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Entry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs in Chicago, IL

The LaSalle Group

Outpatient Surgery Coder

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Medical, Dental, Vision Location: This position requires candidates to be based in Illinois ... Review operative reports and clinical documentation to ensure coding accuracy and completeness

The LaSalle Group

Outpatient Surgery Coder

Chicago, IL · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Medical, Dental, Vision Location: This position requires candidates to be based in Illinois ... Review operative reports and clinical documentation to ensure coding accuracy and completeness

MBOS

Medical Biller - Entry Level - On Site

Hillside, IL · On-site

$17.50 - $18.50/hr

Staffed with experts in coding, billing, denial management, CDI, and medical collections, we make ... MBOS currently has an opening for an In-Office Entry Level Biller - Full Time. Duties are as ...

MBOS Inc

Medical Biller - Entry Level - On Site

Hillside, IL · On-site

$18 - $23/hr

Staffed with experts in coding, billing, denial management, CDI, and medical collections, we make ... MBOS currently has an opening for an In-Office Entry Level Biller - Full Time. Duties are as ...

The US Oncology Network

Medical Assistant

Crown Point, IN

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and ... Qualifications MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: -This is an entry level position requiring 0-3 years ...

The US Oncology Network

Medical Assistant

Dyer, IN

$17.50 - $22.50/hr

Supports and adheres to the US Oncology Compliance Program, to include the Code of Ethics and ... is an entry level position requiring 0-3 years experience as a medical assistant or nursing ...

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All JobsOptum Medical Coding JobsEntry Level Optum Medical Coding JobsEntry Level Optum Medical Coding Jobs in Chicago, IL

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$28.8K

$46.4K

$60.3K

How much do entry level optum medical coding jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level optum medical coding in Chicago, IL is $46,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,700.00 and $50,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Entry Level Optum Medical Coding vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectEntry Level Optum Medical CodingMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCPMA, CPC, or CCS certifications often preferredGenerally requires billing and coding certifications, but less specialized
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, insurance companies, remote optionsMedical offices, billing companies, remote work
Job FocusAssigning medical codes for diagnoses and proceduresProcessing billing, submitting claims, managing payments

Entry Level Optum Medical Coding primarily involves assigning accurate medical codes based on patient records, while Medical Billing Specialists focus on processing claims and managing billing processes. Both roles require certifications and often share work environments, but their core responsibilities differ, with coding emphasizing classification and billing emphasizing financial transactions.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level Optum medical coders, and how can they be overcome?

Entry-level Optum medical coders often encounter challenges such as learning complex coding systems (like ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS), adapting to frequent regulatory changes, and maintaining accuracy under productivity targets. New coders may also find it difficult to interpret clinical documentation and communicate effectively with providers to resolve discrepancies. To overcome these challenges, it is helpful to utilize training resources, seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, and regularly participate in team meetings and continuing education sessions provided by Optum.

What is an Entry Level Optum Medical Coder?

An Entry Level Optum Medical Coder is a professional who reviews clinical documentation and assigns standardized medical codes for diagnoses, procedures, and services provided by healthcare providers working with Optum, a health services and innovation company. These codes are essential for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Entry-level coders typically work under supervision and may be responsible for various specialties depending on the team's needs. They must have a good understanding of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and compliance regulations. Proper training and certification, such as from AAPC or AHIMA, are often required or preferred for this role.

What are entry-level positions at Optum health?

Entry-level positions at Optum health for medical coding include roles such as Medical Coder or Coding Specialist, which typically require basic knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT. These roles often involve reviewing medical records and assigning appropriate codes, with opportunities for certification and on-the-job training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Optum Medical Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Optum Medical Coder, you need a solid understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10/CPT coding systems, typically supported by a coding certification such as CPC or CCS. Familiarity with health information management (HIM) software, electronic health records (EHRs), and Optum's proprietary coding platforms is often essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure accuracy and compliance. These competencies are crucial for maintaining data integrity, supporting proper reimbursement, and minimizing billing errors in healthcare organizations.

What is the easiest medical coding job to get?

Entry-level medical coding positions, such as outpatient or physician office coding, are generally the easiest to obtain because they often require minimal experience and certification. These roles typically involve basic coding tasks using common coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and may require a certification such as CPC from the AAPC. Having strong attention to detail and familiarity with medical terminology can improve chances of landing these roles.

