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Drg Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Develops and defends expert opinions related to DRG assignment and validation, medical necessity and inpatient admission criteria, coding accuracy, CMS and payer-specific guidelines, bundling ...

Develops and defends expert opinions related to DRG assignment and validation, medical necessity and inpatient admission criteria, coding accuracy, CMS and payer-specific guidelines, bundling ...

Inpatient Coding Auditor

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$38.46 - $52.40/hr

Responsible for the auditing of inpatient coders and/or inpatient "audit the auditors" to ensure coding accuracy and DRG accuracy of a minimum of 95% is met. * Perform quality checks/audits on visits ...

Inpatient Coding Auditor

Chicago, IL ยท On-site +1

$28 - $32/hr

Responsible for the auditing of inpatient coders and/or inpatient "audit the auditors" to ensure coding accuracy and DRG accuracy of a minimum of 95% is met. * Perform quality checks/audits on visits ...

CODING AUDITOR

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Overview Responsible for ensuring accuracy and quality coding assignments for all records requiring DRG and/or APC coding; ensures optimal and timely reimbursement. Responsibilities Principal Duties ...

CODING AUDITOR

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$25.50 - $28.75/hr

Job Title Responsible for ensuring accuracy and quality coding assignments for all records requiring DRG and/or APC coding; ensures optimal and timely reimbursement. Principal Duties and ...

CODING AUDITOR

Merrillville, IN

$26.75 - $30.50/hr

Responsible for ensuring accuracy and quality coding assignments for all records requiring DRG and/or APC coding; ensures optimal and timely reimbursement. Principal Duties and Responsibilities

CODING AUDITOR

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$26.75 - $30.50/hr

Overview Responsible for ensuring accuracy and quality coding assignments for all records requiring DRG and/or APC coding; ensures optimal and timely reimbursement. Responsibilities Principal Duties ...

CODING AUDITOR

Merrillville, IN ยท On-site

$26.75 - $30.50/hr

Overview Responsible for ensuring accuracy and quality coding assignments for all records requiring DRG and/or APC coding; ensures optimal and timely reimbursement. Responsibilities Principal Duties ...

Showing results 21-40

Drg Coder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16

$28

$44

How much do drg coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Drg Coder jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Drg Coder jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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, 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 64% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 34% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,952 per year, or $28.3 per hour.

Inpatient Reimbursement Coding Specialist - UI Health, Health Information Management

University of Illinois

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$26.09 - $50.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post hasย expired 2 days ago.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Apply ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS codes and POA indicators to inpatient hospital accounts following coding guidelines.

  • Interpret medical documentation to determine principal diagnosis and procedures, assign correct codes, and collaborate with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) to clarify documentation.

  • Assign DRG or APR-DRG codes, review and resolve coding denials, and ensure compliance with coding standards and regulations.


