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Inpatient Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

American Advanced Management

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA · On-site

$23/hr

The Inpatient Coder must thoroughly review all patient medical charts in an effort to ensure accuracy of information. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma ...

AMERICAN ADVANCED MANAGEMENT

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA

$23 - $27.75/hr

The Inpatient Coder must thoroughly review all patient medical charts in an effort to ensure accuracy of information. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma ...

American Advanced Management

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.75/hr

The Inpatient Coder must thoroughly review all patient medical charts in an effort to ensure accuracy of information. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma ...

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Inpatient Coder information

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$15

$23

$33

How much do inpatient coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient coder in California is $23.39, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.62 and $24.90 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as an Inpatient Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, and typically an RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and specialized coding software is essential for accurate chart review and code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for interpreting complex medical documentation and collaborating with healthcare teams. These skills ensure precise coding for reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and data integrity in healthcare organizations.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coders are in high demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical record documentation and billing. The profession often experiences staffing shortages, leading to competitive salaries and opportunities for certification and specialization. This demand is expected to continue as healthcare facilities prioritize coding accuracy and compliance.

What Is an Inpatient Coder?

An inpatient coder works in the medical field and is responsible for medical coding. As an inpatient coder, you are a certified professional and have undergone extensive training, both in class and on-the-job, to understand how to interpret and apply medical codes to patient files based on health and treatment documents received from doctors and nurses. A variety of medical personnel use codes for purposes that include diagnosis, treatment, insurance, and billing. You work with coding software to process claims and should have a broad understanding of terms used in the medical field related to anatomy, biology, and pharmacology. One of your primary responsibilities is keeping accurate medical records.

How much does a hospital coder get paid?

Inpatient coders typically earn a median annual salary between $50,000 and $70,000, depending on experience, certification, and geographic location. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of cases, work setting, and whether the coder is certified in coding systems like ICD-10 or CPC. Many inpatient coders work full-time in hospital environments, often requiring strong attention to detail and familiarity with medical records and coding software.

What are some common challenges faced by inpatient coders, and how can they be addressed?

Inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and ensuring accuracy under productivity pressures. These challenges can be addressed by regularly participating in coding workshops or continuing education, collaborating closely with clinical staff for clarification, and utilizing coding software tools to streamline the process. Maintaining open communication with the coding team and seeking mentorship from experienced coders can also help new coders navigate the role more effectively.

What is the difference between Inpatient Coder vs Outpatient Coder?

AspectInpatient CoderOutpatient Coder
CertificationsAHIMA CCS, CPC, or CCAAHIMA CCS, CPC, or CCA
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient facilities
Job FocusInpatient hospital records, DRGsOutpatient visits, procedures
Industry UsageHospitals, inpatient care providersPhysician offices, outpatient clinics

Inpatient Coder and Outpatient Coder both require similar certifications and work in healthcare settings, but they focus on different types of medical records. Inpatient Coders specialize in hospital inpatient records and DRG coding, while Outpatient Coders handle outpatient visit documentation. Understanding these differences helps healthcare organizations assign the right coding professionals for each setting.

Does inpatient coding pay more?

Inpatient coding roles typically offer higher pay compared to outpatient coding due to the complexity of coding inpatient hospital stays and the required certifications like CPC-H or CCS. Salaries can also vary based on experience, location, and employer, but inpatient coding generally commands a higher wage within medical coding specialties.

How do I become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and complete a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification from organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is often required or preferred. Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential for success in this role.

What are Inpatient Coders?

Inpatient Coders are healthcare professionals responsible for reviewing patient medical records and assigning standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services provided during a hospital stay. These codes are essential for accurate billing, insurance claims, and maintaining medical records. Inpatient Coders must have a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. Their work helps ensure hospitals receive appropriate reimbursement and that patient data is accurately recorded for analysis and reporting.
More about Inpatient Coder jobs
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Inpatient Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Coder job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,652 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Inpatient Coder

American Advanced Management

Salida, CA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
This job description is a record of the essential functions of the listed job. The job description provides the employee, CEO, Human Resources, applicants, and other agencies with a clear understanding of the job, where it fits into the organization, and the skill and work requirements in relation to other jobs. Jobs are always changing to some degree and the existence of the approved job description is not intended to limit normal change and growth. The facility will make reasonable accommodations to otherwise qualified individuals who are capable of performing the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
POPULATION SERVED
The position involves no direct patient care for a population of patients ages 18 and older. Age specific experience and/or special training and/or expertise are not required.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Inpatient Coder is responsible for admissions, concurrent and discharge coding; assembling of medical records; analyzing records (flagging deficiencies). The Inpatient Coder must thoroughly review all patient medical charts in an effort to ensure accuracy of information.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
The position requires a minimum of a High School Diploma, an Associate's Degree preferred, Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) certificates preferred and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in Long Term Acute Care Coding and Medical Records Preferred. Good interpersonal skills are very important.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Reviews and codes inpatient and/or outpatient medical information
  • Compiles statistics and prepares/maintains a variety of records and reports; finalizes attending physicians' attestations and obtains signatures; researches and locates missing data and records needed for coding and abstracting.
  • Retrieve patient records for doctors and nurses for future diagnosis and treatment.
  • Keep track of medical records to document improvement or deterioration in condition.
  • Processes the admission and discharge paperwork.
  • Serve as liaisons between the provider and the billing office.
  • May perform additional administrative duties and other duties as assigned by supervisor.

