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Laboratory Coder Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Laboratory Coder information

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How much do laboratory coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for laboratory coder in Elgin, IL is $22.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.84 and $23.75 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does LabCorp employ medical coders?

LabCorp employs medical coders as part of its healthcare services, requiring knowledge of medical terminology, coding systems like ICD and CPT, and attention to detail. Medical coders at LabCorp typically work in a clinical or administrative environment and may need relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS. These roles involve reviewing medical records and ensuring accurate billing and documentation.

What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a Laboratory Coder?

As a Laboratory Coder, your primary duties include reviewing laboratory test requisitions, assigning appropriate billing and diagnostic codes in accordance with current coding standards, and ensuring data accuracy in patient records. You may also be responsible for resolving coding discrepancies, communicating with laboratory staff or healthcare providers to clarify test information, and staying up to date on regulatory changes that impact coding practices. This role often requires collaboration with billing departments and quality assurance teams to ensure compliance and maximize reimbursement. A Laboratory Coder generally works in a healthcare or laboratory setting, either independently or as part of a larger health information management team.

Is AI replacing medical coders?

Laboratory coders, like other medical coding professionals, are increasingly supported by AI and automation tools that assist with coding tasks. However, human oversight remains essential to ensure accuracy, interpret complex cases, and handle exceptions, so AI is more of a supplement than a complete replacement at this time.

Is it hard to get hired as a medical coder?

Getting hired as a laboratory or medical coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong attention to detail improves job prospects. Entry-level positions are often available, but experience and familiarity with coding software and medical terminology can enhance chances of employment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Laboratory Coder position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Laboratory Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, laboratory procedures, and coding systems such as ICD-10-CM and CPT, typically supported by certification in medical coding or health information management. Familiarity with laboratory information systems (LIS), coding software, and electronic health records is crucial for accurately recording and managing lab data. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication are valuable for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with laboratory and billing teams. These skills and qualities help maintain compliance, optimize reimbursement, and support efficient laboratory operations.

What is a Laboratory Coder job?

A Laboratory Coder is responsible for translating laboratory tests, procedures, and services into standardized medical codes for billing and insurance purposes. They ensure accuracy in code selection based on medical records and compliance with healthcare regulations. Laboratory Coders work with healthcare providers, laboratories, and insurance companies to streamline claims processing and prevent billing errors. Strong knowledge of coding systems such as CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-10 is essential.

What pays more, CCS or CPC?

For a Laboratory Coder, CPC (Certified Professional Coder) typically offers higher pay compared to CCS (Certified Coding Specialist), as CPC is more widely recognized and often associated with outpatient and physician coding roles. Salary differences depend on experience, location, and employer, but CPC generally commands higher compensation in medical coding fields.
What job categories do people searching Laboratory Coder jobs in Elgin, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Laboratory Coder jobs in Elgin, IL are:
What cities near Elgin, IL are hiring for Laboratory Coder jobs? Cities near Elgin, IL with the most Laboratory Coder job openings:
Medical Laboratory Technician-Inpatient Part-time Nights