Job description

Inpatient Reimbursement Coding Specialist - UI Health, Health Information Management
Hiring Department: Health Information Management
Location: Chicago, IL USA
Requisition ID: 1039220
FTE: 1
Work Schedule: 8:00AM - 4:00PM
Shift: Days
# of Positions: 1
Workplace Type: Remote
Illinois Residency Requirement: All hires must establish residency in Illinois within 180 days of hire.
Posting Close Date: 9/4/2026
Salary Range (commensurate with experience): $26.09 - 50.80 / Hourly Wage
About the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health)
The University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (UI Health) provides comprehensive care, education, and research to the people of Illinois and beyond. A part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), UI Health comprises a clinical enterprise that includes a Joint Commission-accredited tertiary care hospital and outpatient clinics, and the Mile Square Health Center network of federally qualified health centers. It also includes the seven UIC health science colleges: the College of Applied Health Sciences; the College of Dentistry; the School of Public Health; the Jane Addams College of Social Work; and the Colleges of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing, including regional campuses in Peoria, Quad Cities, Rockford, Springfield, and Urbana. UI Health is dedicated to the pursuit of health equity. Learn more: https://hospital.uillinois.edu/about-ui-health
This position is intended to be eligible for benefits. This includes Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, a Retirement Plan, Paid time Off, and Tuition waivers for employees and dependents.
UI Health is seeking an experienced Inpatient Reimbursement Coding Specialist to join our Health Information Management team. This Inpatient Reimbursement Coding Specialist applies ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PC codes and POA indicators to Inpatient hospital accounts. The position requires knowledge of sequencing, diagnosis, and procedures according to coding guidelines for complex accounts to assign the correct DRG or APR-DRG. Also, this position requires the ability to collaborate with a Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDS) to ensure accurate documentation and coding on accounts.
Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Ability to sequence and assign ICD-10-CM/PCS diagnosis and procedure codes to complex inpatient visits by following the coding guidelines.
  • Proficient in interpreting medical documentation to determine the principal diagnosis and procedures codes and to assign the correct Present on Admission (POA) indicator to all codes
  • Assigns the correct Diagnosis Related Groups (DRG) and All Patient Refined (APR-DRG) while adhering to coding guidelines for sequencing.
  • Ability to write a compliant physician query and collaborate with Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) to clarify or resolve conflicting documentation prior to assigning final codes on inpatient accounts.
  • Ability to utilize the Computer Assistant Coding (CAC) software to review medical documentation and select codes for billing and reporting purposes.
  • Analyze and resolve coding denials from insurances companies and patient accounts.
  • Follows internal workflows for accounts that has documentation or other errors that has to be resolved before coding.
  • Follows the official ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PC guidelines for coding and reporting.
  • Keeps up to date on coding changes and other changes to regulations that governs medical record coding and documentation.
  • Ability to maintain the national standards for coding accuracy and internal standards for productivity
  • Maintains continuing educations hours as dictated by certification standards.
  • Maintains confidentiality of patient health information
  • Perform other related duties and participate in special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Required:
  1. High school diploma or equivalent.
  2. Current certification as a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based (CCS-P) or Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), or current certification as a Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or a Certified Outpatient Coder (COC) by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) (formerly CPC-H certification).
  3. One (1) year/twelve (12) months of work experience comparable to that performed at the Reimbursement Coding Representative level of this series or in other positions of comparable responsibility.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • At least 2 years of experience coding Inpatient accounts at an acute care preferably academic hospital that has a complex case mix index (CMI) with medical services such as transplant, neurosurgery, oncology, vascular surgery and cardiology.
  • Also the candidate must be able to collaborate with Clinical Documentation Specialist to assist with clarification of documentation for complete and accurate coding.
  • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)

To Apply: For fullest consideration click on the Apply Now button, please fully complete all sections of the onlineapplication including adding your full work history with specific details of your duties & responsibilities for each position held. Fully complete the education, licensure, certification and language sections. You may upload a resume, cover letter, certifications, licensures, transcripts and diplomas within the application.
Please note that once you have submitted your application you will not be able to make any changes. In order to revise your application you must withdraw and reapply. You will not be able to reapply after the posting close date. Please ensure the application is fully completed and all supporting documents have been uploaded before the posting close date. Illinois Residency is required within 180 days of employment.
The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates. Please visit Required Employment Notices and Posters to view our non-discrimination statement and find additional information about required background checks, sexual harassment/misconduct disclosures, and employment eligibility review through E-Verify.
The university provides accommodations to applicants and employees. Request an Accommodation
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person.

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About University of Illinois

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Illinois, located in Urbana, Illinois, US, is a prominent entity in the higher education sector. Operating its official functions through its website uillinois.edu, the institution provides a range of educational programs and services. The University was founded in 1867 and has since grown dramatically both in size and reputation. Its core values are embodied in its mission to enhance the lives of its students and citizens in the state, nation, and world through leadership in learning, discovery, engagement, and economic development. The university boasts several notable achievements including producing Nobel laureates and Pulitzer prize winners. It is renowned for its research programs and is known for significant advancements across various fields including engineering, science, and humanities.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Urbana, IL, US

Year founded

1974

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