1

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

Be Seen First

The Billing and Coding Specialist ensures the accurate and compliant coding and billing of medical, dental, and behavioral health services within a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). This ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

Medical Coding Specialist information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$14

$29

$43

How much do medical coding specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 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 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 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 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 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.

Is a medical coding specialist still in demand?

Yes, medical coding specialists are in demand due to ongoing healthcare industry growth and the need for accurate medical record documentation. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and employment opportunities are expected to remain stable or grow as healthcare providers seek to improve billing efficiency and compliance.

Is it hard to become a medical coding specialist?

Becoming a medical coding specialist requires completing a postsecondary certificate or associate degree in health information technology or medical coding, along with passing a certification exam such as the CPC. The role demands attention to detail, knowledge of medical terminology, and familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, but it is generally accessible with proper training and certification. The difficulty varies based on prior experience and aptitude for detailed work.

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 job categories do people searching Medical Coding Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Medical Coding Specialist jobs in Riverside, CA 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $61,042 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Accredited CPC Medical Coding Specialist

Winchester, CA • On-site

MLee Medical Employment
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Re-posted 29 days ago


Job description

Position Overview
This role is responsible for accurately determining codes for physicians' diagnoses and procedures, ensuring compliance with the latest medical reimbursement policies and CMS guidelines. The specialist reviews medical records to identify all appropriate coding, generates invoices for insurance and patient billing, and manages insurance claims and collections. Collaboration with clinical teams and patients is essential to ensure precise and complete charge preparation for patient visits.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain a safe and clean work environment, adhering to unit safety and infection control standards.
  • Coding Duties:
    • Utilize Electronic Health Records (EHR) to support claim coding.
    • Assign ICD-10-CM, CPT-4, and HCPCS codes for surgeries based on current guidelines.
    • Review physician notes for accuracy and completeness.
    • Communicate with physicians to clarify or correct documentation as needed.
    • Ensure all medical records are complete, including proper timing, dating, and signatures.
    • Apply modifiers according to payer guidelines.
    • Understand documentation and compliance requirements for coding.
    • Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HIPAA regulations protecting Protected Health Information (PHI).
  • Insurance and Patient Billing:
    • Process and submit electronic claims efficiently.
    • Address and correct electronic claim rejections promptly.
    • Resolve all NCCI edits within two business days to ensure timely claim submission.
    • Print paper claims when necessary.
    • Provide cash quotes for self-pay surgeries and collect payments for non-covered procedures and injections.
  • Auditing:
    • Follow up on claim acceptance or rejection.
    • Investigate reasons for claim denials and take corrective action.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • At least one year of healthcare experience.
  • Strong knowledge of medical terminology, human anatomy, and coding methodologies.
  • Moderate understanding of Level 1 and 2 modifiers.
  • Ability to review documents for accuracy and completeness.
  • Detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills.
  • Knowledgeable in NCCI, CCI edits, and LCDs, with the ability to apply regulations accurately.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with coworkers.
  • High ethical standards and professional integrity.
  • Strong analytical and persuasive communication skills at all organizational levels.
Education
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • Certificate or diploma from an accredited medical coding program.
Certification
  • Current CPC, CPC-A, CCS, or RHIT certification required.

Employment is contingent upon passing a physical evaluation, drug screening, and background checks prior to starting work.
This position is located in a regional healthcare setting within the Pacific Northwest, serving diverse coastal communities with a commitment to compassionate and quality patient care.

McCall and Lee logo

About McCall and Lee

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McCall and Lee is a well-known and reputable company, headquartered in Austin, Texas, United States. Operating in the healthcare industry, their primary services center around professional recruiting and executive search. They cater to the needs of various levels of medical practitioners and executive positions for healthcare establishments. McCall and Lee is founded on the premise of filling healthcare vacancies with the most suitable and competent professionals to ensure top-quality medical service delivery. Their core value revolves around integrity, excellence, commitment, and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and human resources consulting services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Austin, TX, US

Social media