Medical Laboratory Technician-Inpatient Part-time Nights

Northwestern Memorial Healthcare

Huntley, IL • On-site

$26.45/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Northwestern Medicine rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 385 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 886 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Company Description
At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?
Job Description
The Medical Laboratory Technician reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization's Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.
A Medical Laboratory Technician performs test procedures in a clinical laboratory and conveys the results to the physician or designee in an accurate and timely manner for the purpose of patient diagnosis and treatment.
Responsibilities:
Technical responsibilities:
  • Performs all aspects of pre-analytic workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure orders are entered correctly, specimens collected are appropriate for the test ordered and are correctly processed/transported.
  • Verifies order where necessary
  • Verifies non-patient information (e.g., collection time) according to established protocol.
  • Handles unresolved orders, troubleshoots where needed. Informs senior staff of resolutions. Escalates promptly when unable to resolve.
  • Verifies with physicians and/or nurses prior to laboratory information system (LIS) order entry to resolve unclear, duplicate or otherwise ambiguous orders.
  • Verifies specimens for add-on tests are available and acceptable and generates add-on test orders.
  • Recognizes when fraud and abuse compliance issues require adjustments to the test order
  • Collecting, receiving and processing of specimens:
  • Verifies specimens are correctly and completely labeled upon receipt. Evaluates specimens for appropriateness and takes necessary corrective action. Appropriately documents unacceptable specimens and proper notifications as needed.
  • Prioritizes specimen processing based on established priorities.
  • Aliquots specimens according to established protocols.
  • Performs all aspects of analytical testing appropriate for the specific laboratory section, following established written protocols and standard operating procedures (SOP)
  • Maintains test system integrity:
  • Performs preventive maintenance on instruments/equipment in a timely fashion according to defined schedule.
  • Verifies reagents and supplies meet defined acceptability criteria upon receipt and prior to use; takes action to ensure unacceptable items are removed from use.
  • Ensures that sufficient reagents and supplies necessary for test performance are available. Notifies senior staff when minimum inventory level is encountered.
  • Performs and records all necessary quality control (QC) required for test system performance.
  • Evaluates QC results and takes necessary corrective actions according to established protocol.
  • Performs specimen preparation:
  • Performs any necessary pretest specimen preparation according to protocols (e.g., microbiology plating, cell cultures, filtering, extraction, separation, elution, absorption, etc.)
  • Transfers or ships specimens to approved testing locations according to SOPs
  • Performs waived, moderate, and high complexity testing
  • Prioritizes testing based on assignment or established priorities, completes testing within defined turn-around-times (TAT).
  • Recognizes the need for and follows any age-specific protocols
  • Responds effectively to changes in the workflow by coordinating a simultaneous series of tests when needed or adjusting work to incorporate STAT tests or fluctuations in work volume.
  • Monitors daily workflow and priorities to assure meeting service levels.
  • Performs technical review and interpretation, according to defined SOPs:
  • Reviews results for completeness, correctness, and consistency within defined test system
  • Evaluates test results/reactions and provides accurate interpretations as appropriate to include correlation with, and integration of, other patient data as necessary.
  • Performs visual interpretation/identifications as appropriate.
  • Recognizes unusual test results/interpretations and completes indicated reflex testing or other follow-up actions.
  • Follows established notification protocols for critical values, phone/fax/e-mail results requests, abnormalities.
  • Troubleshoots and solves problems:
  • Recognizes test system performance problems and takes necessary corrective actions
  • Recognizes when unresolved problems need to be escalated and takes necessary follow-up action.
  • Prints pending logs and follows-up to ensure pending tests are completed or cancelled when appropriate.
  • Post-test specimen storage:
  • Stores specimens and related materials (blood, slides, tissues, etc.) according to protocols for location and duration.
  • Retrieves specimen and related materials when needed

Universal responsibilities:
Ensures quality of operations:
  • Follows written SOPs
  • Operates instruments/equipment according to protocol.
  • Uses computers according to established protocol; follows downtime procedures as required.
  • Performs required quality system responsibilities
  • Meets proficiency and competency standards of the department.
  • Participates in the training of new employees and students, under the direction of Medical Laboratory Scientist trainers Performs operational review of new SOPs.
  • Participates in new test development, validations and implementation.
  • Attends at least one personal development session per year
  • Performs other duties as assigned, or as needed, to ensure continued quality operations Ensures safety of operations: Follows all required safety procedures, uses personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for tasks performed.
  • Maintains cleans and organized work area
  • Provides service excellence:
  • Answers telephone when needed, using NM telephone etiquette
  • Maintains patient confidentiality including protected health information (PHI)
  • Assists patients, visitors and other contacts whenever need occurs

Post-analytical responsibilities:
Performs all aspects of the post-analytical workflow appropriate for the specific laboratory section to ensure accurate results are reported within established time frames, specimens are retained appropriately, test results and/or current status are available upon inquiry, and billed charges are correct for testing performed. Verifies and reports results:
  • Verifies results according to procedure.
  • Performs computer functions necessary for releasing results.
  • Generates written reports according to established protocol.
  • Reviews electronic or printed reports when applicable, recognizes problems and escalates according to protocol.

Amends reports:
  • Corrects erroneous reports and amends reports according to procedure
  • Responds to inquiries:
  • Responds to requests for information according to established protocol for confidentiality and release of information
  • Recognizes when unresolved inquiries need to be escalated and takes action
  • Stores documents and records:
  • Stores documents and records according to established protocol.

Charge capture/billing:
  • Performs billing and/or enter credits for tests and services when applicable.
  • Recognizes billing problems and escalates accordingly

Qualifications
Required:
  • Associates Degree in Medical Technology, Medical Laboratory Technician, Clinical Laboratory Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Allied Health qualifying the applicant to take the national ASCP certifying exam.
  • Must obtain Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) (ASCP) or equivalent certification within 1 year of hire date.

Preferred:
  • 1 year of laboratory experience

Additional Information
Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.
Background Check
Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
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.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.
Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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