Coding Specialist Jobs in California
Coding specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in healthcare systems, managed care organizations, and large physician groups, with openings from entry-level coders through senior auditing roles. The biggest hiring metros are Los Angeles, Sacramento, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where employers like Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health maintain large coding departments. Revenue cycle integrity, HCC risk adjustment, and outpatient facility coding are the specialties driving the most consistent demand. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
We are currently seeking a highly motivated Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist. This role will report to the Supervisor - Risk Adjustment and enable us to continue to scale in the healthcare industry. The staff is required to frequently travel to provider sites depending on projects.
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 retrospective 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
- Meets or exceeds productivity targets as established by management. Regularly meets due dates assigned
- 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.
- Keeps management apprised of project activities through regular written and oral status reports. Proactively identifies risks that may hinder project success.
- 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
Qualifications
- Required Certification/Licensure: Must possess and maintain AAPC or AHIMA certification – Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and/or Certified Professional Coder (CPC). Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) is a plus but not required
- 3+ years experience in risk adjustment coding required. Billing experience is a plus.
- Reliable transportation/Valid Driver’s License/Must be able to travel at least 75% of work time
- PC skills and experience using Microsoft applications such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- 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.
- Have knowledge of Risk Adjustment and Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) for Medicare Advantage
- Ability to work independently and collaborate in a team setting
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Ability to work in a home office for continuous periods of time for business continuity
- Ability to travel across the Provider Clinic service region for meetings and/or training as needed
- Able to work independently and within time constraints
- Able to efficiently prioritize multiple high-priority tasks
Environmental Job Requirements and Working Conditions
- This position blends on-site fieldwork (approximately 75% travel) with hybrid support to help practices. The Company reserves the right to modify the work arrangement, including transitioning to a hybrid or onsite model, based on business needs. Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or qualifications required. Responsibilities may change based on business needs and organizational priorities.
- The national target pay range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000. Actual compensation will be determined based on geographic location (current or future), experience, and other job-related factors.
About Astrana Health, Inc.
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Coding Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in coding specialist jobs across California.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or CCS credential required or strongly preferred
- Proficiency in ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems
- Experience with electronic health record platforms such as Epic or Cerner
- Knowledge of California Medi-Cal billing guidelines and payer-specific requirements
- Minimum two years of coding experience in a clinical or hospital setting
- Familiarity with CMS risk adjustment models and HCC coding methodologies
Coding Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a coding specialist in California?
California does not require a state-issued license to work as a coding specialist, but nearly all employers expect a nationally recognized credential such as the CPC from AAPC or the CCS from AHIMA. Most candidates complete an accredited health information technology or medical coding program at a California community college, then sit for one of those exams. Hands-on experience through an externship or entry-level billing role strengthens any application significantly.
How much do coding specialists make in California?
Coding specialists in California earn a median of about $116,760 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $70,310 for the lowest 10% to over $172,300 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire coding specialists in California?
Employers hiring coding specialists in California right now include Astrana Health, Greater Good Health, and Millennium Physician, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 2026. California's density of large integrated health systems and medical groups means demand is distributed across both major metros and mid-size regional markets throughout the state.
Which California cities have the most coding specialist jobs?
Orange, Pomona, and El Segundo have the most coding specialist openings in California. Los Angeles draws volume from its massive concentration of hospital systems and physician networks, Sacramento anchors demand through state government health programs and regional health plans, and the Bay Area reflects the headquarters presence of large managed care and health technology organizations.
Are there remote coding specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most healthcare roles, because coding is an analytical desk function that does not require physical patient contact. About 100% of coding specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of August 2026, reflecting a post-pandemic shift that most major health systems have maintained. Risk adjustment, auditing, and outpatient facility coding roles tend to have the highest remote availability.
How can I get hired as a coding specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is completing a medical coding certificate program at a California community college, then applying to entry-level coding auditor or medical billing specialist roles at large health systems. Kaiser Permanente, Sutter Health, and Dignity Health all post junior coder and coding associate positions that are explicitly open to new graduates. A passing score on the CPC or CCS exam before applying gives candidates a clear edge over others with no credential.
Where can I find and apply to coding specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to coding specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring across the state. Search the listings, find roles that fit your experience and location, and apply directly.
See All 6 Coding Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Coding Specialist Jobs