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Hospital Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Coder III : Medical Coding

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Medical Coding - Hoag Hospital * Resolves billing related errors and assists with workflow changes and process improvement projects. * Meets ongoing productivity and quality standard of 95% accuracy ...

Supervisor, Coding (Remote)

Roseville, CA · On-site +1

$38.02 - $52.14/hr

Oversees all functions within Health Information Management's coding team. Provides technical ... Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics ...

Supervisor, Coding (Remote)

Roseville, CA · On-site +1

$36.08 - $54.07/hr

Oversees all functions within Health Information Management's coding team. Provides technical ... Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics ...

Supervisor, Coding (Remote)

Roseville, CA · On-site +1

$35.37 - $53.01/hr

Oversees all functions within Health Information Management's coding team. Provides technical ... Founded on Adventist heritage and values, Adventist Health provides care in hospitals, clinics ...

You must have knowledge of emergency procedures, equipment, and supplies, including radios and hospital codes, and the ability to employ required tools, techniques, and technologies to minimize ...

You must have knowledge of emergency procedures, equipment, and supplies, including radios and hospital codes, and the ability to employ required tools, techniques, and technologies to minimize ...

You must have knowledge of emergency procedures, equipment, and supplies, including radios and hospital codes, and the ability to employ required tools, techniques, and technologies to minimize ...

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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 Jun 25, 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.

Do hospitals hire medical coders?

Yes, hospitals frequently hire medical coders to review clinical documentation and assign accurate codes for billing and reimbursement. Medical coders typically need certification and familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and they often work in a healthcare setting with standard office hours.

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.

What does a coder do in a hospital?

A hospital coder reviews medical records to assign standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and treatments using coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. These codes ensure accurate billing, insurance claims processing, and healthcare data analysis, often requiring attention to detail and familiarity with medical terminology and coding software.

What is the highest paid medical coder?

The highest paid medical coders are often those with senior roles such as Coding Managers or Certified Professional Coders (CPC) with specialized expertise in areas like inpatient hospital coding or surgical coding. Salaries can exceed $70,000 annually, especially for those with extensive experience, certifications, and advanced skills in coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. Factors such as location, certification, and years of experience influence earning potential in hospital coding roles.

Can I get a medical coder job with no experience?

Hospital coding positions often require some knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and attention to detail. While entry-level roles may be available, obtaining certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) can improve job prospects for those with no prior experience.

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 job categories do people searching Hospital Coding jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Hospital Coding jobs in California are:
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 52% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 36% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,392 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Coder III : Medical Coding

Hoag

Costa Mesa, CA • On-site

$20 - $26.75/hr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Primary Duties And Responsibilities

  • The Coder reviews clinical documentation and diagnostic results and applies appropriate ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and CPT codes to support diagnoses, procedures, and treatment results. Codes are used for billing, internal and external reporting, research, and regulatory compliance activities. Abides by the standards of Ethical Coding as set forth by the American Health information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to all official coding guidelines.
  • Verifies that all ICD-10-CM and CPT codes are correctly captured.
  • Verify that physician is correctly abstracted.
  • Keeps abreast of coding guideline changes by self-study, assigned education, coding meeting attendance or related in-services.
  • Participates in internal and external quality review meetings.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Medical Coding - Hoag Hospital

  • Resolves billing related errors and assists with workflow changes and process improvement projects.
  • Meets ongoing productivity and quality standard of 95% accuracy rate or better.
  • Additionally, the Coder III assigns codes for diagnoses, treatment, and procedures for inpatient surgeries.
  • Determines the correct principal diagnosis, co-morbidities, complications, secondary conditions, and surgical procedures.
  • Abstracts correctly all required information from record including the correct discharge disposition and OSHPD required information.
  • Also assigns correct MS-DRG and APR-DRG and correct Present on Admission (POA) indicators and identifies (HAC) Hospital Acquired Conditions.
  • Queries physicians per established policy and procedure when documentation is not clear or conflicting.

Coding - Hoag Clinic

  • Meets ongoing productivity and quality standard of 95% accuracy rate or better.
  • The coder follows all coding conventions and serves as a coding consultant to Hoag providers.
  • Discrepancies are identified that may impact quality of care and/or billing issues.
  • The coder will serve as a resource and subject matter expert to other coding staff.
  • Completes coding charge review and claim edits in Epic or other appropriate EMR system which would entail coding and correcting ICD-10 codes, modifiers, and CPT E/M and procedure codes.
  • Reviews and communicates with providers on E/M Leveling/Coding.
  • Codes specialty specific outpatient surgeries/same day procedures.

Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian is a nonprofit regional health care delivery network in Orange County, California, consisting of three acute-care hospitals with sixteen urgent care centers, eleven health centers and a network of more than1,800 physicians, 100 allied health members, 8,000 employees, and 2,000 volunteers. More than 30,000 inpatients and 550,000 outpatients choose Hoag each year.

For over 70 years, Hoag has delivered a level of personalized care that is unsurpassed among Orange County's health care providers. Since 1952, Hoag has served the local communities and continues its mission to provide the highest quality health care services through the core strategies of quality and service, people, physician partnerships, strategic growth, financial stewardship, community benefit and philanthropy.

Hoag offers a comprehensive blend of health care services including six institutes providing specialized care in the areas of cancer, heart and vascular, neurosciences, women's health, orthopedics, and digestive health through our institutes.

Hoag was the highest ranked hospital in Orange County in the 2024-2025 U.S. News &World Report, the only Orange County hospital ranked in the top 10 for California. The organization was ranked the #5 hospital in the Los Angeles Metro Area and the #10 hospital in California.

To learn more about Hoag's awards and accreditations, visit: https://www.hoag.org/about-hoag/awards-accreditations/.

Hoag is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. Hoag is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. Hoag hires a diverse group of people in a manner that allows them to reach their full potential in the pursuit of organizational objectives.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Medical Coding - Hoag Hospital:

  • Completion of a certified coding program or graduate of a CAHIM accredited HIT program required.
  • Five years of progressive inpatient coding experience in an acute care facility.

Coding - Hoag Clinic: Required:

  • Five or more (5+) years coding experience mastering assigning diagnostic and procedure codes to patient medical records.
  • Must have extensive outpatient coding experience in multiple areas of specialty.

Preferred:

  • Adept coding experience (CPT/ICD-10-CM) in multiple specialties to include but are not limited to: OB/GYN, Urology, Oncology, Pain Management, Cardiology, Neurology, and Orthopedics.
  • Knowledge of E/M coding related to multi-specialty providers.
  • Knowledge of the elements of disease processes and related procedures.
  • Strong clinical knowledge and understanding of pathology / physiology of disease processes.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to build effective partnering relationships with physicians, nurse staff and hospital management staff with the ability to facilitate ongoing physician communication and able to work independently in a time-oriented environment.
  • Experience working in EPIC- EMR.

License Required

N/A

License Preferred 

N/A

Certifications Required 

Medical Coding - Hoag Hospital: Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

Coding - Hoag Clinic:

  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Outpatient Coder (COC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist Physician-Based (CCS-P)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA)

Cath Lab / IR: 

One of the following Certifications:

  • Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Certified Interventional Radiology Cardiovascular Coder (CIRCC)

Certifications Preferred 

Coding - Hoag Clinic: Certified Urology Coder (CUC)