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Hospital Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Hospital Outpatient Coder

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$21.75 - $29.25/hr

CPT and HCSPCS coding classification systems. * Responsible for the sequencing of diagnoses and procedure codes in accordance with guidelines outlined in ICD-CM, CPT, Uniform Hospital Discharge Data ...

Desire to work on a team that collaborates, because you think that makes work fun. 3+ continuous years of hospital coding experience CCS, RHIT or RHIA certifications ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS level 2 ...

Inpatient Coder

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $31/hr

All work must be performed in accordance with the rules, regulations and coding conventions of ICD-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Coding Clinic published by the American Hospital ...

Inpatient Coder

Santa Clara, CA ยท On-site

$25.25 - $30.50/hr

All work must be performed in accordance with the rules, regulations and coding conventions of ICD-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Coding Clinic published by the American Hospital ...

Inpatient Coder

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$26.75 - $32.25/hr

All work must be performed in accordance with the rules, regulations and coding conventions of ICD-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Coding Clinic published by the American Hospital ...

Inpatient Coder

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30.25/hr

All work must be performed in accordance with the rules, regulations and coding conventions of ICD-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, Coding Clinic published by the American Hospital ...

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Hospital Coding information

See California salary details

$27

$34

$40

How much do hospital coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for hospital coding in California is $34.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.91 and $37.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is it hard to get hired as a hospital coder?

Getting hired as a hospital coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems improves job prospects. Entry-level positions are available, but experience and attention to detail are often valued by employers.

What is hospital coding?

Hospital coding is the process of translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services provided during a patient's stay at a hospital into standardized codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Hospital coders use classification systems such as ICD-10-CM for diagnoses and CPT/HCPCS for procedures to ensure consistency and compliance with healthcare regulations. Accurate coding is essential for hospitals to receive proper reimbursement and for maintaining quality healthcare data.

What is the difference between Hospital Coding vs Medical Billing?

AspectHospital CodingMedical Billing
Primary RoleAssigns medical codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing and record-keepingProcesses insurance claims and manages billing for healthcare services
CredentialsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)Certified Professional Biller (CPB), Certified Coding Associate (CCA)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Industry UsageUsed for accurate medical record documentation and reimbursementUsed for insurance claims submission and payment collection

Hospital Coding focuses on translating medical diagnoses and procedures into standardized codes, essential for billing and record accuracy. Medical Billing involves submitting claims and managing payments. While related, they are distinct roles within healthcare revenue cycle management, often working together but requiring different skills and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hospital coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hospital Coder, you need thorough knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10-CM/PCS or CPT coding systems, often supported by certification such as CCS or CPC. Proficiency with hospital information systems and electronic health records (EHR) software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are critical soft skills for accurately translating clinical documentation and collaborating with healthcare professionals. These skills ensure proper billing, regulatory compliance, and optimized hospital reimbursement.

Are hospital coders still in demand?

Hospital coders are currently in demand due to ongoing healthcare industry needs for accurate medical coding and billing. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and employment opportunities are expected to grow as healthcare services expand and regulations increase documentation requirements.

What are some common challenges hospital coders face when working with complex patient records?

Hospital coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or ambiguous physician documentation and ensuring accurate code assignment for complex cases with multiple diagnoses or procedures. Navigating frequent updates to coding standards (like ICD-10 and CPT) and staying compliant with regulatory requirements can also be demanding. Effective communication with clinical staff and attention to detail are essential to ensure coding accuracy, which directly impacts hospital reimbursement and compliance.

What does a hospital coder do in a hospital?

A hospital coder reviews medical records to assign standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services using coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. They ensure accurate billing, support healthcare data analysis, and must have attention to detail and knowledge of medical terminology and coding guidelines.
What cities in California are hiring for Hospital Coding jobs? Cities in California with the most Hospital Coding job openings:
Infographic showing various Hospital Coding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,392 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Regional Hospital Inpatient Coder

