Certified Coder II

Neighborhood Healthcare; Escondido (CA); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Neighborhood Healthcare is seeking a career-focused Medical Coder II in California. The hybrid role codes diagnoses and procedures using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II, ensuring compliance with guidelines and payer policies while supporting reimbursement processes.

You will query clinicians when documentation is unclear and collaborate with auditors and clinical teams to resolve discrepancies, aiming for high productivity and accuracy in a community health setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have CPC or CCS or equivalent certification.
• Minimum 2–4 years of medical coding experience in physician group or healthcare clinic setting.
• Proficiency in outpatient coding.

Responsibilities

• Review and abstract clinical data from medical records for accurate code assignment.
• Assign ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services.
• Ensure coding compliance with federal regulations, payer policies, and organizational standards.
• Query physicians for clarification when documentation is incomplete or unclear.
• Collaborate with coding staff, auditors, and clinical teams to resolve discrepancies and improve documentation.
• Meet productivity and accuracy benchmarks as defined by the department.
• Stay current with coding guidelines, CMS updates, and regulatory changes.
• Participate in audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
• May mentor or assist with training of less experienced coders.

Skills

ICD-10-CM

CPT

HCPCS

Medical terminology

EHR systems

Time management

Analytical skills

Communication

Education

High school diploma

CPC

CCS

AAPC/AHIMA equivalent

Tools

eClinicalWorks

Job description

Community health is about more than just vaccines and checkups. It's about giving people the resources they need to live their best lives. At Neighborhood, this is our vision: a community where everyone is healthy and happy. We're with you every step of the way, with the care you need for each of life's chapters. At Neighborhood, we are Better Together.

As a private, non-profit 501(C) (3) community health organization, we serve over 500,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits from more than 100,000 people annually. We do this in pursuit of our mission to improve the health and happiness of the communities we serve by providing quality care to all, regardless of situation or circumstance.

Since 1969, our employees have been making this mission a reality. Regardless of the role, our team focuses on being compassionate, having integrity, being professional, always collaborating, and consistently going above and beyond. If this sounds like an organization you would like to be a part of, we would love to meet you.

Schedule: M-F 7:30am - 4:00pm. This is a hybrid position.

ROLE OVERVIEW And PURPOSE

The Medical Coder II is responsible for accurately reviewing, analyzing, and coding diagnostic and procedural information from medical records using ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding systems. This role ensures compliance with official coding guidelines and regulatory requirements and supports reimbursement processes through precise and compliant coding. This is a mid-level coding position that requires a solid understanding of coding practices, clinical documentation, and healthcare billing.

Responsibilities

• Review and abstract clinical data from medical records for accurate code assignment.
• Assign appropriate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services.
• Ensure coding compliance with federal regulations, payer policies, and organizational standards.
• Query physicians and other healthcare providers for clarification when documentation is incomplete or unclear.
• Collaborate with other coding staff, auditors, and clinical teams to resolve discrepancies and improve documentation.
• Meet productivity and accuracy benchmarks as defined by the department.
• Stay current with coding guidelines, industry updates, and regulatory changes (e.g., CMS, OIG).
• Participate in audits and implement corrective actions as needed.
• May mentor or assist with training of less experienced coders.

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must have one or more of the following credentials:
  • Valid Certified Professional Coder (CPC)
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)
  • Equivalent certification from an accredited body (e.g., AAPC, AHIMA) required.
• Minimum of 2-4 years of medical coding experience in physician group, or healthcare clinic setting.
• Proficiency in outpatient coding.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, Skills And Abilities)

• Strong knowledge of ICD-10-CM, CPT, HCPCS, and medical terminology.
• Familiarity with EHR systems and coding/billing software (e.g., eClinicalWorks).
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and organizational skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift/carry 10 lbs/weight
• Ability to stand for long periods of time

COMPLIANCE (Safety & HIPAA)

• Follows all safety procedures as outlined in Neighborhood Healthcare's Illness and Injury Prevention Plan (IIPP) and report any injuries and/or unsafe conditions immediately
• Maintains current knowledge of policies and procedures as they relate to safe work practices
• Follows all safety procedures and report unsafe conditions
• Uses appropriate body mechanics to ensure an injury free environment
• Familiarity with location of nearest fire extinguisher and emergency exits
• Follows all infection control procedures including blood-borne pathogen protocols
• Maintains privacy of all patients, employee and volunteer information and access such information only on a need-to-know basis for business purposes
• Complies with all regulations regarding corporate integrity and security obligations
• Reports all behavior and/or activity that are unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful

Pay range: $29.71 to $41.59 per hour depending on experience.

Compensation Disclosure: The posted salary range reflects the designated pay grade for this position. While this range represents the broader classification of the role, actual compensation will be based on several factors, including but not limited to: the candidate's overall knowledge, skills, and experience, market data and industry benchmarks, internal equity within the organization, Budgetary considerations and organizational needs. As a result, placement within the range is not guaranteed, and the full pay grade range may not be utilized.