Requirements
DEMANDS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF WORK, EQUIPMENT USAGE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT.
PERCENTAGE OF WORK TIME
  1. Standing/Walking: 34-66%
  2. Sitting: 1-33%
  3. Twisting: 1-33%
  4. Lifting/Carrying: 1-33%
  5. Pushing/Pulling: 1-33%
  6. Climbing (Ascending/descending): 1-33%
  7. Bending/Stooping: 1-33%
  8. Using arm muscles frequently or for extended periods: 1-33%
  9. Using leg muscles frequently or for extended periods: 1-33%
  10. Using back muscles frequently or for extended periods: 1-33%

LIFTING REQUIREMENTS - Individuals in patient care positions are required to lift a patient with or without assistance.
  1. 2-10 Pounds: 1-33%
  2. 11-20 Pounds: 1-33%
  3. 21-30 Pounds: 1-33%
  4. 31-40 Pounds: 1-33%
  5. 41-50 Pounds: 1-33%
  6. 51 Pounds or More: 1-33%

WORKING ENVIRONMENT
  1. Working in hot, cold, wet surroundings: 1-33%
  2. Working outdoors: 1-33%
  3. Working with or near chemicals: 1-33%
  4. Working near radiation sources: 1-33%
  5. Potential exposure to communicable diseases: 1-33%
  6. Working with hazardous waste materials: 1-33%
  7. Utilizing essential upgraded or adaptive equipment as industry standards require: 1-33%
  8. Using hand tools: 1-33%
  9. Operating vehicle: 1-33%
  10. Potential for cuts and bruises: 1-33%

EXCHANGE OF IDEAS
  1. Ability to express or exchange ideas: 67-100%
  2. Ability to understand communication of others with or without adaptive devices: 67-100%
  3. Ability to perform secondary math: 67-100%
  4. Ability to read at a secondary level: 67-100%

WORKPLACE BEHAVIORS
  • RESULTS ORIENTATION - Meets current objectives and positions the organization for future growth. Completes daily tasks and assignments and processes large volumes of work associated with the operation of the department.
  • SOCIAL SENSITIVITY - Builds positive relationships based on respect for others. Demonstrates a helpful, positive attitude. Maintains effective communication with pees, medical staff, patients, visitors, and families.
  • QUALITY OUTCOMES - Meets and exceeds expectations of internal and external customers. All organizational and departmental standards regarding quality of performance are met. Demonstrates a strong commitment to confidentiality. Participates in quality improvement programs as directed.
  • SAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT - Demonstrates an awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the facility with an emphasis on maintaining a safe environment for all persons working in the facility.
  • Accident/Injury Reporting - Reports any accidents, injuries, and unsafe equipment and conditions to supervisor by the end of the shift and reports any pre-existing conditions as identified by the ADA.
  • Unsafe Conditions - Immediately reports and corrects, if possible, unsafe conditions or equipment.
  • Workplace Standards - Compiles with relevant regulations, standards and policies governing safe workplace environment (OSHA, Accreditation, etc.)
  • Safety Techniques - Maintains current knowledge of all aspects of the facility's safety program by attending safety-related training as mandated upon hire and thereafter as required by facility.
  • Modified Work - Accepts modified work assignments after receiving the physician's release to return to work following an accident/ injury.
  • Follows Prescribed/Recommended Treatment - Follows the prescribed/recommended treatment given by treating physician(s) after an accident/injury.
  • EDUCATION - Participates in required inservice and educational programs on an ongoing basis.
  • ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY - Follows all facility guidelines outlining standards of attendance and punctuality. Responsible for reporting to and completing work at assigned times.

UNIVERSAL PRECAUTIONS
Universal precautions will be observed in order to prevent contact with blood or other potentially infectious materials. Under circumstances in which differentiation between body fluid types is difficult or impossible, all body fluids shall be considered potentially infectious materials. All blood or other potentially infectious materials will be considered infectious regardless of the status. The category shown below is designed to communicate the risk of exposure for this particular position.
Category I
Tasks involve light contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes. Department procedures define and require use of minimum protective measures to perform the task.
Category II
Tasks involve no contact with moist body substances, non-intact skin or mucous membranes; however, employment may require performing unplanned Category I task. Appropriate protective measures are readily available.
Category III
Tasks of employment involve no contact with moist body substance, non-intact skin or mucous membranes.
Salary Description
$23/hour

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