Can I get a medical coding job with no experience?

Entry level medical coding positions often do not require prior experience, but candidates typically need a certification such as CPC or CCS and a good understanding of medical terminology and coding guidelines. Employers may provide on-the-job training to new coders, making it possible to start without previous work experience in the field.

Will AI eventually replace medical coders?

AI technology is increasingly used to assist medical coders by automating routine coding tasks, but it is unlikely to fully replace entry-level medical coders in the near future. Human oversight remains essential for complex cases, accuracy, and compliance, making coding skills and certifications valuable in the evolving healthcare environment.
What are the most commonly searched types of Optum Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Optum Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL? For Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Entry Level Optum Medical Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Optum Medical Coding job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 70% Full Time, and 27% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,401 per year, or $22.3 per hour.
Inpatient Medical Records Coder *Sign-on Bonus $6,000

Inpatient Medical Records Coder *Sign-on Bonus $6,000

Silver Cross Hospital

New Lenox, IL • On-site, Remote

$25.84 - $38.76/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Silver Cross Hospital rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

578th of 1,020 rated hospitals

Job description

Silver Cross Hospital is an extraordinary place to work. We're known for our culture of excellence and delivery of unrivaled experiences for our patients, their families, the communities we serve...and for each other. Come join us! It's the way you want to be treated.
Position Summary: Codes accurately and productively with abstraction to assigned inpatient medical records to meet the reimbursement, indexing and statistical requirements of the hospital. Consistently maintaining production and accuracy standards at all times.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Accurately codes and sequences all diagnoses and procedures documented in the medical record according to the established official coding guidelines, principles and appropriate reimbursement standards
  • Utilizes Computer Assisted Coding software program following assigned workflows
  • Accurately abstracts required data entering into Computer Assisted Coding system
  • Works with Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists to assure clear, concise and specific documentation from physicians when clarification is needed
  • Issues accurate coding queries following AHIMA compliant coding query guidelines and assisting medical staff member documentation clarification
  • Ability to meet and sustain Silver Cross Hospital production and quality standards for IP coding, post training.
  • Assists with special projects and reports as requested
  • Promotes a clean and safe environment of care, utilizing the SAFE error prevention habits
  • Provides the highest standard of privacy and confidentiality in matters involving patients, coworkers and the hospital by abiding by the Standards of Conduct

Required Qualifications:
Education and Training:
  • Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT); or Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA); or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) required
  • MS-DRG knowledge required, APR-DRG knowledge a plus
  • 2 - 3 years of Acute Care Hospital Coding experience required
  • 3M Encoder experience preferred, Cerner, Meditech, Optum System experience preferred

Work Shift Details:
Days, Full-time Remote; Flexible schedule
The pay for this position is $25.84 - $38.76
Department:
MEDICAL RECORDS
Benefits for You
At Silver Cross Hospital, we care about your health and well-being and that is why we work hard to provide quality and affordable benefit options for you and your eligible family members.
Silver Cross Hospital and Silver Cross Medical Groups offer a comprehensive benefit package available for Full-time and Part-time employees which includes:
• Medical, Dental and Vision plans
• Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account
• Other voluntary benefit plans
• PTO and Sick time
• 401(k) plan with a match
• Wellness program
• Tuition Reimbursement
Registry employees who meet eligibility may participate in our 401(k) Savings plan with a potential match. However,registry employees are ineligible for Health and Welfare benefits.
The final pay rate offered may be more than the posted range based on several factors including but not limited to: licensure, certifications, work experience, education, knowledge, demonstrated abilities, internal equity, market data, and more.
The expected pay for this position is listed below:
$25.84 - $32.30

What Silver Cross Hospital employees say

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About Silver Cross Hospital

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Silver Cross, we pride ourselves on delivering unrivaled care to every patient, every time. As a result, our focus on safety, quality and patient experience has earned us numerous national awards over the years. As the needs of our community have grown, so has Silver Cross—in both size and stature. Our many healthcare services rapidly expanded, evolved and increased in complexity. To serve you and your loved ones even better than before, we've proudly partnered with many of Chicago's leading academic medical centers, bringing extraordinarily advanced care close to home.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Lenox, IL, US

Year founded

1895

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