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Entry Level Medical Coder Jobs in Spring Valley, CA

Actively learn commercial plumbing systems, codes (IPC/UPC), backflow principles, and best ... Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus HSA options with ...

Retail Merchandising/PT

San Diego, CA · On-site

$14.50 - $18/hr

You will be within your zip code and if you have too travel outside your zip code you will be ... Being part-time you do also get benefits such as 401k ,medical, dental and vision plan that are ...

Plumber I

El Cajon, CA · On-site

$20 - $40/hr

Under close supervision, you'll gain hands-on experience with entry-level tasks while learning to ... Actively learn commercial plumbing systems, codes (IPC/UPC), backflow principles, and best ...

Conversion Developer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$61K - $72K/yr

... code primary table records with intermediate accuracy. Demonstrate entry-level skill analyzing and ... Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance 401(K) Match Discretionary profit share Discretionary ...

... code primary table records with intermediate accuracy. Demonstrate entry-level skill analyzing and ... Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance 401(K) Match Discretionary profit share Discretionary ...

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Entry Level Medical Coder information

See Spring Valley, CA salary details

$16

$22

$35

How much do entry level medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level medical coder in Spring Valley, CA is $22.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.46 and $24.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does an Entry-Level Medical Coder Do?

An entry-level medical coder works in the billing department of hospitals, doctor's offices, and other healthcare facilities. Entry-level medical coders transfer healthcare services and claims into universal medical codes for insurance reimbursement purposes. To become an entry-level medical coder, you must have excellent attention to detail and a solid base knowledge of medical terminology, procedure and visit authorizations, and insurance billing procedures. While not required, some employers prefer entry-level medical coders to have an associate degree in medical coding or the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credential. When you first start in this entry-level position, your employer may have you shadow veteran medical coders to become proficient in the medical codes and be supervised when you first submit claims.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Medical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, typically supported by a certification such as CPC or CCA. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) software and coding tools is essential for efficient and accurate data entry. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure coding precision and compliance. These skills are crucial for maintaining accurate billing, reducing claim denials, and supporting the financial health of healthcare providers.

Will AI eventually replace medical coders?

Medical coders play a crucial role in translating healthcare diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, and AI tools are increasingly used to assist with coding tasks. However, human oversight is essential to ensure accuracy, interpret complex cases, and maintain compliance, so AI is more likely to augment rather than fully replace medical coders in the near future.

What is the difference between Entry Level Medical Coder vs Medical Biller?

AspectEntry Level Medical CoderMedical Biller
CertificationsCPMA, CPC, CCS (entry level)Certified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, physician officesBilling companies, healthcare providers, insurance companies
Primary ResponsibilitiesAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresSubmitting claims, follow-up on payments
OverlapHigh in coding and billing processes

While both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management, an Entry Level Medical Coder focuses on translating medical documentation into standardized codes, whereas a Medical Biller handles the financial aspect by submitting claims and managing payments. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within healthcare administration.

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

Entry level medical coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical documentation, staying current with frequent updates to coding standards, and managing productivity expectations. To overcome these, it’s helpful to develop strong attention to detail, regularly review coding guidelines (such as ICD-10 and CPT), and seek feedback from experienced colleagues. Many organizations also provide mentorship or training programs to help new coders build confidence and accuracy in their work.

How do you get a coding job with no experience?

Entry level medical coding jobs often require a certification such as CPC or CCS but may not require prior work experience. To improve chances, complete a recognized training program, gain knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems, and consider internships or volunteer opportunities to build skills and demonstrate commitment.

How do I start medical coding for beginners?

To start as an entry-level medical coder, obtain a relevant certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Gain knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and consider completing a training program or course to build foundational skills before applying for entry-level positions.

What is an entry level medical coder?

An entry level medical coder is a professional who reviews clinical documents and assigns standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance purposes. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, or physician offices under the supervision of experienced coders. Entry level medical coders use classification systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, ensuring accuracy and compliance with healthcare regulations. This role is ideal for individuals starting their careers in medical coding, often after completing a relevant certification or training program.

Can I do medical coding with no experience?

Entry level medical coding positions typically require some knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, but many employers are willing to hire candidates with no prior experience if they complete training or certification programs. Certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can improve job prospects, and on-the-job training is often provided for new coders. Having strong attention to detail and familiarity with electronic health records (EHR) systems can also be beneficial.
What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Spring Valley, CA? The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Spring Valley, CA are:
What cities near Spring Valley, CA are hiring for Entry Level Medical Coder jobs? Cities near Spring Valley, CA with the most Entry Level Medical Coder job openings:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Medical Coder job openings in Spring Valley, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 32% Locum Tenens, 55% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 57% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,719 per year, or $22.9 per hour.

