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Clinical Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Akicita Federal is hiring Medical Coders to support accurate and compliant clinical documentation for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL. In this role ...

Outpatient Surgery Coder

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Review operative reports and clinical documentation to ensure coding accuracy and completeness * Apply APC reimbursement methodologies to support accurate billing outcomes * Ensure compliance with ...

Denials & Appeals Coder

Elmhurst, IL · On-site

$30 - $35/hr

Audit provider clinical notes to ensure billing code compliance with AMA/CMS documentation guidelines. * Execute Claim Corrections: Correct billing codes in Epic for unsupported documentation to ...

The professional will work collaboratively with clinical providers to improve revenue cycle integrity while seeking and identifying trends and opportunities for coding optimization. The incumbent ...

Showing results 41-60

Clinical Coder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$29.9K

$59.2K

$83K

How much do clinical coder jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for clinical coder in Chicago, IL is $59,166.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47,400.00 and $68,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What do you need to be a clinical coder?

To become a clinical coder, you typically need a background in health information management, medical terminology, and coding systems such as ICD and CPT. Relevant certifications, such as the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or equivalent, are often required, along with strong attention to detail and computer skills. Some roles may also require prior experience in healthcare settings.

What is a clinical coder?

A Clinical Coder is responsible for translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and treatments into standardized codes used for billing, healthcare records, and insurance purposes. They analyze patient records and apply classification systems such as ICD-10 and CPT to ensure accurate and consistent data entry. Clinical Coders work in hospitals, clinics, and healthcare organizations, playing a vital role in healthcare administration. Their work helps with reimbursement, research, and healthcare planning. Strong attention to detail and a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding guidelines are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a clinical coder?

To thrive as a Clinical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and clinical procedures, usually backed by a relevant qualification in health information management or medical coding. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10, CPT, and specialized medical coding software is essential, and certifications such as CCS, CPC, or equivalent are highly valued. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for success in this field. Mastering these skills ensures accurate translation of clinical data into standardized codes, which is critical for billing, compliance, and healthcare quality reporting.

What do you do as a clinical coder?

A clinical coder reviews medical records and assigns standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments using classification systems like ICD and CPT. This process ensures accurate billing, data collection, and compliance with healthcare regulations, often requiring attention to detail and familiarity with coding software. Clinical coders typically work in healthcare settings and may need certification such as CPC or CCS.

What are some common challenges faced by clinical coders in their daily work?

Clinical Coders often encounter challenges such as deciphering incomplete or unclear clinical documentation, staying current with frequent updates to coding standards, and managing high volumes of records within tight deadlines. These professionals must constantly collaborate with healthcare providers to clarify details and ensure that codes accurately reflect the care delivered. Adapting to new coding software or changes in healthcare regulations can also be part of the job. However, these challenges offer valuable opportunities for growth and skill development, and strong problem-solving abilities can help you excel in this dynamic field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL? For Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Clinical Coder jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Infographic showing various Clinical Coder job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,166 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

$76K - $81K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

Akicita Federal is hiring Medical Coders to support accurate and compliant clinical documentation for the Department of Veterans Affairs at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL. In this role, you will play a critical part in ensuring Veterans receive proper care by translating clinical encounters into precise medical codes that drive reimbursement, reporting, and continuity of care. This is an on-site position supporting one of the VA's major medical centers in the Chicagoland area.

- Review and analyze clinical documentation from physician notes, operative reports, discharge summaries, and other health records to assign accurate diagnosis and procedure codes
- Apply ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS coding guidelines to inpatient and/or outpatient encounters in compliance with VA and federal coding standards
- Query providers as needed to clarify documentation deficiencies or ambiguities that impact code assignment
- Ensure coded data supports proper DRG or APC assignment, sequencing, and compliance with official coding guidelines
- Maintain productivity and quality benchmarks aligned with VA Medical Center expectations and coding audits
- Safeguard patient privacy and handle sensitive Veterans' health information in accordance with HIPAA and VA privacy policies
- Collaborate with Health Information Management staff and clinical teams to support coding accuracy and documentation improvement initiatives
$76,960 - $81,120 a year
- Demonstrated experience in medical coding, including proficiency with ICD-10-CM and CPT/HCPCS code sets
- Working knowledge of official coding guidelines (AHA Coding Clinic, AMA CPT guidelines) and compliance standards
- Ability to work on-site at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL
- Ability to handle and protect sensitive federal health records in accordance with HIPAA and VA information security requirements
- Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems used in a hospital or clinical setting
What sets candidates apart:
- Active AHIMA or AAPC certification (e.g., RHIT, RHIA, CCS, CPC, COC) is strongly preferred
- Prior coding experience within a VA, DoD, or other federal healthcare environment
- Experience with inpatient DRG coding and/or outpatient facility coding in a high-volume academic or medical center setting
- Familiarity with VA's VistA or CPRS electronic health record platforms
- Background in clinical documentation improvement (CDI) programs or provider query processes

About Akicita FederalAkicita Federal is a Native American-owned federal contractor delivering healthcare, clinical, IT, and program-support services across the Indian Health Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and other federal agencies. We hire the people who do the work - clinicians, analysts, engineers, support staff - and we treat them like the professionals they are.
Equal Opportunity EmployerAkicita Federal is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Akicita Federal complies with the Indian Preference provisions of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (P.L. 93-638) where applicable.
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