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Inpatient Medical Coding Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Showing results 41-60

Inpatient Medical Coding information

See California salary details

$15

$22

$33

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:

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.

Specialty Physician Coder - General Surgery, Breast Oncology & Reconstruction, OBGYN

MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site

$33.79/hr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 26 days ago


MemorialCare rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 46 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

55th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Title: Specialty Physician Coder - General Surgery (Surgical Breast Oncology and General Hematology/Oncology)

Location: Fountain Valley, CA (Predominately Remote / Must be located in California)

Department: Document Improvement

Status: Full-Time

Shift: Days (8hr)

Pay Range*: $33.79/hr - $49.00/hr

MemorialCare is a nonprofit integrated health system that includes four leading hospitals, award-winning medical groups - consisting of over 200 sites of care, and more than 2,000 physicians throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties. We are committed to increasing access to patient-centric, affordable, and high-quality healthcare; your personal contributions are integral to MemorialCare's recognition as a market leader and innovator in value-based and other care models.

Across our family of medical centers, we support each one of our bright, talented employees in reaching the highest levels of professional development, contribution, collaboration, and accountability. Whatever your role and whatever expertise you bring, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your full potential in an environment of respect, innovation, and teamwork.

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Coding Compliance Manager, the Specialty Physician Coder plays a key role in reviewing and analyzing specialty coding and billing for charge processing. This role will be responsible for reviewing and accurately coding office, hospital, and surgical/procedures for reimbursement and ensuring accurate and compliant medical coding for inpatient and outpatient services, diagnostic tests, and other medical services rendered to patients. The Specialty Physician Coder will also work with the Coding Compliance Manager on discovered coding trends and irregularities and needed action items.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities of the Job

  1. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite.

  2. Proficient in Epic software.

  3. Strong analytical skills.

  4. Strong critical thinking skills.

  5. Detail oriented.

  6. The ability to anticipate, research, and resolve problems/strong problem-solving skills.

  7. Strong understanding of the healthcare revenue cycle.

  8. Excellent communication skills with the ability to communicate information accurately and clearly.

  9. The ability to manage interpersonal relationships and effectively communicate with clinical partners and fellow business center teams.

  10. Provide excellent customer service and address a moderate amount of incoming email and phone calls.

  11. Collaborative team player with the ability to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare environment.

  12. Professional demeanor at all times.

  13. The ability to handle complex and confidential information with discretion.

  14. Maintain patient confidentiality.

  15. Maintain a safe and orderly work area.

  16. Strong work ethic, honest, and dependable.

  17. Strong personal time management skills.

  18. Be at work and be on time.

  19. Follow company policies, procedures, and directives.

  20. Interact in a positive and constructive manner.

  21. Prioritize and multitask.

*Placement in the pay range is based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, relevant years of experience and qualifications. In addition to base pay, there may be additional compensation available for this role, including but not limited to, shift differentials, extra shift incentives, and bonus opportunities. Health and wellness is our passion at MemorialCare-that includes taking good care of employees and their dependents. We offer high quality health insurance plan options, so you can select the best choice for your family. And there's more...Check out our MemorialCare Benefits for more information about our Benefits and Rewards.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications/Work Experience:

  • 3 years' experience working in a hospital or physician's office as a medical coder and interacting with physicians.

  • 1 years' experience as a specialty coder in one of the following specialties: Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Medical Hematology/Oncology, OBGYN, Pulmonology, General Surgery, or Radiation Oncology.

  • Expert knowledge of ICD10, CPT, and HCPCS.

  • Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology.

  • Epic software experience is highly desired.

  • Proficient Microsoft skills.

Education/Licensure/Certification:

  • High School diploma or GED required.

  • CPC, CCS, or equivalent certification required.

  • Specialty coding certification is highly desired.


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