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Drg Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

Experience with third party DRG Coding and/or Clinical Validation Audits or hospital clinical documentation improvement experience preferred. * Broad knowledge of clinical documentation improvement ...

Medical Coders

Chicago, IL · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

... 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 ...

Medical Coders

Chicago, IL · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

Medical Coder Position Akicita Federal is hiring medical coders to support accurate and compliant ... DRG or APC assignment, sequencing, and compliance with official coding guidelines - Maintain ...

... 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 ...

Medical Coders

Chicago, IL · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

... 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 ...

Experience with third party DRG Coding and/or Clinical Validation Audits or hospital clinical documentation improvement experience preferred. * Broad knowledge of clinical documentation improvement ...

Provides appropriate Medical Severity Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG), Present on Admission (POA ... Assigns appropriate code(s) by utilizing coding guidelines established by: * The Centers for ...

Provides appropriate Medical Severity Diagnostic Related Groups (MS-DRG), Present on Admission (POA ... Assigns appropriate code(s) by utilizing coding guidelines established by: * The Centers for ...

Inpatient Coder

Chicago, IL · On-site

$34 - $45/hr

MS-DRG Assignment * ICD-10-CM & ICD-10-PCS Coding * Trauma and Critical Care * Surgical Inpatient Cases * Medical Inpatient Cases Professional Fee (ProFee) Coding * Inpatient Physician Services

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Drg Coder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16

$28

$44

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for drg coder in Chicago, IL is $28.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.57 and $35.67 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Drg Coder vs Medical Coder?

AspectDrg CoderMedical Coder
CertificationsAHIMA or AAPC certifications, specialized in DRG assignmentCertified Professional Coder (CPC), general coding certifications
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilities, focusing on inpatient codingClinics, outpatient facilities, focusing on outpatient coding
Job FocusAssigning Diagnosis-Related Groups (DRGs) for inpatient billingConverting medical records into standardized codes for billing and documentation

While both Drg Coders and Medical Coders handle medical coding, Drg Coders specialize in inpatient coding and DRG assignment, often requiring specific certifications and experience with hospital billing. Medical Coders have a broader scope, working in outpatient settings with different coding systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus.

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

To thrive as a DRG Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical coding, anatomy, and disease processes, often supported by a coding certification such as CCS, RHIT, or CPC. Familiarity with coding systems like ICD-10-CM/PCS, encoder software, and hospital information systems is essential. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and effective communication are important soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with clinical staff. These skills and qualifications are crucial for accurate reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and supporting overall healthcare data quality.

Are Drg coders still in demand?

DRG coders, also known as diagnosis-related group coders, are in steady demand due to the ongoing need for accurate medical coding in healthcare reimbursement. The role requires knowledge of coding systems like ICD and CPT, and demand is expected to remain stable as healthcare providers and insurers prioritize precise coding for billing and compliance.

What is a DRG coder?

DRG coders are medical coding professionals who assign Diagnosis-Related Group (DRG) codes to inpatient hospital records. These codes are used to classify hospital cases into groups for the purpose of reimbursement, billing, and data analysis. DRG coders analyze clinical documentation and translate diagnoses, procedures, and patient information into standardized codes according to official guidelines. Their work ensures hospitals receive proper payment from insurance providers and government programs. Accuracy and compliance with regulations are critical in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by DRG coders in accurately assigning codes, and how can they overcome these challenges?

DRG Coders often face challenges such as incomplete or ambiguous clinical documentation, rapidly changing coding guidelines, and the pressure to meet productivity standards while ensuring accuracy. To overcome these obstacles, coders should actively collaborate with physicians for clarifications, participate in ongoing education to stay current with coding updates, and utilize internal audit feedback to continuously improve their skills. Building strong communication channels with clinical and billing teams also helps in resolving discrepancies efficiently.
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Drg Coder jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Drg Coder job openings:
Infographic showing various Drg Coder job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 66% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,952 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Diagnosis Related Group Clinical Validation Auditor-RN (CDI, MS-DRG, AP-DRG and APR-DRG)

Elevance Health

Chicago, IL • On-site

$82K - $155K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Elevance Health rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 349 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

200th of 301 rated insurance


Job description

Anticipated End Date:

2026-07-31

Position Title:

Diagnosis Related Group Clinical Validation Auditor-RN (CDI, MS-DRG, AP-DRG and APR-DRG)

Job Description:

Title: Diagnosis Related Group Clinical Validation Auditor-RN(CDI, MS-DRG, AP-DRG and APR-DRG)

Virtual: This role enables associates to work virtually full-time, with the exception of required inperson training sessions, providing maximum flexibility and autonomy. This approach promotes productivity, supports work-life integration, and ensures essential face-to-face onboarding and skill development. Alternate locations may be considered if candidates reside within a commuting distance from an office.

Please note that per our policy on hybrid/virtual work, candidates not within a reasonable commuting distance from the posting location(s) will not be considered for employment, unless an accommodation is granted as required by law.

