago


Adventist Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 243 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Located in the metropolitan area of Sacramento, the Adventist Health corporate headquarters have been based in Roseville, California, for more than 40 years. In 2019, we unveiled our WELL-certified campus - a rejuvenating place for associates systemwide to collaborate, innovate and connect.
Whether virtual or on campus, Adventist Health Roseville and shared service teams have access to enjoy a welcoming space designed to promote well-being and inspire your best work.

Job Summary:

Reviews inpatient records to identify the diagnosis and procedure codes performed during the patients stay are valid and in accordance with coding conventions and guidelines. Records types including inpatient encounter types. Works on routine assignments within defined parameters, established guidelines and precedents. Follows established procedures and receives daily instructions on work.

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:

  • High School Education/GED or equivalent: Required
  • Working knowledge of hospital Cerner EMR (electronic medical record) and of ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS Codes: Required
  • Five years' inpatient coding experience: Required
  • Experience in a health care setting: Required

Licenses/Certifications:

  • AHIMA Certified Coding Specialist (CCS): Required

Essential Functions:

  • Reviews MS-DRG, APR-DRG and payor denials and provides feedback to leadership and other departments including patient financial services and quality. Performs inpatient audits including payor audits, discharge dispositon audits and overall coding accuracy audits. Maintains denial and other spreadsheets for assigned denial and audit duties. Attends mortality meetings and provided coding feedback. Provide input and feedback to clinical documentation integrity and quality departments for DRG mismatches. Researches and provides feedback and direction to inpatient coding associates. Ensures coding corrections and edits are updates. Keeps abreast of regulatory changes related to coding and documentation and communicates these updates and changes to coding and leadership. Provides edicational sessions and training resources to coding associates. Assists leadership and coding with reaching departmental metric goals. Abstracts and assigns ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes and PCS codes from the inpatient patient record to ensure accurate MS-DRG and APR-DRG assignment and to provide information required for reimbursement and statistical data submissions. Understands MS-DRG and APR-DRG methodologies. Generates compliant physician queries. Work with clinical documentation integrity and quality departments to identify HAC/PSI and communicate issues affecting inpatient records.
  • Validates appropriate dates of service against documentation in the EMR for inpatient encounters. Completes required abstract fields in registration conversation on inpatient encounters for OSHPD and other data submissions. Communicate with appropriate departments related to charge corrections/modifications. Audits medical records to ensure proper coding is completed and to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory agencies. Follows coding guidelines and legal requirements to ensure compliance with federal and state regulatory bodies. Reviews, understands and applies quarterly coding clinics, coding guidelines and coding converntions of ICD-10-CM references. Collaborates to provide coding feedback and education to departmental leadership regarding completeness and accurateness of documentation and physician coding practices. Analyzes content of reports and software edits to facilitate revisions with appropriate departments - NCCI edits.
  • Follows up coding holds, revenue cycle department holds including related and all other email communication.
  • Collaborates to provide coding feedback and education to departmental leadership regarding completeness and accuracy of documentation and physician coding practices. Maintains required online Healthstream education courses.
  • Attends meetings and training pertaining to coder education, audit reviews, staff meetings, and inpatient coder roundtable meetings.
  • Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Organizational Requirements:

Adventist Health is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our associates and patients. Therefore, we require that all associates receive all required vaccinations as a condition of employment and annually thereafter, where applicable. Medical and religious exemptions may apply.
Adventist Health participates in E-Verify. Visit https://adventisthealth.org/careers/everify/ for more information about E-Verify. By choosing to apply, you acknowledge that you have accessed and read the E-Verify Participation and Right to Work notices and understand the contents therein.

Adventist Health is a faith-based, nonprofit, integrated health system serving more than 100 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii with over 440 sites of care, including 27 acute care facilities. Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics, home care, and hospice agencies in both rural and urban communities. Our compassionate and talented team of more than 38,000 includes employees, physicians, Medical Staff, and volunteers driven in pursuit of one mission: living God's love by inspiring health, wholeness and hope.

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