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Hospital Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Manager, Coding (Remote)

Roseville, CA · On-site +1

$98K - $148K/yr

Manages, monitors, and coordinates the professional and hospital coding functions within all locations of Adventist Health, Portland. Ensures that the coding staff performs their duties accurately ...

Inpatient Coder

Oakland, CA · 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 ...

Health systems, hospitals and medical clinics are under immense pressure to improve clinical ... The Inpatient Coding Auditor will be responsible for the auditing of inpatient coders and auditing ...

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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 Sep 2, 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.

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 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 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.

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.

Are hospital coders still in demand?

Hospital coders are currently in demand due to ongoing healthcare industry needs for accurate medical billing and coding. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and often benefits from certification, with job growth expected to remain steady as healthcare services expand.

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 accuracy are valued by employers in healthcare settings.

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, 76% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 6% 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.

Hospital Outpatient Coder

Kaiser Permanente

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$90 - $110/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Kaiser Permanente rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 927 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary:

Must reside in Northern California

Under direct supervision, the Hospital Outpatient Coder is responsible for the accurate coding and abstracting of diagnoses, conditions and procedures from medical record documentation for Hospital Ambulatory Surgery (HAS), Home Health/Hospice (if applicable), Observation (OBS) and Hospital complex Outpatient Visit (CHOY) including capture of codes for outpatient services that require monitored anesthesia and conscious sedation. Working from appropriate documentation, assign the appropriate codes and modifiers with ICD-CM, CPT and HCPCS Level II codes. 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 Association, the ICD-CM, CPT and HCPCS code book, CPT Assistant, NCCI Edits, OSHPD and Kaiser Permanente's organizational and institutional coding guidelines.

Essential Responsibilities:
  • Review Medical Records to identify diagnoses/procedures.
  • Reviews medical record documentation to identify diagnoses/procedures to be coded Independently organizes and prioritizes work assignments to ensure that records are coded timely and compliantly in conformance with regulatory requirements.
  • Codes all appropriate diagnosis and procedures from the medical record using ICD-CM,
  • 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 Set, Medicare regulations and other appropriate classification systems.
  • Verifies and abstracts the appropriate data from the medical records to meet requirements for data submission and reporting. Corrects data as needed.
  • Ensures that all data abstracted is consistent with guidelines outlined by TJC, OSHPD, CMS, and regional and local KP policies.
  • Ensures the accuracy and integrity of data abstracted and coded based on medical record documentation prior to data submission or coding completion.
  • Interacts with physicians to clarify and accurately document patient diagnostic and procedural information when appropriate.
  • Ensures timely data completion by meeting coding/abstracting productivity/quality standards established for the position.
  • Confidentiality/Security of Systems: Maintains and complies with policies and procedures for confidentiality of all patient records.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of privacy and security of systems and associated policies and procedures for maintaining the security of the data contained within the systems.
  • Other Duties: Performs other duties as assigned.

Grade 565

Basic Qualifications: Experience:
  • Two years of continuous hospital coding/abstracting experience within the last five years.
Education:
  • High School Diploma or GED and demonstrated completion of classes in medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, current ICD-CM and CPT coding conventions and disease process from an accredited program.
License, Certification, Registration:
  • Registered Health Information Technician OR Certified Professional Coder OR Certified Coding Specialist OR Certified Coding Associate OR Registered Health Information Administrator OR Certified Coding Specialist - Physician Based
Additional Requirements:
  • Achieve a minimum score of 75% on the Hospital Outpatient Coder test.
  • Basic knowledge of and use of computer keyboard and mouse.
  • Must be able to meet productivity and quality standards established for the position.
  • Demonstrated ability to understand the clinical content of a health record and translate into the appropriate code.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and disease process to interpret general medical classifications for Hospital Ambulatory Services, Home Health/Hospice, and Hospital Observation.
  • Services and CHOY services that require monitored anesthesia or conscious sedation
  • Demonstrated knowledge pertaining to all guidelines that concern the coding and sequencing of diagnoses and procedures outlined in but not limited to current ICD-CM, CPT, Medicare guidelines and other sources.
  • Basic knowledge of reimbursement methodologies and conventions and knowledge of rules and guidelines for the appropriate and current coding classifications.
  • Must maintain coding credential and complete the required Continuing Education (CE) units.
  • Must abide by the AHIMA and/or AAPC code of ethics.
  • Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • N/A
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