The Diagnosis Related Group Clinical Validation Auditor-RN is responsible for auditing inpatient medical records to ensure clinical documentation supports the conditions and DRGs billed and reimbursed. Specializes in review of Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) paid claims.

How you will make an impact:

  • Analyzes and audits claims by integrating medical chart coding principles, clinical guidelines, and objectivity in the performance of medical audit activities.

  • Draws on advanced ICD-10 coding expertise, mastery of clinical guidelines, and industry knowledge to substantiate conclusions.

  • Utilizes audit tools, auditing workflow systems and reference information to generate audit determinations and formulate detailed audit findings letters.

  • Maintains accuracy and quality standards as established by audit management.

  • Identifies potential documentation and coding errors by recognizing aberrant coding and documentation patterns such as inappropriate billing for readmissions, inpatient admission status, and Hospital-Acquired Conditions (HACs).

  • Suggests and develops high quality, high value, concept and or process improvement and efficiency recommendations.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Requires current, active, unrestricted Registered Nurse license in applicable state(s).

  • Requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in claims auditing, quality assurance, or clinical documentation improvement, and a minimum of 5 years of experience working with ICD-9/10CM, MS-DRG, AP-DRG and APR-DRG; or any combination of education and experience, which would provide an equivalent background.

Preferred Skills, Capabilities and Experiences:

  • One or more of the following certifications are preferred: Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT), Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA), Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS), Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP), Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Inpatient Coding Credential such as CCS or CIC.

  • Experience with third party DRG Coding and/or Clinical Validation Audits or hospital clinical documentation improvement experience preferred.

  • Broad knowledge of clinical documentation improvement guidelines, medical claims billing and payment systems, provider billing guidelines, payer reimbursement policies, and coding terminology preferred.

For candidates working in person or virtually in the below location(s), the salary* range for this specific position is $82,232 - $155,808

Locations: California; Colorado; Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Nevada; New York; Virginia

In addition to your salary, Elevance Health offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). The salary offered for this specific position is based on a number of legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the Company. The Company is fully committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local pay equity laws.

* The salary range is the range Elevance Health in good faith believes is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future and actual compensation may vary from posting based on geographic location, work experience, education and/or skill level. Even within the range, the actual compensation will vary depending on the above factors as well as market/business considerations. No amount is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable under the terms and conditions of the applicable policies and plans. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Job Level:

Non-Management Exempt

Workshift:

Job Family:

MED > Licensed/Certified - Other

Please be advised that Elevance Health only accepts resumes for compensation from agencies that have a signed agreement with Elevance Health. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, are deemed to be the property of Elevance Health.


Who We Are

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities - and making healthcare simpler. We are a Fortune 25 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve.


How We Work

At Elevance Health, we are creating a culture that is designed to advance our strategy but will also lead to personal and professional growth for our associates. Our values and behaviors are the root of our culture. They are how we achieve our strategy, power our business outcomes and drive our shared success - for our consumers, our associates, our communities and our business.


We offer a range of market-competitive total rewards that include merit increases, paid holidays, Paid Time Off, and incentive bonus programs (unless covered by a collective bargaining agreement), medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability benefits, 401(k) +match, stock purchase plan, life insurance, wellness programs and financial education resources, to name a few.


Elevance Health operates in a Hybrid Workforce Strategy. Unless specified as primarily virtual by the hiring manager, associates are required to work at an Elevance Health location at least once per week, and potentially several times per week. Specific requirements and expectations for time onsite will be discussed as part of the hiring process.


The health of our associates and communities is a top priority for Elevance Health. We require all new candidates in certain patient/member-facing roles to become vaccinated against COVID-19 and Influenza. If you are not vaccinated, your offer will be rescinded unless you provide an acceptable explanation. Elevance Health will also follow all relevant federal, state and local laws.


Elevance Health is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, citizenship status, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, genetic information, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Applicants who require accommodation to participate in the job application process should submit the following form: Accessibility Accommodation Request Form and a member of the team will be in contact. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with all federal, state, and local laws, including, but not limited to, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.


Prospective employees required to be screened under Florida law should review the education and awareness resources at HB531 | Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.


NOTE: Workday keeps job postings active through 11:59:59 PM on the day before the listed end date. Example: If the end date is 3/13, the posting will automatically come down on 3/12 at 11:59:59 PM. In other words - the job is posted until 3/13, not through 3/13.


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About Elevance Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Elevance Health is a health company dedicated to improving lives and communities - and making healthcare simpler. A Fortune 20 company with a longstanding history in the healthcare industry, we are looking for leaders at all levels of the organization who are passionate about making an impact on our members and the communities we serve. You will thrive in a complex and collaborative environment where you take action and ownership to solve problems and lead change. Do you want to be part of a larger purpose and an evolving, high-performance culture that empowers you to make an impact?

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Indianapolis, IN, US

Year founded

2004

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