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Coder I Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Abstractor/Coder I

Burr Ridge, IL · On-site +1

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

... coding physician services or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelors program with an RHIA required. * Prior experience with electronic billing and medical record systems (i.e. Epic, Last Word, and ...

PFS - Coder I FT

Gibson City, IL · On-site

$21 - $32/hr

The coder is responsible for assigning and verifying the correct codes are used to describe the type of service(s) the patient received. The Coder will ensure the codes are applied correctly during ...

Tracks issues (i.e., missing documentation, charges or Inpatient queries that require follow-up to facilitate coding in a timely fashion). * Investigates claims denials and/or appeals as directed.

Tracks issues (i.e., missing documentation, charges or Inpatient queries that require follow-up to facilitate coding in a timely fashion). * Investigates claims denials and/or appeals as directed.

i.c.stars |* Chicago

Chicago, IL

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Who are we?: i.c.stars |* is an immersive, technology-based leadership training program for ... Have never attended a coding bootcamp in the past * Available to attend training from 8AM-8PM ...

i.c.stars |* Chicago

Chicago, IL · On-site

$15.50 - $20.50/hr

Who are we?: i.c.stars |* is an immersive, technology-based leadership training program for ... Have never attended a coding bootcamp in the past * Available to attend training from 8AM-8PM ...

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Coder I information

See Illinois salary details

$15

$26

$42

How much do coder i jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for coder i in Illinois is $26.64, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.41 and $33.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Coder I, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Coder I, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems such as ICD-10 and CPT, often supported by a relevant certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with health information management systems, electronic health records (EHR), and coding software is typically required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are valuable soft skills that distinguish successful coders. These competencies ensure accurate coding, compliance with regulations, and efficient healthcare billing and reimbursement processes.

What are some common challenges faced by a Coder I when interpreting complex medical documentation?

As a Coder I, one frequent challenge is accurately translating complex or ambiguous medical documentation into standardized codes. Incomplete or unclear physician notes can make it difficult to assign the correct diagnosis or procedure codes, which may impact billing and compliance. Collaboration with healthcare providers and attention to detail are essential to resolve discrepancies and ensure coding accuracy. Many organizations offer mentorship and ongoing training to help new coders improve their skills in this area.

What are Coder I professionals?

Coder I professionals, also known as entry-level medical coders, are responsible for reviewing clinical documents and assigning standardized codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate medical records. Coder I roles typically require knowledge of coding systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS, and they often work under the supervision of experienced coders or supervisors. This position is ideal for those starting their careers in medical coding and looking to gain hands-on experience.

What is the difference between Coder I vs Medical Coder?

AspectCoder IMedical Coder
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some certificationsCertification often preferred (e.g., CPC, CCS)
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, healthcare officesHospitals, outpatient facilities, insurance companies
Industry UsageEntry-level coding roles across various industriesSpecialized in healthcare billing and coding
Search/Comparison IntentCommonly compared for entry-level coding rolesFocuses on healthcare-specific coding tasks

In summary, a Coder I is an entry-level position that may involve basic coding tasks across industries, while a Medical Coder specializes in healthcare billing and coding, often requiring specific certifications. Both roles are essential in their respective fields, but Medical Coders have a more specialized focus within the healthcare industry.

Infographic showing various Coder I job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 63% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 30% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,411 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Abstractor/Coder I

Abstractor/Coder I

The University of Chicago

Burr Ridge, IL • On-site, Remote

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 528 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department
BSD UCP - Professional Billing Coding - Medical Specialty
About the Department
The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) are managed by a single Dean/Executive Vice President and comprises the largest unit of the University, accounting for 60% of its annual budget. All physician, hospital, and clinic services are managed through the Medical Center, which is a $1.3 billion enterprise. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine, approximately 20 academic units, degree granting committees, and research centers and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, ten minutes south of downtown Chicago. BSD's patient care operations are conducted primarily at the University of Chicago Hospital and clinics, which share the same campus. The University of Chicago Practice Plan (UCPP) is the central organization that supports the clinical activity of nearly 850 clinically active faculty practicing at the University of Chicago. These clinically active faculty collectively form the University of Chicago Physicians Group (UCPG). The University of Chicago Physicians' Group (UCPG) is a component of the physician practice plan for the University of Chicago. The UCPG department provides billing services for medical services provided by University physicians and manages the accounts receivable collection and reporting processes for the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) departments. Each physician is a faculty member and is based in a specified department in the BSD.
Job Information
Job Summary:
The University of Chicago Physicians Group (UCPG) team is responsible for the overall management of clinical revenue for physician billing. This includes frontend revenue capture, working of edits and conducting audits for physician education. Ensuring the workflow of charge capture through invoice creation. UCPG is seeking an Abstractor/Coder to work with providers and staff on professional billing and compliance activities. Strong knowledge of evaluation and management coding guidelines and requirements is strongly preferred. This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement.
Responsibilities:
  • Obtain appropriate reimbursement levels for professional services by reviewing and coding medical procedures, diagnoses, and physician visits.
  • Analyze denial and rejection reports, and appeal wherever appropriate.
  • Submit charges in a timely manner.
  • Work in collaboration with the Clinical Revenue Supervisor and others, provide guidance to faculty and staff on the charge capture and documentation processes.
  • Educate physicians and support staff on coding issues, including issues related to fraud and abuse as it relates to coding/professional billing/clinical documentation.
  • Attend and participate in meetings related to clinical revenue production and compliance.
  • Track physicians on inpatient service and ensure charges are captured for services provided.
  • Manage tracking log.
  • Audit and provide feedback to all providers rotating on inpatient service.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:
  • Thorough working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, as demonstrated by certification through a nationally accredited body (e.g., AAPC or AHIMA) required.
  • Thorough working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, as demonstrated by certification through a nationally accredited body (e.g., AAPC or AHIMA) required.
  • Working knowledge of ICD and CPT coding classification systems, coding for third-party payers, including CMS guidelines and reimbursement compliance, and demonstrated knowledge of both specialty and primary care coding concepts to include the application of modifiers and documentation requirements required.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe required.
  • Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.
  • Manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students and others.
  • Identify priorities; recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team; use or learn a range of position-related software applications.

Additional Responsibilities
Education, Experience, or Certifications:
Education:
  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:
  • 2-4 years of experience working in physician/healthcare billing and physician coding or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelors program with an RHIA required.
  • Two or more years of experience coding physician services or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelors program with an RHIA required.
  • Prior experience with electronic billing and medical record systems (i.e. Epic, Last Word, and IDX) is required.
  • Prior experience in an academic medical center or large, complex hospital-physician billing group preferred.
  • Prior experience working with Medicine primary and sub-specialty physician and procedure coding strongly preferred.
  • Prior experience with Epic Professional Billing preferred.
  • Prior experience coding in an academic medical center setting preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:
  • Must have one of the following: Registered Health Information Administrator [RHIA], Registered Health Information Technician [RHIT], Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based [CCS-P], Certified Professional Coder [CPC], or Certified Coding Specialist [CCS]), required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required.
  • Knowledge and experience of billing and coding practices.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:
  • Standard Office Environment.
  • Use Standard Office Equipment.
  • Sit for 4 hours or more.
  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options for coders in good standing.

Pay Range:
  • $26.66-- $39.02 hourly

Required Documents:
  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

When applying, the document(s) MUST be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.
Benefit Eligibility
Yes
The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.
Pay Rate Type
Hourly
Pay Range
$26.66 - $39.02
The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Union
024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical
Job is Exempt
No
Drug Test Required
No
Health Screen Required
No
Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
No
Posting Date
2026-05-12
Posting Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.
All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.
The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

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