1

Inpatient Coding Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

DRG Coding Auditor - MS-DRG and APR-DRG

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$92K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The DRG Coding Auditor is responsible for auditing inpatient medical records and generating high quality recoverable claims for the benefit of the company, for all lines of business, and its clients.

DRG Coding Auditor - MS-DRG and APR-DRG

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$92K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The DRG Coding Auditor is responsible for auditing inpatient medical records and generating high quality recoverable claims for the benefit of the company, for all lines of business, and its clients.

DRG Coding Auditor - MS-DRG and APR-DRG

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$92K - $160K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The DRG Coding Auditor is responsible for auditing inpatient medical records and generating high quality recoverable claims for the benefit of the company, for all lines of business, and its clients.

... inpatient and outpatient records. Responsibilities PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES(*Essential Functions) * Coding Standards and Guidelines: Abides by the Standards of Ethical Coding as set ...

Showing results 41-60

Inpatient Coding information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$16

$24

$34

How much do inpatient coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for inpatient coding in Chicago, IL is $24.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.54 and $26.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is inpatient coding?

Inpatient coding is the process of translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services provided during a patient's hospital stay into standardized codes, such as ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining accurate patient records. Inpatient coders review documentation from physicians and other healthcare providers to assign the most appropriate codes that reflect the care given. Accurate inpatient coding ensures hospitals are properly reimbursed and comply with regulations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an inpatient coder?

To thrive as an Inpatient Coder, you need in-depth knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, and ICD-10-CM/PCS coding systems, usually supported by credentials such as RHIA, RHIT, or CCS certification. Familiarity with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software like 3M or TruCode is critical for efficient and accurate code assignment. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help coders ensure compliance, accuracy, and timely billing. These skills are vital for ensuring proper reimbursement, maintaining regulatory compliance, and supporting hospital operations.

What are some common challenges faced by inpatient coders and how can these be managed effectively?

Inpatient coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical records, keeping up with frequent coding updates, and ensuring accurate documentation for compliance and reimbursement. These challenges can be managed by staying current with ICD-10 and DRG changes, participating in ongoing training, and communicating regularly with clinical staff to clarify documentation. Many coders also benefit from mentorship programs and support from experienced team members, which help them navigate difficult cases and maintain high accuracy standards.

What is the difference between Inpatient Coding vs Outpatient Coding?

AspectInpatient CodingOutpatient Coding
CredentialsAHIMA or AAPC certification, CPC or CCSSimilar certifications, CPC or CCS
Work EnvironmentHospitals, inpatient facilitiesClinics, outpatient centers
Industry UsageUsed for hospital inpatient recordsUsed for outpatient visits and procedures

Inpatient Coding and Outpatient Coding share similar credentials and are both essential in healthcare billing. Inpatient Coding focuses on hospital stays, requiring detailed coding of diagnoses and procedures during inpatient admissions. Outpatient Coding, on the other hand, covers outpatient visits and procedures, often with less complex documentation. Understanding these differences helps healthcare professionals choose the right specialization for their career and ensures accurate billing and reimbursement.

Does inpatient coding pay more?

Inpatient coding professionals often earn higher salaries compared to outpatient coders due to the complexity of inpatient medical records and coding requirements. Factors such as experience, certifications like CPC or CCS, and work setting can also influence pay rates. Overall, inpatient coding tends to be a higher-paying specialization within medical coding roles.

How do you become an inpatient coder?

To become an inpatient coder, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, followed by completing a coding training program or certificate in medical coding. Certification from organizations like the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) is often required or preferred, and familiarity with coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT is essential.

