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Associate Medical Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Primus Ortho

Medical Billing Specialist

Tinley Park, IL · On-site

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Associate or bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred. * Certification in medical billing and coding is highly desirable. * Minimum of 2 ...

Rush University Medical Center

Coding Auditor

Chicago, IL · On-site

$32 - $52.08/hr

Rush Medical Center Hospital: Rush University Medical Center Department: PB Revenue Integrity Work ... Associate's degree with 5 years of auditing experience required. • Certified Professional Coder ...

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All JobsAssociate Medical Coder JobsAssociate Medical Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL

Associate Medical Coder information

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How much do associate medical coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for associate medical coder in Chicago, IL is $23.12, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.61 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an associate medical coder?

Associate Medical Coders are entry-level professionals who review clinical documents and assign standardized medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and treatments. Their main responsibility is to ensure accurate coding for billing and insurance purposes, following healthcare regulations and coding guidelines. They typically work under the supervision of more experienced coders or managers and may be employed in hospitals, clinics, or insurance companies. Associate Medical Coders help ensure that healthcare providers are reimbursed correctly and that patient records are accurately maintained.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an associate medical coder?

To thrive as an Associate Medical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10/CPT coding systems, often supported by a coding certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accuracy and efficiency in coding tasks. These competencies are vital for maintaining regulatory compliance, minimizing errors, and supporting healthcare reimbursement processes.

What are some common challenges faced by associate medical coders when starting in the role?

Associate Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as understanding complex medical terminology, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and ensuring the accuracy of codes in high-volume environments. Adapting to electronic health record (EHR) systems and learning to interpret diverse clinical documentation from multiple healthcare providers can also be demanding. However, with proper training, mentorship, and ongoing education, new coders can quickly build confidence and proficiency in their daily responsibilities.

What is the difference between Associate Medical Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectAssociate Medical CoderMedical Coder
CertificationsTypically requires CPC or CCS certificationsRequires CPC, CCS, or similar coding certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, outpatient facilitiesHospitals, physician offices, insurance companies
Job ResponsibilitiesAssists with coding, reviews records, supports senior codersPerforms detailed medical coding, audits, and documentation review

The main difference between an Associate Medical Coder and a Medical Coder lies in experience and responsibilities. Associate Medical Coders often support senior coders and may have less experience, focusing on learning and assisting with coding tasks. Medical Coders typically handle more complex coding duties independently. Both roles require similar certifications and work in comparable healthcare settings, but Medical Coders usually have more advanced skills and responsibilities.

Is an associate's degree in medical billing and coding worth it?

An associate's degree in medical billing and coding provides foundational knowledge and can improve job prospects for roles like medical coder. However, many employers prioritize certification such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) over formal education alone, and on-the-job training is common. The degree can be beneficial but is often complemented by certification and practical experience for career advancement.

Is it hard to get hired as an associate medical coder?

Getting hired as an associate medical coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong knowledge of medical coding guidelines can improve your chances. Entry-level positions often require some training or certification, and familiarity with coding software is beneficial. Overall, with the right qualifications and skills, securing a position is achievable.

What are the most commonly searched types of Medical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Medical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Associate Medical Coder jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Associate Medical Coder job openings:

Associate Medical Coder jobs near you
Infographic showing various Associate Medical Coder job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $48,082 per year, or $23.1 per hour.

Medical Billing Specialist

Tinley Park, IL • On-site

Chicago Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgery
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Chicago Center for Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Surgeryexternal

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The Medical Billing Specialist is a key member of the financial team at the Chicago Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of insurance payments, conducting appeals on improperly processed claims, and maintaining diligent follow-up on outstanding claims and denials. The Specialist will also assist with coding issues and patient inquiries regarding billing.


Key Responsibilities:

Payment Posting:

  • Accurately post insurance payments from mail batches and electronic funds transfers (EFT) from various sources, including websites and ECW EFTs.
  • Review and reconcile payment entries to ensure that all payments are accounted for and properly posted.

Claims Management:

  • Conduct thorough follow-ups on all outstanding insurance claims to ensure timely reimbursement.
  • Investigate and appeal underpaid or denied claims by gathering necessary documentation and submitting detailed appeals to insurance companies.
  • Proactively manage the Payer Denied Bucket by reviewing and resolving denied claims from commercial insurances.

Appeals and Rejections:

  • Handle mail batch rejections by reviewing the reason for rejection, correcting any issues, and resubmitting the claims.
  • Track the status of appeals by monitoring the appeal bucket and performing regular follow-ups until the appeal is resolved.

Coding and Compliance:

  • Assist with coding issues by reviewing and suggesting appropriate corrections to ensure accurate billing and compliance with medical coding standards.

Communication and Customer Service:

  • Respond to patient inquiries, providing clear explanations of benefits and answering insurance-related questions.
  • Ensure timely and professional responses to emails and voicemails related to billing inquiries.

Surgical and Commercial Billing:

  • Handle billing for surgical procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all claims.
  • Manage commercial billing processes, including claim submission and follow-up.

Cross-Training and Collaboration:

  • Be cross-trained and serve as a backup for various billing positions within the department, maintaining the flexibility to support different functions as needed.

Administrative Support:

  • Complete actions and telephone encounters promptly, maintaining a high standard of patient service.
  • Participate in special projects and perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or management to support the billing department.


Qualifications:

  • Associate or bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred.
  • Certification in medical billing and coding is highly desirable.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in medical billing, specifically in an orthopedic or similar specialty practice.
  • Proficiency with medical billing software, preferably ECW (eClinicalWorks), and a solid understanding of EFTs.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-10, and CPT coding.
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain complex billing issues in understandable terms.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work to adhere to deadlines and patient service standards.

The Medical Billing Specialist at Chicago Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery is integral to our team, ensuring the practice's financial health through meticulous billing management and exceptional patient service. If you have a passion for healthcare finance and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to apply.

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