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Inpatient Medical Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

American Advanced Management

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA · On-site

$23/hr

... 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.

American Advanced Management

Inpatient Coder

Salida, CA · On-site

$23 - $27.75/hr

... 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.

DaMar Staffing

Specialist Clinical Coder

Pomona, CA · On-site

$55 - $77/hr

... medical record in order to assign accurate diagnosis and procedural codes ensuring optimal ... At least two (2) years of coding inpatient and/or outpatient cases in an acute care setting. Salary ...

MemorialCare

$70 - $100/hr

The role is responsible for accurately coding office, hospital, and surgical procedures for reimbursement and ensuring compliant medical coding for inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic tests ...

Tenet Health

Inpatient Coder II Fulltime Days

Palm Springs, CA · On-site

$19 - $25.25/hr

... accurate coding and abstracting of clinical information from the medical record. The position is ... Inpatient encounters according to the Tenet Coding Quality Standards policy/procedure. Coding ...

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Inpatient Medical Coding information

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How much do inpatient medical coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient medical coding in California is $22.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $23.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is inpatient medical coding?

Inpatient medical coding is the process of translating the healthcare diagnoses, procedures, and services documented during a patient's hospital stay into standardized codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance reimbursement, and maintaining accurate patient records. Inpatient coders work primarily with ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS code sets, focusing on records from hospital admissions rather than outpatient or clinic visits. Their work ensures compliance with regulations and helps healthcare providers receive proper compensation for services rendered.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inpatient medical coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Inpatient Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, medical terminology, anatomy, and compliance regulations, typically supported by a certification such as CCS or RHIT. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems, coding software, and hospital billing platforms is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills set top performers apart in this role. These competencies ensure accurate coding, proper reimbursement, and compliance with healthcare regulations, all of which are critical for hospital operations.

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

Inpatient medical coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. To address these challenges, it’s important to regularly participate in continuing education, utilize available coding resources, and communicate closely with healthcare providers for clarification when documentation is unclear. Many organizations also foster collaboration among coding teams, which helps in sharing knowledge and resolving difficult cases efficiently.

What is the difference between Inpatient Medical Coding vs Outpatient Medical Coding?

AspectInpatient Medical CodingOutpatient Medical Coding
CredentialsCPHIM, CPC, CCSCPHIM, CPC, CCS
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient centers
Industry UsageInpatient hospital staysOutpatient visits and procedures
Job FocusDiagnoses, procedures for hospital staysProcedures, diagnoses for outpatient visits

Inpatient Medical Coding involves coding diagnoses and procedures for hospital stays, requiring detailed knowledge of inpatient records. Outpatient Medical Coding focuses on outpatient visits and procedures. Both roles require similar credentials and are essential in healthcare billing, but they differ mainly in work environment and the type of patient encounters they cover.

How to become an inpatient medical coder?

To become an inpatient medical coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification from organizations like the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) 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.

Is there a shortage of inpatient medical coders?

Inpatient medical coding is experiencing a workforce shortage due to increasing healthcare documentation complexity and a growing demand for accurate coding. This has led to higher job opportunities, especially for certified coders with knowledge of ICD-10 and hospital coding systems. The shortage emphasizes the importance of certifications like CPC or CCS and ongoing training in medical coding standards.

What cities in California are hiring for Inpatient Medical Coding jobs?

Cities in California with the most Inpatient Medical Coding job openings:

Inpatient Medical Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Inpatient Medical Coding job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,027 per year, or $22.1 per hour.

Inpatient Coder

American Advanced Management

Salida, CA • On-site

$23/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 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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