Medical Records Administration Specialist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

San Diego, CA

$46K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

The Medical Records Administration Specialist, located in the Health Information Management (HIM) Section of Health Administration Service perform work concerned with the management of a health record programs or the provision of services related to medical record administration/health information services.
Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
Basic Requirements:
  • Citizenship. [Candidates must be a citizen] of the United States. Non-citizens may be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified candidates in accordance with 38 U.S.C. 7407(a).
  • Education or Experience:
    • (1) Experience. Three years of [creditable] experience in the field of medical records that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of [health] records and health information systems [demonstrating a knowledge of medical terminology,] medical records [procedures, medical coding, or medical, administrative, and legal requirements of health care delivery] systems. OR,
    • (2) Education. [Successful completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university [recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, with a major field of study in health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 24 semester hours in health information management or health information technology.] OR,
    • (3) Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of [creditable] experience and education that equals 100 percent may be used to meet basic requirements. [For example, two years above high school from an accredited college or university, with 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management, plus one year and six months of creditable experience that included the preparation, maintenance, and management of health records and health information systems meets an equivalent combination.
  • Certification. Persons hired or reassigned to MRA positions in the GS-0669 series in VHA must meet one of the following:
    • (1) Coding Certification through AHIMA or AAPC. NOTE. See paragraph 2a above for a detailed definition of Coding Certification. OR,
    • (2) HIM Certification through AHIMA. NOTE. See paragraph 2d above for a detailed definition of HIM Certification. OR,
    • (3) Health Data Analyst Certification through AHIMA. NOTE. See paragraph 2c above for a detailed definition of Health Data Analyst Certification.
NOTE. HIMs Certification is required for all positions above the full performance level.
  • Loss of Credential. Following initial certification, credentials must be maintained through rigorous continuing education, ensuring the highest level of competency for employers and patients. An employee in this occupation who fails to maintain the required certification must be removed from the occupation which may result in termination of employment. At the discretion of the appointing official, an employee may be reassigned to another occupation for which he/she qualifies, if a placement opportunity exists.
May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determinations:
GS-05 Medical Records Administration Specialist: Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Experience: None beyond basic requirements.
GS-07 Medical Records Administration Specialist: Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Experience: In addition to the basic requirements, one (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-5). OR,
  • Education: (Advanced Entry-Level Placement). Applicants who meet the GS-5 grade level may be appointed at the GS-7 grade level, if they possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a major field of study in health information management, with an exemplary academic record as demonstrated by:
    • A 3.0 or higher-grade point average (GPA) out of a possible 4.0 GPA ("B" or better), as recorded on their official transcript or as computed based on four years of education, or as computed based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum; or
    • A 3.5 GPA or higher out of a possible 4.0 GPA ("B+" or better) based on the average of the required courses completed in the major field of study, or the required courses completed in the major field of study during the final two years of the curriculum. AND
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSA's):
    • Knowledge of current classification systems, such as International Classification of Diseases, Current Procedural Terminology, and the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS)
    • Ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) with medical center staff, patients, and external entities.
    • Ability to use data collection and analytical techniques for purposes of review, quality control, studies and analysis of health information.
    • Ability to utilize computer applications with varied functions to produce a wide range of reports, to abstract records, collect and analyze data and present results in various formats.
    • Ability to work independently, adapt to shifting priorities, and meet deadlines.
GS-09 Medical Records Administration Specialist: Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Experience: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-07) that demonstrates the KSA's, and other characteristics described at that level. OR,
  • Education: Education equivalent to two (2) full years of progressively higher level graduate education or a master's [degree] or equivalent graduate degree from an accredited college or university in a field directly related to health information management. AND
  • Demonstrated KSA's:
    • Knowledge of medical and legal requirements related to health information management and health records.
    • Ability to provide technical advice and guidance on health information management practices.
    • Skill in extracting data from various sources and analyzing health information to create reports.
    • Skill in researching, interpreting, and applying health information management guidelines.
    • Knowledge of performance and process improvement techniques to develop new or improved solutions in health information management.
GS-11 Medical Records Administration Specialist: Applicants must meet the following requirements:
  • Experience: One (1) year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-09) that demonstrates the KSA's, and other characteristics described at that level. OR,
  • Education: Education equivalent to three (3) full years of progressively higher-level graduate education or a Ph.D., or equivalent doctoral degree from an accredited university or college in the field of health information management. AND
  • Demonstrated KSA's:
    • Skill in performance and process improvement techniques to develop and implement new or improved solutions in health information management.
    • Ability to advise management and staff, at various levels, regarding health record documentation requirements and health information management practices based on current industry standards, policies, statues, laws, and regulations.
    • Ability to plan, justify, develop, evaluate, assess, monitor, and advise on current health information management processes and recommend changes in policies or procedures.
    • Ability to determine and evaluate compliance with legal, ethical, and regulatory guidelines and accrediting bodies, as they apply to health information management.
    • Ability to acquire, manage, analyze, interpret, and transform data into accurate, consistent, and meaningful information.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-11. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is in the range of GS-05 to GS-11.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER