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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Showing 5 of 10+ Coding Specialist jobs
Job Objective:
Under the supervision of the Director of Health Information Services or designee, is responsible for conducting clinical based retrospective reviews of inpatient medical records to evaluate and ensure the clinical documentation is reflective of quality of care outcomes and reimbursement compliance for acute care services provided. Identifies documentation gaps, ambiguities, or opportunities that affect diagnosis coding and DRG assignment. Brings clinical knowledge and coding expertise to ensure the medical record accurately reflects the complexity and severity of patient care. Identifies opportunities to improve documentation that impact quality program performance including patient safety indicators (PSls), hospital acquired conditions (HACs) and Medicare Star Ratings. Oversees the appeals process, reviewing records and generating supporting documentation to appeal insurance denials and RAC audits based on downgraded DRGs. Performs audit and compliance reviews to ensure CDI and
coding compliance. Conducts training and education to the coders based on the results of the CDI and coding audits.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Auditing, Compliance and Data Quality
1. Reviews and validates clinical documentation to ensure adverse events including PS ls, HACs and other quality indicators are correctly identified prior to final coding.
2. Generates, evaluates, and distributes various coding and data related reports.
3. Reviews CDI and Coding queries for compliance and assists with generating
queries.
4. Performs post discharge reviews for clinical documentation, and coding
opportunities.
5. Performs coding audits and provides feedback and education to the coders.
6. Performs, participates in, and tracks internal and external audits identifying areas for improvement.
7. Develops action plans, revises guidelines, and educates coders based on the
new coding rule identified, new process identified, outliers on PEPPER reports, OIG Guidance, or HCAi changes in collaboration with the Information Systems Support Coordinator-Coder 11, Coder IV, Clinical Documentation and Coding
Specialist and Coding Manager.
8. Participates in hospital meetings related to clinical data quality and compliance providing data or education as required.
9. Analyze DRG assignments, CC/MCC capture rates and CMI (Case Mix Index)
trends. Supports accurate reporting for quality programs (e.g. PSI, HAC, mortality metrics, Medicare Star Ratings).
10. Follow-up and address discrepancies on the various coding data related reports.
11. Keeps abreast of regulatory changes affecting coded information required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HCAi, Uniform Billing
Requirements, Official Coding Guidelines and others as appropriate.
B. Appeal Process
1. Coordinates the appeals process for RAC, external audits and insurance denials.
2. In collaboration with the coding manager, develops processes to monitor high error and/or high
risk clinical coded data.
3. Generates supporting documentation to appeal insurance denials and RAC audits based on
downgraded DRGs
C. Communication
1. Communicates with Coding Manager, Clinical Documentation Specialist, Coder IV, Physicians, CDI
liaison, and other members of the care team to facilitate comprehensive clinical documentation to
reflect treatment, decision-making and medical documentation.
2. Maintains open communication with coders to ensure accuracy of DRG, and seek to resolve any
incongruence.
3. Work with coder and clinical documentation specialist team to ensure requirements and guidelines
are Antelope Valley Medical Center compliant.
4. Will work closely with physicians and members of the care team to provide continuous education
on proper documentation techniques.
D. Other Duties
1. Assists hospital staff, medical staff, public, and patients.
2. Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and coordinates work to achieve functional area goals and maximum
productivity and efficiency on a day to day basis.
3. Participates in upgrades and testing of the coding/abstracting system and interfaces for same.
4. Answers telephones consistent with Service Excellence standards, addresses and/or routes calls
appropriately and in a timely manner.
5. Protects the confidentiality of primary and secondary health records and releases information as
mandated by law, professional standards, and the hospital's policies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge
1. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
2. Knowledge of department policies, practices and operations.
Skills
3. Perform data entry accurately with use of a keyboard and mouse.
4. Perform duties using computers and equipment required for scanning and indexing of documents
5. Effective oral and written communication skills.
6. Detail oriented and organized.
Abilities
7. Ability to recognize colors associated with color-coded filing system.
8. Ability to learn the advanced aspects of the various indexes, storage, tracking, and retrieval
systems.
9. Ability to retrieve, reproduce, deliver, track, and file records using various equipment and
systems in the facility and offsite.
10. Ability to review records and verify patient information.
- Patients Come First - We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing
- Accountability & Ownership - We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate,
- Teamwork - We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of
- Integrity & Honesty - We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do
- Excellence - We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top
- Initiative & Innovation -Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us
opportunities to add value.
- Tenderness & Compassion -We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for
Education
- RN or MBBS
- Minimum of 3+ years CDI or inpatient coding experience in an acute care setting required
- ICD-10-CM/PCS proficiency required
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) or Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS).
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Attendance and Punctuality Policy
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Leaves of Absence Policy
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
- Ability to adhere to the department dress code
- Ability to organize work and establish priorities
- Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
- Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards
- Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
- Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers,
- Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
- Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations
- Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties
- Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures
- Conforms with required and appropriate accreditation and regulatory requirements
- Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines
- Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education
- Display a willingness to work as a team player
- Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times
- Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVMC Board of
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its
- Ability to follow the Code of Conduct
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
-
Work is usually performed in a normal office environment and may require long periods in
sedentary position performing one function.
- Trips within the facility and to onsite storage areas will be required to retrieve or deliver
- Frequent use of scanner, keyboard and video display terminal.
Education and Experience:
Education
- RN or MBBS
- Minimum of 3+ years CDI or inpatient coding experience in an acute care setting required
- ICD-10-CM/PCS proficiency required
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) or Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS).
Job Objective:
Under the supervision of the Director of Health Information Services or designee, is responsible for conducting clinical based retrospective reviews of inpatient medical records to evaluate and ensure the clinical documentation is reflective of quality of care outcomes and reimbursement compliance for acute care services provided. Identifies documentation gaps, ambiguities, or opportunities that affect diagnosis coding and DRG assignment. Brings clinical knowledge and coding expertise to ensure the medical record accurately reflects the complexity and severity of patient care. Identifies opportunities to improve documentation that impact quality program performance including patient safety indicators (PSls), hospital acquired conditions (HACs) and Medicare Star Ratings. Oversees the appeals process, reviewing records and generating supporting documentation to appeal insurance denials and RAC audits based on downgraded DRGs. Performs audit and compliance reviews to ensure CDI and
coding compliance. Conducts training and education to the coders based on the results of the CDI and coding audits.
Duties and Responsibilities:
A. Auditing, Compliance and Data Quality
1. Reviews and validates clinical documentation to ensure adverse events including PS ls, HACs and other quality indicators are correctly identified prior to final coding.
2. Generates, evaluates, and distributes various coding and data related reports.
3. Reviews CDI and Coding queries for compliance and assists with generating
queries.
4. Performs post discharge reviews for clinical documentation, and coding
opportunities.
5. Performs coding audits and provides feedback and education to the coders.
6. Performs, participates in, and tracks internal and external audits identifying areas for improvement.
7. Develops action plans, revises guidelines, and educates coders based on the
new coding rule identified, new process identified, outliers on PEPPER reports, OIG Guidance, or HCAi changes in collaboration with the Information Systems Support Coordinator-Coder 11, Coder IV, Clinical Documentation and Coding
Specialist and Coding Manager.
8. Participates in hospital meetings related to clinical data quality and compliance providing data or education as required.
9. Analyze DRG assignments, CC/MCC capture rates and CMI (Case Mix Index)
trends. Supports accurate reporting for quality programs (e.g. PSI, HAC, mortality metrics, Medicare Star Ratings).
10. Follow-up and address discrepancies on the various coding data related reports.
11. Keeps abreast of regulatory changes affecting coded information required by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HCAi, Uniform Billing
Requirements, Official Coding Guidelines and others as appropriate.
B. Appeal Process
1. Coordinates the appeals process for RAC, external audits and insurance denials.
2. In collaboration with the coding manager, develops processes to monitor high error and/or high
risk clinical coded data.
3. Generates supporting documentation to appeal insurance denials and RAC audits based on
downgraded DRGs
C. Communication
1. Communicates with Coding Manager, Clinical Documentation Specialist, Coder IV, Physicians, CDI
liaison, and other members of the care team to facilitate comprehensive clinical documentation to
reflect treatment, decision-making and medical documentation.
2. Maintains open communication with coders to ensure accuracy of DRG, and seek to resolve any
incongruence.
3. Work with coder and clinical documentation specialist team to ensure requirements and guidelines
are Antelope Valley Medical Center compliant.
4. Will work closely with physicians and members of the care team to provide continuous education
on proper documentation techniques.
D. Other Duties
1. Assists hospital staff, medical staff, public, and patients.
2. Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and coordinates work to achieve functional area goals and maximum
productivity and efficiency on a day to day basis.
3. Participates in upgrades and testing of the coding/abstracting system and interfaces for same.
4. Answers telephones consistent with Service Excellence standards, addresses and/or routes calls
appropriately and in a timely manner.
5. Protects the confidentiality of primary and secondary health records and releases information as
mandated by law, professional standards, and the hospital's policies
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge
1. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
2. Knowledge of department policies, practices and operations.
Skills
3. Perform data entry accurately with use of a keyboard and mouse.
4. Perform duties using computers and equipment required for scanning and indexing of documents
5. Effective oral and written communication skills.
6. Detail oriented and organized.
Abilities
7. Ability to recognize colors associated with color-coded filing system.
8. Ability to learn the advanced aspects of the various indexes, storage, tracking, and retrieval
systems.
9. Ability to retrieve, reproduce, deliver, track, and file records using various equipment and
systems in the facility and offsite.
10. Ability to review records and verify patient information.
- Patients Come First - We listen actively and communicate with our patients and families, placing
- Accountability & Ownership - We fully complete tasks, are transparent, effectively communicate,
- Teamwork - We build trusting relationships, promote a sense of community, and are respectful of
- Integrity & Honesty - We tell the truth at all times, speak up when something is wrong, and do
- Excellence - We take pride in our work, are goal-oriented, and on a never-ending quest for top
- Initiative & Innovation -Our can-do attitudes, creativity, and resourcefulness empower us
opportunities to add value.
- Tenderness & Compassion -We have genuine empathy, show kindness, and encourage and advocate for
Education
- RN or MBBS
- Minimum of 3+ years CDI or inpatient coding experience in an acute care setting required
- ICD-10-CM/PCS proficiency required
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) or Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS).
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Attendance and Punctuality Policy
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Leaves of Absence Policy
- Ability to adhere with AVMC Paid Time Off (PTO) Policy
- Ability to adhere to the department dress code
- Ability to organize work and establish priorities
- Ability to expand on own initiative in performance of duties
- Skill and ability to follow the telephone etiquette/standards
- Ability to function effectively under pressure and meet time parameters
- Ability to communicate effectively while maintaining good working relationships with co-workers,
- Ability to adhere to the normal standards of courtesy and conduct as defined under the rules of
- Ability to maintain the confidentiality of patient, hospital and department information
- Ability to adhere to safety rules and regulations
- Safely and effectively uses all equipment necessary to carry out duties
- Ability to interpret and function under hospital and department policies and procedures
- Conforms with required and appropriate accreditation and regulatory requirements
- Conforms with and supports hospital quality assurance and improvement guidelines
- Ability to participate effectively in department and hospital staff education
- Display a willingness to work as a team player
- Ability to give and support the highest level of patient/customer satisfaction at all times
- Supports and adheres to the values and mission statement established by the AVMC Board of
- Ability to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Compliance & Integrity Program and its
- Ability to follow the Code of Conduct
Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
-
Work is usually performed in a normal office environment and may require long periods in
sedentary position performing one function.
- Trips within the facility and to onsite storage areas will be required to retrieve or deliver
- Frequent use of scanner, keyboard and video display terminal.
Education and Experience:
Education
- RN or MBBS
- Minimum of 3+ years CDI or inpatient coding experience in an acute care setting required
- ICD-10-CM/PCS proficiency required
Required Licensure and/or Certifications:
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) or Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS).
See All 10 Coding Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Coding Specialist JobsCoding Specialist Jobs by City in California
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, Sanford Health, and NorthBay Health, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of October 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 Anaheim 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 50% of coding specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of October 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 10 Coding Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Coding Specialist Jobs