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Inpatient Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Inpatient Coder

Redwood City, CA ยท On-site

$26.75 - $32.25/hr

The Inpatient Coder is expected to code and abstract Observation (OBS), Hospital Ambulatory Surgery (HAS), Emergency Department (ED), and complex Hospital Outpatient Visit (CHOY) services when needed.

Inpatient Coder

Oakland, CA ยท On-site

$25 - $30.25/hr

The Inpatient Coder is expected to code and abstract Observation (OBS), Hospital Ambulatory Surgery (HAS), Emergency Department (ED), and complex Hospital Outpatient Visit (CHOY) services when needed.

Inpatient Coder

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$25.50 - $31/hr

The Inpatient Coder is expected to code and abstract Observation (OBS), Hospital Ambulatory Surgery (HAS), Emergency Department (ED), and complex Hospital Outpatient Visit (CHOY) services when needed.

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 ...

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA ยท 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 ...

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA ยท 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 ...

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA ยท 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 ...

Inpatient Facility Coder (P)

Culver City, CA ยท On-site

$23.75 - $28.75/hr

Inpatient Facility Coder - Future Opportunities (Talent Pool) Remote GeBBS Healthcare Solutions, an industry leader in Health Information Management (HIM) and Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) solutions ...

Regional Hospital Inpatient Coder

Fontana, CA ยท On-site

$22.25 - $26.75/hr

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 ...

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Inpatient Coder information

See California salary details

$15

$23

$33

How much do inpatient coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inpatient coder?

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.

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.

Is there a shortage of inpatient coders?

Inpatient coders are in high demand due to the complexity of hospital coding and the need for accurate medical record documentation. 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 accurate coding for reimbursement and compliance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coder jobs in California?

The most popular types of Inpatient Coder jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Inpatient Coder jobs in California?

For Inpatient Coder jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in California are hiring for Inpatient Coder jobs?

Cities in California with the most Inpatient Coder job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Inpatient Coder jobs in CA?

For Inpatient Coder jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Inpatient Coder job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 68% In-person, and 32% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,652 per year, or $23.4 per hour.

Inpatient Coder

Redwood City, CA โ€ข On-site

$26.75 - $32.25/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Must Reside in Northern California
Under direct supervision, the Inpatient Coder is responsible for the accurate coding and abstracting of inpatient cases or services (diagnosis, conditions and procedures) from medical record documentation. Assign codes and modifiers using the appropriate version of ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCPCS as well as other specialty systems as required by diagnostic category. The Inpatient Coder is expected to code and abstract Observation (OBS), Hospital Ambulatory Surgery (HAS), Emergency Department (ED), and complex Hospital Outpatient Visit (CHOY) services when needed.
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, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCPCS code book, CPT Assistant, NCCI Edits, CMS, OSHPD and Kaiser Permanentes organizational and institutional coding guidelines.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Coding and Abstracting: 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, ICD-PCS, CPT and HCSPCS coding classification systems.
  • Responsible for the sequencing of diagnoses and procedures in accordance with guidelines outlined in ICD-CM, ICD-PCS, CPT, Uniform Hospital Discharge Data Set, Medicare regulations and other appropriate classification systems.
  • Determines that the DRG is appropriate for each case and reviews DRG discrepancies to ensure appropriate group of each case.
  • Verifies and abstracts the appropriate data from the medical records to meet requirements for data submission and reporting.
  • Corrects data when 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 upon medical record documentation prior to data submission or coding completion.
  • Interacts with physicians to clarify and accurately document patient diagnostic and procedural information.
  • Ensures timely data completion by meeting coding/abstracting productivity/quality standards established for the Inpatient Coder position.
  • Interacts with physicians to clarify and accurately document patient diagnostic and procedural information.
  • Ensures timely data completion by meeting coding/abstracting productivity/quality standards established for the Inpatient Coder 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 650
Basic Qualifications:
Experience
  • Three years of continuous hospital coding 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, ICD-PCS and CPT coding conventions and disease process from an accredited program.
License, Certification, Registration
  • Certified Coding Specialist OR Registered Health Information Technician OR Registered Health Information Administrator
Additional Requirements:
  • Basic knowledge of and use of computer keyboard and mouse.
  • Achieve a minimum score of 75% on the KP Inpatient Coding test.
  • 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 to coding.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and disease process to interpret general medical classifications for inpatient services.
  • Demonstrated knowledge regarding the review of cases for coding quality and coding compliance.
  • Basic knowledge of reimbursement methodologies and conventions and knowledge of rules and guidelines for the appropriate and current coding classifications.
  • Ability to communicate with physicians regarding the clarification of dagnoses/procedures and the sequencing of diagnoses.
  • Must maintain coding credential and complete the required Continuing Education (CE) units.
  • Must abide by the AHIMA and AAPC code of ethics.
  • Must be willing to work in a Labor Management Partnership environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • N/A

Primary Location: California,Redwood City,Redwood City Hospital
Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Shift: Day
Workdays: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri
Working Hours Start: 07:00 AM
Working Hours End: 03:30 PM
Job Schedule: Full-time
Job Type: Standard
Employee Status: Regular
Worker Location: Remote
Employee Group/Union Affiliation: A01|SEIU|United Healthcare Workers West
Job Level: Individual Contributor
Department: Redwood City Hospital - Hospital Coding Operations - 0208
Pay Range: $57.64 - $67.06 / 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 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.