CalOptima Health is seeking a highly motivated Certified Coding Specialist to join our team.  The Certified Coding Specialist will assist the Manager Coding Quality in implementing the coding standards for the organization, including researching relevant regulations, serving as a resource for other departments and reviewing and recommending changes to systems, policies, or procedures to ensure current and appropriate coding guidelines are maintained. The incumbent will review the appropriateness of codes billed when reviewing medical records related to provider disputes and appeals. Additionally, the incumbent will respond to questions submitted to the coding support mailbox and provide code guidance based on Medicare, Medi-Cal and national standards of billing protocol. 

Position Information:

• Department: Coding Initiatives
• Salary Grade: 306 - $58,205 - $90,217 ($27.98 - $43.3736)
• Work Arrangement: Full Telework 
  
  **This position is eligible for telework in California.** 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• 95% - Program Support
  • Participates in a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.
  • Assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with others to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
  • Supports the manager in ensuring current coding methodology and modifier rules are applied to appropriate reimbursement and ensures the organization is following Medicare and Medi-Cal protocol for payment of claims.
  • Maintains and monitors code listing updates for International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10-Clinical Modification (CM)/Procedure Coding System (PCS), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) as needed for all lines of business.
  • Assists the manager with identifying questionable billing practices based on coding protocol.
  • Responds with advice and instructions to any inquiries related to coding appropriateness and review of documentation provided.
  • Assists the Contracting department with contractual billing requirements based on coding standards by identifying applicable procedure codes according to provider specialty.
  • Presents at provider workshops and assists with provider training on regulations for appropriate coding of medical charts and documentation required to support proper claims submission.
  • Assists other departments regarding evaluation of medical records, procedures or diagnosis code questions; identifies ambiguous or non-specific medical documentation regarding coding protocols related to provider disputes, appeals and coding audits on submitted claims.
  • Stays current on official health care regulations, including reimbursement and documentation requirements related to professional claims billing. Ensures compliance with the standards of ethical coding as set forth by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and adheres to official guidelines. 

• 5% - Other
  • Completes other projects and duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, health services or related field PLUS 3 years of coding experience with an emphasis on Medicare and Medi-Cal requirements in a managed care environment required; an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above may also be qualifying.
  
• 1 year of experience working with ICD-10 CM or PCS, CPT and HCPCS coding, medical terminology, human anatomy/physiology and regulatory requirements required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with MS-DRG, APR-DRG and Medi-Cal coding assignments as well as Medi-Cal chart auditing.

Required Licensure / Certifications:

• Current Certified Coding Specialist (CCS), Certified Coding Specialist Physician-based (CCS-P) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) Certification by AHIMA or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) required.

Knowledge & Abilities:

• Develop rapport and establish and maintain effective working relationships with CalOptima Health's leadership and staff and external contacts at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.  
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work a flexible schedule; available to participate in evening and weekend events.
• Organize, be analytical, problem-solve and possess project management skills.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and in an efficient manner.
• Manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
• Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job specific applications/systems to produce correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, and/or other information applicable to the position assignment.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Ability to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects, patients and/or equipment 10 to 25 pounds

Work Environment:

If located at the 500, 505 Building or a remote work location:

• Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

If located at PACE:

• Work is typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
• There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

If located in the Community:

• Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed. 
• Employee will occasionally work outdoors in varied temperatures.
• There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

About CalOptima Health:
CalOptima Health is the single largest health plan in Orange County, serving one in four residents. Our motto — "Better. Together.” — is at the heart of our mission to serve members with excellence, dignity and respect. We are a public agency made up of compassionate leaders and professionals working together to strengthen our community’s health.  We are continuing to build a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion within our community where employees have a sense of belonging, and are valued for their ideas, contributions, and their unique individual perspectives they bring.  CalOptima Health has been recognized as one of Orange County’s best places to work, so we know there is something special about our organization. It is why people choose to work here and why they choose to stay! 

About our Benefits & Wellness options:
At CalOptima Health, we know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), low-cost medical/vision/dental insurance options, and paid time off. To support quality work-life balance, we allow flexible scheduling during core business hours, telework options for some positions, and a wellness program featuring diverse activities. Additionally, CalOptima Health contributes 4% of pensionable earnings to a 401(a) retirement program with no required employee contribution. For those who are interested in additional retirement savings, employees have access to 457(b) retirement plans with pre/post-tax contribution options.   For more information, please click on the 2025 CalOptima Health Benefits Guide regarding our comprehensive benefits and wellness package.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is August 17, 2025 at 9:00 PM (PST).  Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. 

The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a skills assessment, phone screen and interview.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and if applicable also pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug screening).  Internal CalOptima Health applicants should apply through InfoNet.

Communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email, including your SPAM folder, regularly throughout the recruitment process.  You can also visit your candidate portal to receive the most up to date status of your application.

CalOptima Health is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse staff, where we will honor your unique experiences, identity, and perspectives. Our organization strives to create and maintain a workplace environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming so we can truly be Better Together.

CalOptima Health is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation at (714) 246-8400 if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.