Kaiser Permanente

Fontana, CA โ€ข On-site

$57.64 - $63.22/hr

Other

Re-posted 26 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Under supervision, is primarily responsible for assigning accurate diagnosis and procedure codes to the patients health information record for Inpatient and Newborn records. May also be assigned the responsibility for assigning accurate diagnosis and procedure codes to the patients health information record for Outpatient records (Observation Hospital Ambulatory Surgery, Complex Hospital Outpatient Visit - Cardiac Catheterization PCI Lab, Interventional Radiology, Extended Emergency & Emergency Departments, as well as other select records). This responsibility requires that the new coder be on-site for up to one calendar year and will require appropriate code assignment for physician-documented patient diagnoses, conditions and procedures; utilizing various coding classification schemes including ICD-10CM, ICD-10PCS, and HCPCS/CPT.All work will be carried out in accordance with the: International Classification of Diseases - Official Coding Guidelines for coding and reporting as established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS); American Medical Association (CPT); Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD); National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI), and Kaiser Permanente organizational/institutional coding directives.Ability to communicate with physicians in order to obtain clarification for diagnoses/procedures. Ability to understand the clinical content of the health record and abstract the data in the patient health information record data as well as perform other duties as assigned. Essential Responsibilities:
  • Upholds and maintains Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and all applicable state, federal and local laws. Reviews patient health information record to: identify and assign appropriate codes for diagnoses, procedures, and other services rendered, while also validating any Computer Assisted Code (CAC) assignments. Spends a minimum of 75% of work time assigning codes to Inpatient records.
  • Appropriately sequences codes for diagnoses, procedures and other services as needed for proper MS- DRG, APR-DRG and APC assignment, utilizing the applicable coding conventions. Prevents errors, and if necessary, reviews OSHPD error correction reports within the scope of the assigned abstracting and coding function and makes corrections. Ensures that all abstracted and/or coded data are consistent with federal and state regulations (JCAH, Title 22), OSHPD reporting guidelines and organizational policy as it relates to the corporate compliance policy for accurate and complete coding.
  • Interacts with physicians through established query process in order to clarify documentation supporting accurate patient diagnostic and procedure coding. Abstracts patient information into the computerized systems, in a manner ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the data.
  • Ensures timely coded record availability according to regulatory guidelines, by meeting established coding and abstracting productivity standards. Ensures quality standards by meeting the established 95% coding accuracy and 98% completeness quality standards. Maintains and complies with HIPAA policies and procedures for privacy and confidentiality of all patient records. Attends and participates in selected national, regional and coding educational sessions. Works collaboratively with others on coding questions and issues. Demonstrates knowledge of system security, by complying with KP Electronic Assets Usage Policy. Maintains courteous and cooperative relations when interacting with others. Performs other duties as assigned.
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
  • Minimum six (6) consecutive years of hospital licensed space certified coding experience required.
Education
  • N/A
License, Certification, Registration
  • Certified Coding Specialist
Additional Requirements:
  • Demonstrated competence with personal computers, networks, and Microsoft Office. Must obtain a passing score of 80% or higher on the KPSC Inpatient Coding Skills Assessment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Minimum six (6) consecutive years of hospital licensed space experience as a Certified Hospital Coder.
  • May also possess Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), and AAPC Certified Outpatient/Professional Coder Certifications.

Primary Location: California,Fontana,Palm Court II
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Shift: Day
Workdays: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Working Hours Start: 06:00 AM
Working Hours End: 02:30 PM
Job Schedule: Full-time
Job Type: Standard
Worker Location: Onsite
Employee Status: Regular
Employee Group/Union Affiliation: B05|USW|Local 7600
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Department: Palm Court ll MOB - Hospital Coding Operations - 0808
Pay Range: $57.64 - $63.22 / hour Kaiser Permanente strives to offer a market competitive total rewards package and is committed to pay equity and transparency. The posted pay range is based on possible base salaries for the role and does not reflect the full value of our total rewards package. Actual base pay determined at offer will be based on labor market data, internal alignment, and a candidate's years of relevant work experience, education, certifications, skills, and geographic location.
Travel: No
On-site: Work location is on-site (KP designated office, medical office building or hospital). Worker location must align with Kaiser Permanente's Authorized States policy. Kaiser Permanente is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair, respectful, and inclusive workplaces. Applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic or status. For jobs where work will be performed in unincorporated LA County, the employer provides the following statement in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship on the following job duties, potentially resulting in the withdrawal of the conditional offer of employment:
  • Consistently supports compliance and the Principles of Responsibility (Kaiser Permanente's Code of Conduct) by maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of information, protecting the assets of the organization, acting with ethics and integrity, reporting non-compliance, and adhering to applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, accreditation, and licensure requirements (where applicable), and Kaiser Permanente's policies and procedures.
  • Models and reinforces ethical behavior in self and others in accordance with the Principles of Responsibility, adheres to organizational policies and guidelines; supports compliance initiatives; maintains confidences; admits mistakes; conducts business with honesty, shows consistency in words and actions; follows through on commitments.
  • Job duties with at least occasional or possible access to: (1) patients, the general public, or other employees; (2) confidential protected health information and other confidential KP information (including employee, proprietary, financial or trade secret information); (3) KP property and assets, for example, electronic assets, medical instruments, or devices; (4) controlled substances regulated by federal law or potentially subject to diversion.