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Emergency Department Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Apidel Technologies

Coder III

Newport Beach, CA

Assigns codes for diagnoses, treatment and procedure for multiple specialized departments, including Outpatient ancillary, Emergency Department, and Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery. Determines the ...

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All JobsEmergency Department Coder JobsEmergency Department Coder Jobs in California

Emergency Department Coder information

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$15

$27

$42

How much do emergency department coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for emergency department 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 does an Emergency Department Coder do?

An Emergency Department Coder is responsible for reviewing and analyzing medical records from the emergency department to assign appropriate diagnostic and procedural codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and statistical tracking. The coder ensures accuracy and compliance with regulations such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems. Their work helps healthcare facilities receive proper reimbursement and maintain legal and ethical standards in medical documentation.

What are some common challenges faced by Emergency Department Coders, and how can they be managed?

Emergency Department Coders often encounter challenges such as deciphering complex medical documentation, working with fast turnaround times, and keeping up-to-date with frequent coding guideline changes. To manage these challenges, coders should prioritize ongoing education, utilize coding resources and tools, and maintain clear communication with clinical staff to clarify documentation when necessary. Regularly participating in team meetings and training sessions also helps coders stay current and maintain accuracy in a high-pressure environment.

What is the difference between Emergency Department Coder vs Medical Records Technician?

AspectEmergency Department CoderMedical Records Technician
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC coding certificationsRegistered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or similar
Work EnvironmentHospitals, emergency departments, outpatient clinicsHospitals, clinics, physician offices
Job FocusAssigning medical codes for emergency visitsManaging and organizing patient records
Common UsageIn billing, coding, and reimbursement processesIn record keeping, data entry, and compliance

Emergency Department Coders specialize in translating emergency visit documentation into standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes, often requiring specific coding certifications. Medical Records Technicians focus on organizing and maintaining patient records across various healthcare settings. While both roles involve handling medical information, Emergency Department Coders are more involved in coding and billing processes specific to emergency care, whereas Medical Records Technicians focus on record management and compliance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Emergency Department Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Emergency Department Coder, you need strong knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems, usually supported by certification such as CPC or CCS. Proficiency in using electronic health records (EHRs), coding software, and billing systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for accurately interpreting complex medical records and collaborating with clinical staff. These skills ensure precise coding for proper reimbursement, compliance with regulations, and efficient healthcare operations.
What are popular job titles related to Emergency Department Coder jobs in California? For Emergency Department Coder jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Emergency Department Coder jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Emergency Department Coder jobs in California are:
Emergency Department Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Emergency Department Coder job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 65% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,433 per year, or $27.1 per hour.
Emergency Department Charger/Coder

Emergency Department Charger/Coder

UCLA Health

Los Angeles, CA • On-site, Remote

$40.04 - $52.83/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

UCLA Health rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

General Information
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Work Location: Los Angeles, CA, USA
Onsite or Remote
Fully Remote
Work Schedule
Monday-Friday, 6:00 AM - 3:00 PM PST
Posted Date
05/11/2026
Salary Range: $42.04 - 55.47 Hourly
Employment Type
2 - Staff: Career
Duration
Indefinite
Job #
30325
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
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Play a key role within a world-class healthcare organization. Support accurate and efficient coding processes to enhance operational success. Elevate your professional expertise at UCLA Health.
You will be responsible for coding diagnoses and procedures for emergency department cases. This will involve utilizing your knowledge of UCLA, AHA - Coding Clinic, AMA - CPT Assistant guidelines, medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and the pathological basis of diseases. You will assign ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS codes for emergency department patients while ensuring accurate charge assignments using ASAP software within EPIC (CareConnect). You will abstract all coded data efficiently and accurately, meeting state and national reporting requirements.
Salary Range: $40.04 - $52.83/hourly
Job Qualifications
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We're seeking an independent, detail-oriented, self-directed individual with:
  • Associate degree in Health Information Science, Bachelor's degree in Health Information Management, or completion of courses in ICD-10-CM and CPT-4 coding
  • COC, CPC-H, or CCS certification, required
  • Minimum of 1 year of experience with emergency department coding/charging
  • Proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT-4/HCPCS, and modifier usage
  • Working knowledge of APC payment methodologies, AHA Coding Clinic, and CPT Assistant
  • Ability to train and orient new employees and students
  • Understanding of state and national reporting requirements
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Computer proficiency with Microsoft Office and EPIC (CareConnect) systems

Note: Skills may be subject to test.
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
Current/former UC employees are subject to a personnel file review.

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About UCLA Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

UCLA Health, operating within the healthcare industry, is significantly recognized for its commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of people through the integration of patient care, research, and education. Located in Los Angeles, California, UCLA Health was founded and associated with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1955, entrenching its roots in quality healthcare service provision. Through a broad range of medical services, UCLA Health significantly stands as a cornerstone for comprehensive outpatient, inpatient, and emergency care services, specialized treatments, and wellness checks. Notable for pioneering an integrated, comprehensive medical approach, UCLA Health is consistently ranked among the top health systems in the US and world.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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