Entry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs in California

Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups. It's about giving people the resources they need to live their best lives. At Neighborhood, this is our vision: a community where everyone is healthy and happy. We're with you every step of the way, with the care you need for each of life's chapters. At Neighborhood, we are Better Together.

As a private, non-profit 501(C) (3) community health organization, we serve over 500,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits from more than 100,000 people annually. We do this in pursuit of our mission to improve the health and happiness of the communities we serve by providing quality care to all, regardless of situation or circumstance.

Since 1969, our employees have been making this mission a reality. Regardless of the role, our team focuses on being compassionate, having integrity, being professional, always collaborating, and consistently going above and beyond. If this sounds like an organization you would like to be a part of, we would love to meet you.

Role Overview and Purpose

The Certified Medical Coder I is responsible for reviewing and accurately assigning diagnostic and procedural codes for medical services based on medical documentation, in compliance with official coding guidelines, payer requirements, and regulatory standards. This is an entry-level coding position suitable for professionals with certification and limited experience.

Responsibilities

• Review and abstract clinical documentation for accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding.
• Ensure coding is compliant with federal regulations (e.g., CMS), payer policies, and audit standards.
• Maintain quality and productivity standards as defined by department policies.
• Enter and verify codes within the EHR or coding software.
• Assist in minimizing claim denials and rejections due to coding issues.
• Work with providers and staff to clarify diagnoses and procedures as needed.
• Participate in coding audits and implement feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality of health records by HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Keep current with coding changes and continuing education requirements needed to maintain coding certification.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Associate's degree preferred
• Must have one of the following credentials:
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC or CPC A) – AAPC
• Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – AHIMA
• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – AHIMA
• 0-2 years of experience in medical coding required (may include CPC-A)
• Exposure to outpatient or professional fee coding
• Familiarity with insurance claim workflows and denial management

Additional Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

• Proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and coding systems
• Knowledge of EHR systems and coding platforms (e.g., eClinicalWorks, Codify, EncoderPro)
• Basic understanding of medical coding systems; ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member
• Effective communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and coding software/books

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/carry 10lbs/weight
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

Compliance (Safety & HIPAA)

• Follows all safety procedures as outlined in Neighborhood Healthcare's Illness and Injury Prevention Plan (IIPP) and report any injuries and/or unsafe conditions immediately
• Maintains current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices
• Follows all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions
• Uses appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment
• Familiarity with location of nearest fire extinguisher and emergency exits
• Follows all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols
• Maintains privacy of all patients, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need-to-know basis for business purposes
• Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations
• Reports all behavior and/or activity that are unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful

Pay range: $27.21 to $38.09 per hour depending on experience.

Compensation Disclosure: The posted salary range reflects the designated pay grade for this position. While this range represents the broader classification of the role, actual compensation will be based on several factors, including but not limited to: the candidate's overall knowledge, skills, and experience, market data and industry benchmarks, internal equity within the organization, Budgetary considerations and organizational needs. As a result, placement within the range is not guaranteed, and the full pay grade range may not be utilized.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.