1

Emergency Department Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coder III

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$37.92 - $60.68/hr

Ability to code advanced level inpatient, outpatient and Emergency Department records Licensure and Certification: * CCS required * RHIT or RHIA strongly preferred Education: * Associate Degree in ...

Coder III

Santa Clarita, CA · On-site

$37.92 - $60.68/hr

Ability to code advanced level inpatient, outpatient and Emergency Department records Licensure and Certification: * CCS required * RHIT or RHIA strongly preferred Education: * Associate Degree in ...

$19 - $25.25/hr

Ability to code advanced level inpatient, outpatient and Emergency Department records Licensure and Certification: * CCS required * RHIT or RHIA strongly preferred Education: * Associate Degree in ...

Showing results 41-60

Emergency Department Coder information

See California salary details

$15

$27

$42

How much do emergency department coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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?

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:
Infographic showing various Emergency Department Coder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,433 per year, or $27.1 per hour.

Coding Technician I - FT Days

Torrance Memorial Medical Center

Torrance, CA • On-site

$32.72 - $51.47/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Torrance Memorial Medical Center rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 40 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

136th of 1,055 rated hospitals


Job description

Description
This position's primary purpose is to accurately abstract, code, and electronically record all diagnoses and procedures documented by a physician in any non-surgical outpatient medical record (i.e. Emergency Department visits, outpatient diagnostic ancillary visits) In accordance with current Federal Coding Compliance regulations and guidelines, and using current ICD-10-CM , CPT-4, and HCPCS code sets/systems.Core Competencies
  • Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for
    the principal procedure, other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures according to the coding conventions and guidelines outlined in the CPT code set, the National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), the Outpatient Coding Editor (OCE), and the AMA CPT Assistant publication.
  • Reviews the assignment and sequencing of codes for the principal diagnosis, principal procedure, complications and comorbid (CC) conditions, and other significant invasive and non-invasive procedures that should be coded according to ICD-10-CM official guidelines for coding and reporting, published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the AHA Coding Clinic for ICD-10-CM.
  • Applies Medicare Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) coding assignment requirements regarding the following: Modifiers approved for Hospital Outpatient use, CPT consistent with HCPCS Level II , Medical Necessity Justification (i.e., linking diagnosis to procedure/service performed), Evaluation and Management code assignment, when necessary.
  • Consults with physicians and other healthcare providers to obtain clarification documentation to assist with accurate and complete diagnosis and procedure code assignments.
  • Demonstrates competency in performance of coding functions by maintaining current knowledge in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding.
  • Assists with the accurate abstraction and the correction of 'hospital discharge data set' through the Medical Information Reporting for California (MIRCal) system, in accordance with the regulations administered by the Office of Statewide Health, Planning nd Development (OSHPD).
  • Maintains a daily productivity level according to the benchmarks and standards outline in the HIM department policy and procedure.
Department Specific Competencies
  • Participates in departmental and hospital performance improvement activities (BPI projects, task forces, etc) when appropriate.
  • Answers telephone in a timely manner and ascertains needs and routes accordingly.
  • Performs clerical tasks and other duties as assigned.

Education
DegreeProgramCertificateHealthcareN/AHealthcare
Additional InformationHigh School Diploma, GED, or Higher Education. Completion of an 'American Health Information Management Association' (AHIMA) or an 'American Academy of Professional Coders' (AAPC) approved/sanctioned ICD-10-CM & CPT-4 coding certification program. Completion of (1) Medical Terminology and (2) Anatomy & Physiology courses. One of the following certifications is required: AHIMA CCS; AHIMA CCA; AHIMA CCS-P; AAPC Certified Professional Coder - Hospital CPC-H
Experience
Number of Years ExperienceType of Experience3ancillary and/or emergency department coding experience
Additional InformationN/A
License / Certification Requirements
Compensation Range:
$32.72 - 51.47 / Hour

What Torrance Memorial Medical Center employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom