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Entry Level Inpatient Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Entry Level Inpatient Coding information

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coding is experiencing a workforce shortage due to increasing healthcare documentation complexity and demand for accurate coding. Entry-level inpatient coders with certification and familiarity with coding software are in particular demand, leading to more job opportunities in hospitals and healthcare facilities.

How do I become a coder with no experience?

Entry level inpatient coding positions typically require a basic understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Gaining certification through programs such as the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) can improve job prospects, and completing online courses or training programs can help build necessary skills without prior experience.

What is entry level inpatient coding?

Entry level inpatient coding involves reviewing and assigning standardized medical codes to diagnoses and procedures documented in a patient’s hospital records. Coders use classification systems like ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS to ensure accurate billing and facilitate healthcare data analysis. As an entry-level position, it typically requires a foundational understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines, often supported by a coding certification. Coders play a vital role in helping hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement and maintain compliance with healthcare regulations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Inpatient Coding vs Medical Records Technician?

AspectEntry Level Inpatient CodingMedical Records Technician
CertificationsCPCT, CPC, CCS (preferred)RHIT, RHIA (preferred)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, healthcare facilitiesClinics, hospitals, healthcare offices
Job FocusAssigning inpatient diagnosis and procedure codesManaging and organizing patient records
Common Search IntentInpatient coding roles and certificationsMedical records management and coding

Entry Level Inpatient Coding primarily involves assigning codes to inpatient hospital stays, requiring coding certifications. Medical Records Technicians focus on organizing and maintaining patient records, often with similar certifications. While both roles work in healthcare settings, inpatient coding emphasizes coding accuracy for billing, whereas medical records technicians handle record management. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right role aligned with their skills and certifications.

How do I become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification through organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is often required or preferred, and familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential.

How much do beginner coders make?

Entry-level inpatient coders typically earn between $35,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on location, certification, and employer. Starting salaries may increase with experience, additional certifications, and proficiency in coding software and medical terminology.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level inpatient coders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical documentation, learning various coding systems (like ICD-10-CM and PCS), and understanding hospital-specific billing requirements. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to actively seek mentorship from experienced coders, participate in ongoing training sessions, and regularly review coding guidelines and updates. Building strong communication skills is also essential, as coders frequently collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify documentation and ensure coding accuracy. With practice and support, new coders can quickly develop proficiency and confidence in their role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Inpatient Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Inpatient Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, typically supported by a certification such as CCA, CCS, or RHIT. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software is important for accurate and efficient code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure precise documentation and compliance. These skills are essential to support accurate billing, reimbursement, and regulatory adherence in healthcare organizations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coding jobs in California? The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in California? For Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Inpatient Coding job openings:
Entry Level Inpatient Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Inpatient Coding job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Health Information Services Coder I - Physician Enterprise - Full Time - Temporary

Kern County Public Defender

Bakersfield, CA

$22.53 - $30.27/hr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago

New

Job description

Kern Medical has been a community cornerstone since its founding in 1867. Today, we are an acute care teaching center with 222 beds, offering the only advanced trauma care between Fresno and Los Angeles. Kern Medical offers a range of primary, specialty, and multi-specialty services, including high-risk pregnancy care, inpatient psychiatric services integrated with county mental health programs, and a growing network of outpatient clinics providing personalized patient-centered wellness care.  Kern Medical cares for 15,500 inpatients and 125,000 clinic patients a year. 

Kern Medical strives to recruit the highest quality candidates, resulting in a high performance workforce that consistently delivers quality patient care.

  • Extra-help employment has a limited term (up to 9 months).
  • Health Benefits coverage may be offered.

Position: Health Information Services Coder I - Temporary

Compensation:

The estimated pay for this position is $22.5260 to $30.2730. This reflects only a portion of the total compensation package for this position. Additional compensation may be available for this role through differentials, incentives, and bonuses.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is the entry level in the flexible series of Health Information Services Coder I/II. Assignments at this level involve routine coding and abstracting functions, performed under close supervision. Promotion to Health Information Services Coder II is considered on a merit basis and is subject to recommendation of the Department Head and approval by the Director of Personnel.

Essential Functions:

  • Codes and abstracts routine patient medical record information according to the International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification Systems (ICD) and the current procedure terminology (CPT) Manual and coding conventions and guidelines as established by the Coding Clinic and Office of Statewide Health Planning Department (OSHPD) reporting requirements.
  • Assists with statewide Office of Statewide Health Planning Department (OSHPD) reporting by determining accurate identification of the Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) for proper reimbursement.
  • Reviews medical records documentation/information and verifies coding and DRG assignments in response to billing requests.
  • Responds to authorized request from agencies, administration and individuals regarding DRG coding questions or concerns.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of current guidelines and regulations affecting code assignments through continuing education sessions and approved references such as journals, workshops and teleconferences.

Other Functions:

  • Performs other related duties as required.

Employment Standards:

One year of diagnostic and procedure coding experience in a hospital, health care facility, or physician's office.

OR

Completion of a medical coding program whereby the necessary skills were obtained to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge of:

Standards and regulations pertaining to the maintenance of patient medical records; medical records coding systems; medical terminology; anatomy and physiology and study of diseases; health information systems for computer application to medical records.

Ability to:

Utilize the ICD classification system to code medical record entries; abstract information from medical records; read medical record notes and reports; set accurate Diagnostic Related Groups; comply with the American Health Information Management Associate’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Ethical Coding and applicable Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set (UHDDS) standards; use computers and various software to accomplish work.

Supplemental:

A background check may be conducted for this classification.

All Kern County employees are designated "Disaster Service Workers" through state and local laws (CA Government Code Sec.3100-3109 and Ordinance Code Title 2-Administration, Ch. 2.66 Emergency Services). As Disaster Service Workers, all County employees are expected to remain at work, or to report for work as soon as practicable, following a significant emergency or disaster.

If position responsibilities require driving a personal vehicle, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s License and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

If position responsibilities require driving a vehicle owned, leased or rented by Kern Medical, then possession of a current valid California Driver’s license, a signed authorization for Release of Drivers Record Information and adherence to the Kern County Hospital Authority Vehicle Use and Driving Standard Policy (ENG-EC-119) is required.

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