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Inpatient Coder Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sr Coder - Per Diem

Temecula, CA · On-site

$30.46 - $44.16/hr

Inpatient records are charged/coded in accordance to established Coding guidelines and regulations . * Assist with other areas of coding as needed. * Collaborates with Health Information Management ...

Sr Coder - Per Diem

Temecula, CA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Inpatient records are charged/coded in accordance to established Coding guidelines and regulations. * Assist with other areas of coding as needed. * Collaborates with Health Information Management ...

Sr Coder - Per Diem

Temecula, CA

$18.75 - $24.75/hr

Inpatient records are charged/coded in accordance to established Coding guidelines and regulations. * Assist with other areas of coding as needed. * Collaborates with Health Information Management ...

... Coder Proficiency Exam ✔ Excellent analytical, communication, and time management skills If you're passionate about coding accuracy, compliance, and making an impact in healthcare, we'd love to ...

Assigns codes for diagnoses, treatment and procedure for multiple specialized departments, including Outpatient ancillary, Emergency Department, and Inpatient and Outpatient Surgery. Determines the ...

New

$33 - $38/hr

Review inpatient hospital records and assign accurate diagnosis and procedure codes * Determine the appropriate MS-DRG or APR-DRG assignment based on coding and clinical documentation * Conduct ...

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Showing results 1-20

Inpatient Coder information

See California salary details

$15

$23

$33

How much do inpatient coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coder jobs in California? The most popular types of Inpatient Coder jobs in California are:
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What job categories do people searching Inpatient Coder jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Inpatient Coder jobs in California 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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,652 per year, or $23.4 per hour.
Sr Coder - Per Diem

Sr Coder - Per Diem

UHS

Temecula, CA • On-site

$30.46 - $44.16/hr

Per diem

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Universal Health Services rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 252 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

495th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Responsibilities
Join the Southwest Healthcare Team!
About Us:
Creating Health and Harmony, Southwest Healthcare is a comprehensive network of care with convenient hospital and ambulatory care/outpatient locations here to serve the Southern California community. With over 7,000 passionate providers and healthcare employees, our shared goal is to provide convenient access to a wide range of healthcare services in a way that benefits you, your family, and the entire community.
Southwest Healthcare is comprised of five acute care hospitals and several non-hospital access points, including: Corona Regional Medical Center, Palmdale Regional Medical Center, Southwest Healthcare Rancho Springs Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Inland Valley Hospital and Temecula Valley Hospital, Temecula Valley Day Surgery, A+ Urgent Care Centers, Apex Heart Specialists, and Riverside Medical Clinics. We've won various awards throughout our region and focus on career development and promotion. The people are at the core of everything we do. If you are looking for a career and not just a job, you're in the right place! For more information on how to join our dynamic team, please visit our website at www.swhealthcaresystem.com .
Job Summary:
Southwest Healthcare is seeking a Per Diem Inpatient Coder (Sr Coder) who collaborates with staff across the Region. This position is fully remote and responsible for:
  • Inpatient records are charged/coded in accordance to established Coding guidelines and regulations .
  • Assist with other areas of coding as needed.
  • Collaborates with Health Information Management (HIM) Leadership, as needed, to review charts for performance improvement initiatives and assists with the resolution of coding issues.
Qualifications
Experience/Training/Experience:
  • High School Graduate or equivalent required.
  • Associate's degree from an accredited College or University in Health Information Management preferred.
  • Three (3) to Five (5) years of experience in coding related functions with proficiency in inpatient coding required, acute care experience required.
Certifications/Licenses:
  • Current Registered Health Information Administrator Certificate (RHIA) or a current Registered Health Information Technician Certificate (RHIT) required, or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). All certificates are accredited by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).
Other Skills and Abilities:
  • Demonstrates knowledge and ensures compliance with The Joint Commission and Title 22 standards and guidelines.
  • Demonstrates compliance with hospital policies and procedures at all times.
  • Ability to set priorities and appropriately organize workload and complete assignments in a timely manner.
  • Demonstrates ability to relate to clinical personnel and medical staff, as well as ability to interact well with the public.
  • Must have knowledge of PC and applications.
  • Demonstrates the ability to adhere to all Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), Federal and State statute, as it related to proper and improper releases.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, including disease processes.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of current ICD-10-CM/PCS, CPT, and HCPCS coding guidelines with working knowledge of DRG, APC and diagnosis sequencing concepts.
  • Demonstrates knowledge of OSHPD requirements for Inpatient reporting.
  • Proficiency in the use of all applicable software, which includes the abstracting system 3M HDM product(s) and Nuance CD One.
  • Demonstrates familiarity with patient medical records.
  • Demonstrates ability to perform under pressure, meet frequent deadlines, and tight schedules.
  • Demonstrates excellent organizational skills and detail oriented.
  • Demonstrates effective communication with all customers (i.e. medical staff, hospital staff, patients, etc.) regardless of communication method. Utilizes principles of AIDET for framework of conservations.
  • Demonstrates ability to maintain positive relationships and courteous interactions with hospital staff, medical staff, and the public.
Benefit Highlights:
  • Challenging and rewarding work environment.
  • Competitive Compensation & Generous Paid Time Off.
  • Excellent Medical, Dental, Vision and Prescription Drug Plans.
  • 401(K) with company match and discounted stock plan.
  • SoFi Student Loan Refinancing Program.
  • Tuition, CEU, Certification, Licenses Reimbursement program.
  • Career development opportunities within UHS and its 300+ Subsidiaries!
  • More information is available on our Benefits Guest Website: UHS Guest Benefits

Southwest Healthcare is owned and operated by subsidiaries of Universal Health Services, Inc. (UHS) , a King of Prussia, PA-based company, one of the nation's largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. (NYSE: UHS) has built an impressive record of achievement and performance, growing since its inception into a Fortune 500 corporation. Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 99,000 employees. Through its subsidiaries, UHS operates 28 acute care hospitals, 331 behavioral health facilities, 60 outpatient and other facilities in 39 U.S. States, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom.
EEO Statement:
All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Avoid and Report Recruitment Scams:
We are aware of a scam whereby imposters are posing as Recruiters from UHS, and our subsidiary hospitals and facilities. Beware of anyone requesting financial or personal information. At UHS and all our subsidiaries, our Human Resources departments and recruiters are here to help prospective candidates by matching skill set and experience with the best possible career path at UHS and our subsidiaries. During the recruitment process, no recruiter or employee will request financial or personal information (e.g., Social Security Number, credit card or bank information, etc.) from you via email. Our recruiters will not email you from a public webmail client like Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. If you suspect a fraudulent job posting or job-related email mentioning UHS or its subsidiaries, we encourage you to report such concerns to appropriate law enforcement. We encourage you to refer to legitimate UHS and UHS subsidiary career websites to verify job opportunities and not rely on unsolicited calls from recruiters.

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About Universal Health Services

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Universal Health Services (UHS) is a major player in the healthcare industry, based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, U.S. Founded in 1978, UHS offers hospital and healthcare services. Their diverse services range from acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities and ambulatory centers nationwide. The company's mission of enhancing the health and well-being of their patients is reflected in their commitment to 'Helping Individuals Live Longer, Healthier and Happier Lives'. Universal Health Services' consistent growth and success in their industry have been recognized on numerous occasions, including being ranked amongst the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

King of Prussia, PA, US