Certified Coder I

Neighborhood Healthcare • Escondido, CA

3d • $27 - $38

About The Position

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.

ROLE OVERVIEW and PURPOSE

The Certified Medical Coder I is responsible for reviewing and accurately assigning diagnostic and procedural codes for medical services based on medical documentation, in compliance with official coding guidelines, payer requirements, and regulatory standards. This is an entry-level coding position suitable for professionals with certification and limited experience.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required
• Must have one of the following credentials: Certified Professional Coder (CPC or CPC A) – AAPC, Certified Coding Associate (CCA) – AHIMA, Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) – AHIMA
• 0-2 years of experience in medical coding required (may include CPC-A)
• Exposure to outpatient or professional fee coding
• Familiarity with insurance claim workflows and denial management
• Proficiency in medical terminology, anatomy & physiology, and coding systems
• Knowledge of EHR systems and coding platforms (e.g., eClinicalWorks, Codify, EncoderPro)
• Basic understanding of medical coding systems; ICD-10, CPT, HCPCS.
• Detail-oriented with strong analytical and organizational skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively as a team member
• Effective communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer systems and coding software/books

Nice To Haves

• Associate’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

• Review and abstract clinical documentation for accurate ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS Level II coding.
• Ensure coding is compliant with federal regulations (e.g., CMS), payer policies, and audit standards.
• Maintain quality and productivity standards as defined by department policies.
• Enter and verify codes within the EHR or coding software.
• Assist in minimizing claim denials and rejections due to coding issues.
• Work with providers and staff to clarify diagnoses and procedures as needed.
• Participate in coding audits and implement feedback.
• Maintain confidentiality of health records by HIPAA and organizational policies.
• Keep current with coding changes and continuing education requirements needed to maintain coding certification.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED