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Medical Record Coder Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Codes outpatient medical records for the purpose of quality planning and assessment, reimbursement, research and compliance with Federal regulations according to ICD-10-CM and CPT-4 classification ...

New

The Medical Records Associate ensures that a complete medical records program is maintained in ... Assists in developing procedures to ensure records are properly assembled, coded, signed, indexed ...

Inpatient Coder

Chicago, IL · On-site

$34 - $45/hr

This role is responsible for reviewing inpatient medical records and assigning accurate diagnosis and procedure codes while ensuring compliance with coding guidelines, regulatory requirements, and ...

Showing results 21-40

Medical Record Coder information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$55.6K

$78K

How much do medical record coder jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for medical record coder in Illinois is $55,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,600.00 and $64,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a medical record coder do?

A Medical Record Coder reviews patient medical records and assigns standardized codes to diagnoses and procedures for billing and insurance purposes. They use classification systems such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS to ensure that healthcare providers are accurately reimbursed. Medical Record Coders play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of patient data and supporting the financial operations of healthcare facilities. Their work helps streamline insurance claims and ensures compliance with healthcare regulations.

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

To thrive as a Medical Record Coder, you need a strong understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, and coding systems, typically supported by a certification such as Certified Professional Coder (CPC) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and coding software like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS is essential. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong organizational skills help ensure accurate and efficient code assignment. These competencies are crucial for maintaining compliance, facilitating proper billing, and supporting the integrity of patient records.

What are some common challenges faced by medical record coders, and how can they be addressed?

Medical Record Coders often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex medical documentation, keeping up with frequent updates to coding standards (like ICD-10 and CPT), and ensuring accuracy under tight deadlines. To address these challenges, coders should regularly participate in professional development, such as coding workshops or webinars, and stay current with industry guidelines. Effective communication with healthcare providers can also help clarify ambiguous documentation, while utilizing coding software and reference tools can streamline the process and minimize errors.

What is the difference between Medical Record Coder vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectMedical Record CoderMedical Billing Specialist
CredentialsCertification (e.g., CPC, CCS)Certification (e.g., CPC, CBCS) often preferred
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, health information departmentsMedical offices, billing companies, healthcare providers
Job FocusAssigning codes to diagnoses and proceduresProcessing billing, submitting claims, managing payments
OverlapBoth require understanding medical terminology and codingBoth roles support healthcare revenue cycle

Medical Record Coders and Medical Billing Specialists work closely within healthcare revenue management. While coders focus on translating medical documentation into codes, billing specialists handle claims submission and payment processing. Both roles require relevant certifications and knowledge of medical terminology, but their primary functions differ in the revenue cycle process.

Are medical record coders still in demand?

Medical record coders are still in demand due to ongoing needs for accurate healthcare documentation and billing. The role requires knowledge of medical coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, and employment opportunities are expected to grow with the expansion of healthcare services and electronic health records systems.

How much do medical record coders get paid?

Medical record coders typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $55,000, depending on experience, certification, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced coders with certifications like CPC can earn higher salaries. Many coders work in healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, or physician offices and may use coding software and medical terminology skills.

Is it hard to get hired as a medical record coder?

Getting hired as a medical record coder can be competitive, but having relevant certifications such as CPC or CCS and strong knowledge of medical terminology and coding systems improves job prospects. Employers often look for attention to detail, accuracy, and familiarity with electronic health record systems. Entry-level positions are available, but experience and certification can increase chances of employment.

What are popular job titles related to Medical Record Coder jobs in Illinois?

For Medical Record Coder jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Medical Record Coder jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Medical Record Coder jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Medical Record Coder jobs in IL?

For Medical Record Coder jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Medical Record Coder job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 74% In-person, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,613 per year, or $26.7 per hour.

$18.50 - $24.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

170th of 628 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Department

BSD UCP - Professional Billing Coding - Medical Specialty


About the Department

The Biological Sciences Division (BSD) and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) are managed by a single Dean/Executive Vice President and comprises the largest unit of the University, accounting for 60% of its annual budget. All physician, hospital, and clinic services are managed through the Medical Center, which is a $1.3 billion enterprise. The BSD includes the Pritzker School of Medicine, approximately 20 academic units, degree granting committees, and research centers and institutes. The BSD is located on the University's main campus in Hyde Park, ten minutes south of downtown Chicago. BSD's patient care operations are conducted primarily at the University of Chicago Hospital and clinics, which share the same campus. The University of Chicago Practice Plan (UCPP) is the central organization that supports the clinical activity of nearly 850 clinically active faculty practicing at the University of Chicago. These clinically active faculty collectively form the University of Chicago Physicians Group (UCPG). The University of Chicago Physicians' Group (UCPG) is a component of the physician practice plan for the University of Chicago. The UCPG department provides billing services for medical services provided by University physicians and manages the accounts receivable collection and reporting processes for the Biological Sciences Division (BSD) departments. Each physician is a faculty member and is based in a specified department in the BSD.


Job Information

Job Summary:

The University of Chicago Physicians Group (UCPG) team is responsible for the overall management of clinical revenue for physician billing. This includes frontend revenue capture, working of edits and conducting audits for physician education. Ensuring the workflow of charge capture through invoice creation. UCPG is seeking an Abstractor/Coder to work with providers and staff on professional billing and compliance activities. Strong knowledge of evaluation and management coding guidelines and requirements is strongly preferred. This position is eligible for a flexible work arrangement.

Responsibilities:

  • Obtain appropriate reimbursement levels for professional services by reviewing and coding medical procedures, diagnoses, and physician visits.

  • Analyze denial and rejection reports, and appeal wherever appropriate.

  • Submit charges in a timely manner.

  • Work in collaboration with the Clinical Revenue Supervisor and others, provide guidance to faculty and staff on the charge capture and documentation processes.

  • Educate physicians and support staff on coding issues, including issues related to fraud and abuse as it relates to coding/professional billing/clinical documentation.

  • Attend and participate in meetings related to clinical revenue production and compliance.

  • Track physicians on inpatient service and ensure charges are captured for services provided.

  • Manage tracking log.

  • Audit and provide feedback to all providers rotating on inpatient service.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

  • Thorough working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, as demonstrated by certification through a nationally accredited body (e.g., AAPC or AHIMA) required.

  • Thorough working knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, as demonstrated by certification through a nationally accredited body (e.g., AAPC or AHIMA) required.

  • Working knowledge of ICD and CPT coding classification systems, coding for third-party payers, including CMS guidelines and reimbursement compliance, and demonstrated knowledge of both specialty and primary care coding concepts to include the application of modifiers and documentation requirements required.

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe required.

  • Communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing.

  • Manage interpersonal relationships and interact/communicate with clarity, tact and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students and others.

  • Identify priorities; recognize and resolve or refer problems; work effectively with supervision and as a part of a team; use or learn a range of position-related software applications.

Additional Responsibilities

Education, Experience, or Certifications:

Education:

  • High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience:

  • 2-4 years of experience working in physician/healthcare billing and physician coding or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelors program with an RHIA required.

  • Two or more years of experience coding physician services or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelors program with an RHIA required.

  • Prior experience with electronic billing and medical record systems (i.e. Epic, Last Word, and IDX) is required.

  • Prior experience in an academic medical center or large, complex hospital-physician billing group preferred.

  • Prior experience working with Medicine primary and sub-specialty physician and procedure coding strongly preferred.

  • Prior experience with Epic Professional Billing preferred.

  • Prior experience coding in an academic medical center setting preferred.

Licenses and Certifications:

  • Must have one of the following: Registered Health Information Administrator [RHIA], Registered Health Information Technician [RHIT], Certified Coding Specialist-Physician-based [CCS-P], Certified Professional Coder [CPC], or Certified Coding Specialist [CCS]), required.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite required.

  • Knowledge and experience of billing and coding practices.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

  • Standard Office Environment.

  • Use Standard Office Equipment.

  • Sit for 4 hours or more.

  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options for coders in good standing.

Pay Range:

  • $26.66-- $39.02 hourly

Required Documents:

  • Resume

  • Cover Letter


When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.


Benefit Eligibility

Yes

The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off.


Pay Rate Type

Hourly


Pay Range

$26.66 - $39.02

The included pay rate or range represents the University's good faith estimate of the possible compensation offer for this role at the time of posting.


Scheduled Weekly Hours

40


Union

024- Local 743, I.B.T. Clerical


Job is Exempt

No


Drug Test Required

No


Health Screen Required

No


Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No


Posting Date

2026-05-12


Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.


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