What are the most commonly searched types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Inpatient Coding jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Inpatient Coding job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,824 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Medical Records Technician - Inpatient/Outpatient Coder

Customer Value Partners

North Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$30/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Overview
CVP is seeking Medical Records Technicians (Inpatient/Outpatient Coders) to join our team in providing medical coding services in support of the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) located in North Chicago, IL.
This is a fully remote position, with working hours of Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm CST. The FHCC serves over 75,000 Veterans from the northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin area, operating 354 inpatient beds and seeing approximately 215,000 inpatient admissions and outpatient visits annually.
Responsibilities
  • Review health care provider medical record coding for completeness and accuracy, and clarify and correct provider coding as necessary.
  • Query providers via encrypted Outlook email using the Provider Query Foundation OneNote to ensure accurate coding reporting, in compliance with VHA HIM Practice Brief standards.
  • Abstract medical, surgical, laboratory, pharmaceutical, radiologic, demographic, social, and administrative data from the medical record in a timely manner, ensuring all diagnoses and procedures are identified, documented, sequenced correctly, and coded accurately.
  • Determine the most appropriate codes for routine and/or new and unusual diagnoses and procedures not clearly listed in ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and HCPCS.
  • Review and screen entire medical records to ensure all conditions and care rendered are appropriately documented, coded, and sequenced in accordance with coding compliance guidelines and the National Correct Coding Initiative.
  • Ensure physician documentation supports the diagnoses and procedures coded, contacting clinicians via e-mail or face-to-face meetings as necessary.
  • Concurrently code inpatient encounters when not completing assigned discharged cases (inpatient coders only).
  • Query clinicians using encrypted Outlook emails and 3M/Solventum 360 for clarification of conflicting or ambiguous information, ensuring all queries are closed no later than 30 days after the date of discharge or service.
  • Maintain coding accuracy at 95% or greater in accordance with contract performance standards.
  • Maintain the accuracy of diagnostic and procedural statistics for the facility to support optimum appropriate reimbursement from third-party payers.
  • Keep abreast of regulatory changes affecting coded information as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other applicable regulatory bodies.
  • Comply with all HIPAA standards, VHA Coding Guidelines, and all relevant civilian and VA Handbooks and Directives, including those of the Joint Commission, AMA, AHA, and CMS.
  • Maintain privacy and confidentiality of all patient records and sensitive information in accordance with the Privacy Act and applicable VA/VHA directives.

Qualifications
  • Ability to successfully undergo a Government-sponsored background investigation; US Citizenship is required, and must be proficient in spoken and written English.
  • Associate's degree from an accredited college or university with a major field of study in health information technology/health information management, or a related degree with a minimum of 12 semester hours in health information technology/health information management; a bachelor's degree is preferred.
  • Minimum of three (3) years of continuous coding experience in a facility having a patient population equal to or exceeding the VA's current patient population.
  • Must possess at least one of the following active certifications:
    • Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) - AHIMA
    • Certified Coding Specialist (CCS or CCS-P) - AHIMA
    • Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA) - AHIMA
    • Certified Professional Coder (CPC) - AAPC
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Oracle Cerner applications, 3M/Solventum application, ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, Evaluation and Management (E/M) Level Coding, and HCPCS.
  • Strong working knowledge of MS-DRG logic, CC/MCC capture, POA indicators, and National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) guidelines.
  • Familiarity with medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, and healthcare documentation standards.
  • Experience with inpatient surgical coding, including complex scenarios such as multiple procedures, staged procedures, revisions, returns to OR, and device replacements is preferred.
  • Prior VA or federal healthcare system coding experience is preferred.

Location:
  • Remote support for the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) located in North Chicago, IL.

Shift
  • Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 4:00pm CST.

Position Pays:
  • Hourly Pay: $30.00/hr
  • Health & Wellness (H&W): $5.09/hr (H&W will be prorated based on enrollment in the benefits offered, including automatic enrollment in employer-paid plans).

About CVP
CVP is an award-winning healthcare and next-gen technology and consulting services firm solving critical problems for healthcare, national security, and public sector clients. We help organizations achieve lasting transformation.
CVP is an Equal Opportunity Employer dedicated to actively recruiting individuals and providing advancement opportunities based on merit and legitimate job qualifications. We ensure that all associates receive equal opportunities based on their personal qualifications and job requirements. CVP strictly prohibits any form of discrimination or harassment.
At CVP, we cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all associated. We are committed to maintaining a workplace where everyone can grow both personally and professionally.