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Medical Coding Specialist Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Superbill Coder

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$19.50 - $26/hr

CPC, CCS, or equivalent coding certification * 2-3 years of experience in medical coding (superbill, outpatient, home health, or hospice). * Strong knowledge of ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS, and modifier usage.

Coder 2-HIM

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$39.36 - $52.93/hr

Knowledge of Medical Terminology preferred. Knowledge of the standards of Coding as set forth by ... Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) or Registered ...

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Medical Coding Specialist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$29

$43

How much do medical coding specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for medical coding specialist in Riverside, CA is $29.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.09 and $34.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a medical coding specialist make?

A medical coding specialist typically earns between $40,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, certification, and location. They analyze medical records and assign standardized codes for billing and insurance purposes, often working with coding software and adhering to industry guidelines.

Are medical coders still in demand?

Medical coding specialists are currently in high demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical record documentation and billing. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and employment opportunities are available in hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.

What Is a Medical Coding Specialist?

A medical coding specialist reviews patients’ health information and medical records and ensures that bills are paid in a timely manner. Your job duties as a medical billing specialist include data entry using medical coding software and contacting insurance companies and billing offices in hospitals and physicians’ clinics. As a medical coding specialist or health information technician, you spend most of your working hours on a computer using either the CPT or ICD-9 medical coding systems. You need to understand medical terminology, pathophysiology, and reimbursement methods to succeed in medical coding specialist jobs.

What is the difference between Medical Coding Specialist vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectMedical Coding SpecialistMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCertified Professional Coder (CPC), CPC-HCertified Medical Reimbursement Specialist (CMRS), CPC
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, insurance companiesMedical offices, billing companies, hospitals
Primary RoleAssigns codes to diagnoses and proceduresProcesses billing, submits claims, handles payments

While both roles are essential in healthcare revenue cycle management, Medical Coding Specialists focus on translating medical services into standardized codes, whereas Medical Billing Specialists handle the financial transactions and claims processing. Understanding these differences helps employers and job seekers target the right skills and certifications for each position.

What are Medical Coding Specialists?

Medical Coding Specialists are healthcare professionals responsible for translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services into standardized codes used for billing and insurance purposes. They review patient records and assign codes using classification systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS. Their work ensures that healthcare providers are properly reimbursed and that records are accurate for statistical and regulatory purposes. Medical Coding Specialists play a crucial role in maintaining the financial and legal integrity of healthcare organizations.

What is a medical coding specialist?

A medical coding specialist is a professional who reviews healthcare documentation and assigns standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and services for billing and record-keeping. They typically use coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT and often require certification and attention to detail to ensure accurate medical records and reimbursement.

What are some common challenges Medical Coding Specialists face when working with complex medical records?

Medical Coding Specialists often encounter challenges when interpreting complex or incomplete medical records, as documentation may vary significantly between providers. Accurately assigning codes requires careful attention to detail and a solid understanding of medical terminology and coding guidelines. Collaboration with healthcare providers to clarify ambiguous information is frequently necessary, and staying updated with changing coding standards and regulations is essential to ensure compliance and minimize errors. These challenges make strong communication and research skills especially valuable in this role.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

Medical Coding Specialists with CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) certification generally earn higher salaries than those with CPC (Certified Professional Coder) certification, as CCS is often considered more advanced and is preferred for hospital coding roles. However, salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer, with CCS holders typically commanding higher pay due to the specialized nature of hospital coding. Both certifications require strong coding skills and knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Medical Coding Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Medical Coding Specialist, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems (such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS), and often a certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with medical billing software and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications ensure accurate coding, compliance with healthcare regulations, and efficient reimbursement processes.
What are popular job titles related to Medical Coding Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA? For Medical Coding Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Medical Coding Specialist jobs? Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Medical Coding Specialist job openings:
Infographic showing various Medical Coding Specialist job openings in Riverside, CA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,042 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist II - Orange County

Astrana Health, Inc.

Orange, CA • Remote

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Description
We are currently seeking a highly motivated Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist to support our Orange County market.  In this role, you will support risk adjustment efforts by conducting high-volume chart reviews to identify coding gaps, trends, and opportunities for improved accuracy for our providers. You’ll translate your findings into actionable insights, creating and delivering education to providers and practice leaders while navigating complex conversations. Additionally, you’ll track and report on key performance metrics—such as HCC recapture rates, AWVs, and other KPIs, helping drive provider performance and overall program success. 
We are seeking candidates who have experience with provider education and at least 3-5 years of risk adjustment experience! This position requires travel to provider offices up to 75% of the time OC.
Our Values: 
  • Put Patients First
  • Empower Entrepreneurial Provider and Care Teams
  • Operate with Integrity & Excellence
  • Be Innovative
  • Work As One Team

What You'll Do
  • Review provider documentation of diagnostic data from medical records to verify that all Medicare Advantage, Affordable Care Act (ACO) and Commercial risk adjustment documentation requirements are met, and to deliver education to providers on either an individual basis or in a group forum, as appropriate for all IPAs managed by the company
  • Review medical record information on both a retroactive and prospective basis to identify, assess, monitor, and document claims and encounter coding information as it pertains to Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) 
  • Perform code abstraction and/or coding quality audits of medical records to ensure ICD-10- CM codes are accurately assigned and supported by clinical documentation to ensure adherence with CMS Risk Adjustment guidelines 
  • Interacts with physicians regarding coding, billing, documentation policies, procedures, and conflicting/ambiguous or non-specific documentation
  • Prepare and/or perform auditing analysis and provide feedback on noncompliance issues detected through auditing
  • Maintain current knowledge of coding regulations, compliance guidelines, and updates to the ICD-10 and HCC codes, Stay informed about changes in Medicare, Medicaid, and private payer requirements.
  • Provides recommendations to management related to process improvements, root-cause analysis, and/or barrier resolution applicable to Risk Adjustment initiatives.
  • Trains, mentors and supports new employees during the orientation process. Functions as a resource to existing staff for projects and daily work.
  • Provides peer to peer guidance through informal discussion and overread assignments. Supports coder training and orientation as requested by manager.
  • May assist or lead projects and/or higher work volume than Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist I
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications
  • Required Certification/Licensure: Must possess and maintain AAPC or AHIMA certification -  Certified Coding Specialist (CCS-P), CCS, or CPC.
  • At least 3 years of experience in risk adjustment coding and/or billing experience required
  • Reliable transportation/Valid Driver’s License/Must be able to travel up to 75% of work time
  • PC skills and experience using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook
  • Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills, and ability to collaborate 
  • Must possess the ability to educate and train provider office staff members
  • Proficiency with healthcare coding software and Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems.
You're great for this role if:    
  • Strong billing knowledge and/or Certified Professional Biller (CPB) through APPC
  • Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) and/or Risk Adjustment coding experience
  • Have knowledge of Risk Adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) for Medicare Advantage
  • Strong PowerPoint and public speaking experience
  • Ability to work independently and collaborate in a team setting
  • Experience with Monday.com
  • Experience collaborating with, educating, and presenting to provider teams in a face-to-face setting

Environmental Job Requirements and Working Conditions
  • The national target pay range for this role is $70,000 - $85,000 per year. Actual compensation will be determined based on geographic location (current or future), experience, and other job-related factors.
  • This role follows a hybrid work structure where the expectation is to work on the field and at home on a weekly basis. This position requires up to 75% travel to provider offices in Orange County. 
Astrana Health is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need. If you require assistance in applying for open positions due to a disability, please email us at humanresourcesdept@astranahealth.com to request an accommodation.    

Additional Information:     
The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.