County of Santa Clara

Coder II

County of Santa Clara$96K — $117K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school diploma (or GED equivalent) required.
  • Valid medical coding certificate (e.g., CCA, CCS, RHIT, RHIA, CPC).
  • Two years of medical coding experience, including outpatient and inpatient records.
  • Knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT coding systems required; familiarity with later adaptations preferred.
  • Understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and disease processes.

Responsibilities

  • Review and code medical-record data using ICD-9-CM, CPT-4, and HCPCS.
  • Perform coding audits of provider charges and electronic submissions.
  • Provide coding information to staff as needed.
  • Accurately enter coding information into appropriate systems.
  • Assign diagnosis and procedural codes utilizing current coding guidelines.
  • Resolve charge errors and coding discrepancies.
  • Maintain confidentiality and security of patient information.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits with no deductibles or co-pays.
  • Generous paid time off, including significant vacation and sick leave.
  • Robust retirement plans including a 401(k) and CalPERS pension.
  • Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for tax-efficient expense management.
  • Life and disability insurance for secure financial support.
  • Employee Assistance Program for mental health support and counseling services.
  • Education reimbursement for professional development and training.
Full Job Description
Salary : $96,493.28 - $117,332.80 Annually
Location : Throughout the County of Santa Clara, CA
Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Job Number: 26-J05-A
Department: Santa Clara Valley Health Care - Valley Medical Center
Opening Date: 09/03/2026
Closing Date: 9/17/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 01

Description

Coder II incumbents work under general supervision performing moderately complex coding and abstracting of assigned work tasks that may include but are not limited to outpatient, inpatient, or specific medical-service medical records. For training purposes, Coder II incumbents may work with moderately complex inpatient records. Coders at all levels must perform work in accordance with official Federal and State coding guidelines, as well as the coding policies of the Santa Clara Valley Health and Hospital System (SCVHHS).

The list established from this recruitment will be used for all vacancies throughout the Santa Clara County Health System. This may include full time, part time, and extra help positions. If you are interested in these opportunities please fill out the appropriate questions.

Please note: All applicants are required to attach proof of a valid medical coding certificate.

Because we serve patients throughout multiple hospitals and clinics, you may have to work at different sites. We will meet any obligations we may have when this occurs.

Typical Tasks
(The following list includes examples of tasks that may be assigned to a Coder II position, depending on the area of assignment. No single position will be assigned all tasks listed; nor is the list exhaustive.)
  • Reviews, abstracts, and codes medical-record data using coding systems such as ICD-9-CM, CPT-4, and HCPCS or subsequent adaptations;
  • May perform coding review or audit of provider charges submitted electronically, charge ticket, or electronic file;
  • Provides CPT and ICD-9 codes to unit and other staff when required;
  • Records the coding information into the appropriate charge system such as a computer system, paper-charge ticket, and/or electronic file;
  • Reviews and abstracts procedural, diagnostic services, and/or facility level of services from the medical record and assigns the appropriate coding;
  • Identifies and assigns diagnosis, CPT procedural codes, HCPC codes or facility level of service utilizing the current adaptation of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-4), CPT-4, HCPC or LOS;
  • May assign unique coding required by MediCal or other third-party payers when different than the industry standard by CMS;
  • Applies knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, and medical terminology to accurately assign and sequence the procedural coding, diagnoses, or HCPC codes;
  • Accurately assigns Medicare Severity Diagnosis Related Group (MSDRG) and Ambulatory Payment Classification (APC) number or other coding classifications;
  • (In Diagnostic Imaging Unit) Reviews various radiology reports for appropriate CPT codes and assigns codes accordingly using ICD-9 code set or subsequent adaptation (such as ICD-10) and performs other coding-related duties pertaining to diagnostic imaging;
  • Participates in the development of policies and procedures; supports the implementation of departmental policies and procedures;
  • Reviews Coder I work for completeness and correctness, and assists in the orientation of new staff to the unit;
  • Reviews and resolves charge errors and/or coding discrepancies;
  • Follows department policy regarding notification of incomplete or missing information from the patient record;
  • Communicate with other departments and providers regarding account clarification and corrections;
  • Maintains HIPPA confidentiality, privacy, and security of all patient-related information;
  • Maintains harmonious work relationships;
  • May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker, as required;
  • Performs other related work as required.


Employment Standards
Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, and possession of the following qualifications, including the knowledge and abilities indicated below:
Training and Experience Note: The knowledge and abilities required to perform these functions are normally acquired through possession of a high school diploma (or GED equivalent), possession of a CCA, CMC (PMI) or CCS or RHIT or RHIA or CPC (AAPC) certification, and two (2) years experience as a medical coder which included coding outpatient and/or inpatient records using ICD-9 diagnosis (or subsequent ICD adaptation), procedures CPT codes, HCPS coding system;
Note: Specific certifications, such as Radiology Certified Coder (RCC)--in lieu of above listed certifications--may be required if specific job duties are such that a particular coding credential is more applicable. Because specific Coder functions and certifications may vary, certifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in order to assess applicability to the Coder II duties assigned as well as the required knowledge and abilities.
Coders are required to maintain their coding competency regarding procedural, diagnosis, HCPC codes and LOS facility charges, a strong understanding of coding, compliance and regulatory payer guidelines, and other guidelines related to coding of medical records. Coders must complete the required Continuing Education Units (CEUs) annually to ensure their respective certifications remain active and in good standing.

Knowledge of:
  • Coding guidelines, abstracting, and medical terminology to utilize and assign appropriate coding: current ICD-9-CM and CPT-4, HCPCs or subsequent adaptations;
  • Computer encoding software programs, online tools, coding references and websites;
  • The principles and practice of accurate and compliant abstracting and coding techniques;
  • Comprehensive medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and disease processes related to medical specialties;
  • Components and format of the hard copy and/or electronic version of medical record, including but not limited to laboratory findings, special tests, medications, surgical procedures, therapy services, surgical events, other dictated or hand written process notes and reports, consents, etc;
  • English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and general English usage;
  • Computerized patient data systems.
Ability to:
  • Read and comprehend the elements of a medical chart, medical-record notes, and reports;
  • Analyze, code, and abstract moderately-complex technical data from medical records covering a wide variety of ancillary/outpatient--and in some cases inpatient--services;
  • Identify missing elements, inferred between procedural and treatment relationships;
  • Properly sequence abstracted/coding information from a medical record;
  • Read and understand medical record notes and reports and accurately classify all diagnoses and procedures;
  • Effectively use the various computer systems necessary to perform job functions;
  • Communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with medical and nursing staff, employees at all levels of the organization, patients, and the public;
  • Plan, organize, and prioritize work, and meet deadlines;
  • Reason logically, and use sound judgment in the performance of duties.

The County offers comprehensive first-class medical, dental, and vision benefits plans for County employees and their dependents, including plans with no deductibles, no co-pays, no co-insurance, and no prescription drug co-pays. Learn more

The County also offers generous paid time off with significant vacation, sick time, and 13 paid County holidays annually! Details are included in the with the bargaining unit applicable to the job classification.

In addition to the amazing perks above, the County also offers the additional benefits below.

Retirement Benefits
The County offers robust retirement plans including a (similar to the private sector's 401(k) plan) and the In addition to lifetime retirement income available through the CalPERS pension plan, the 457(b) Deferred Compensation plan provides a great way to save for retirement and supplement the defined benefit pension available to employees. These plans help our employees build a plan for their future and contribute to their family's long-term financial well-being.

Health Flexible Spending Account
The empowers employees to manage healthcare expenses efficiently with tax-free contributions (up to $3,200 for the 2024 calendar year). Secure tax-free solutions for your healthcare expenses and enjoy the flexibility to manage your healthcare finances effectively with the HFSA.

Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP)
The enables employees to utilize tax-free funds for dependent care services, facilitating a convenient and cost-effective approach for managing your dependent care expenses. The County also offers the , an employer-funded DCAP, for employees with annual income under $120,000.

Life and AD&D
The County offers life and disability benefits including , Insurance, These benefits ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
The County prioritizes employee mental health and well-being and offers a top-tier through Concern providing confidential counseling sessions covering stress, anxiety, relationships, grief, as well as financial/legal services, personal coaching, child and elder care referrals, and comprehensive crisis support.

Employee Wellness
The offers free wellness programing, fitness classes and resources; including Elevate My Wellness an all-in-one platform designed to elevate your well-being journey.

Education Reimbursement
A generous program is available, including Education Reimbursement for employees seeking additional training and professional development.

NOTE: Benefit and Retirement information may vary from bargaining unit to bargaining unit. Due to changes in State Law, current pension provisions described in the union contracts are not automatically applied. Specific pension benefits for new hires who start on or after January 1, 2013 may be different than indicated in the union contracts.

Click here to access all Memoranda of Understanding and most recent Summary of Changes.
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Please answer the following questions. Completion of the following supplemental questions is REQUIRED for your application and is an integral part of the evaluation process. Initially, it will be used to determine minimum qualifications. For those applicants meeting the employment standards, this information will be critical in the subsequent competitive assessment to identify those candidates to be invited to continue in the examination process. Your responses to the questions may also be reviewed and scored in a Competitive Rating evaluation process based on pre-determined rating criteria. Your answers should be as complete as possible, as no additional information will be accepted from applicants once the Competitive Rating process has begun. Please include the name of employer, job title, dates of employment and number of hours worked per week for questions asking about your experience. A response of "see

About County of Santa Clara

The County of Santa Clara is located at the southern end of the San Francisco Bay and encompasses 1,312 square miles. It has one of the highest median family incomes in the country, and a wide diversity of cultures, backgrounds and talents. The County of Santa Clara continues to attract people from all over the world. With more than 70 agencies/departments and 22,000 employees, the County of Santa Clara plans for the needs of a dynamic community, provides quality services, and promotes a healthy, safe and prosperous community for all. The County provides essential services including public health protection, environmental protection, medical services through Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC), child and adult protection services, homelessness prevention and solutions, roads, park services, libraries, emergency response to disasters, protection of minority communities and those under threat, access to a fair criminal justice system, and scores of other services, particularly for those members of our community in the greatest need. The County's population of nearly 1.9 million is one of the largest in the state, and the largest of the nine Bay Area counties. Its population constitutes about one fourth of the Bay Area's total population. There are 15 cities including Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga, and Sunnyvale ranging from Palo Alto to the north, to Gilroy in the south. San Jose is the largest city in the County, with a population of 1.035 million, and is the administrative site of County Government. A significant portion of the county's land area is unincorporated ranch and farmland. Nearly 92% of the population lives in cities. The County of Santa Clara operates 27 parks covering more than 50,000 acres including scenic lakes, streams, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Learn more about County of Santa Clara

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