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Optum Encoder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Optum Encoder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$59

$81

$99

How much do optum encoder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for optum encoder in Chicago, IL is $81.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $64.38 and $99.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Optum Encoder?

Optum Encoders are specialized healthcare professionals who use Optum's medical coding software to accurately translate clinical documentation into standardized medical codes. These codes are used for billing, insurance claims, and maintaining patient records. Optum Encoders play a critical role in ensuring that healthcare providers receive proper reimbursement and comply with regulatory requirements. They must be knowledgeable about medical terminology, coding guidelines, and healthcare regulations. Their work helps streamline administrative processes and improve data quality in the healthcare industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optum Encoder?

To excel as an Optum Encoder, you need a solid understanding of medical coding systems (such as ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS) and typically a certification like CPC or CCS. Familiarity with Optum’s 3M Encoder software, electronic health records (EHRs), and hospital information systems is also crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication are vital soft skills for ensuring coding accuracy and collaborating with clinical and billing teams. These abilities are important to ensure precise coding, regulatory compliance, and optimal reimbursement for healthcare services.

What are some common challenges faced by Optum Encoders when working with complex medical records?

Optum Encoders often encounter challenges such as interpreting incomplete or ambiguous clinical documentation, keeping up-to-date with evolving coding standards, and ensuring high levels of accuracy under tight deadlines. Collaboration with healthcare providers and coding auditors is frequently required to clarify information and resolve discrepancies. Staying detail-oriented and proactive in seeking clarification helps maintain compliance and reduce errors, while also providing opportunities to learn and grow in the role.

What is the difference between Optum Encoder vs Medical Coder?

AspectOptum EncoderMedical Coder
CertificationsTypically requires coding certifications like CPC or CCSOften requires CPC, CCS, or similar certifications
Work EnvironmentHealthcare facilities, insurance companies, remote optionsHospitals, clinics, insurance companies, remote work common
Industry UsageUsed mainly in healthcare and insurance sectorsWidely used across healthcare providers and insurance
Job ResponsibilitiesEncoding medical records for billing and documentationAssigning standardized codes to medical diagnoses and procedures

Both Optum Encoder and Medical Coder roles involve medical coding, often requiring similar certifications and working in healthcare environments. While Optum Encoder may be specific to Optum's systems and processes, Medical Coder is a broader role found across many healthcare organizations. Understanding these similarities helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are popular job titles related to Optum Encoder jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Optum Encoder jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Revenue Cycle Coding Edit Specialist

CommonSpirit Health

Chicago, IL • Remote

$37.40 - $61.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


CommonSpirit Health rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 535 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 888 rated healthcare providers


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Revenue Cycle Coding Edit Specialist, you will be a vital contributor to our revenue integrity and financial health. You'll focus on the critical task of inpatient record abstraction and precise medical coding, directly impacting data retrieval, analytics, reimbursement accuracy, and healthcare research. This remote opportunity is ideal for a dedicated professional eager to apply their expertise in HIM operations, navigating complex coding scenarios to optimize our revenue cycle management.

Every day you will assign diagnostic and procedure codes using a designated coding and abstracting system and industry-standard encoder software. You'll meticulously review and abstract information from inpatient records, demonstrating adept navigation across various Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) from multiple facilities. A significant part of your role will involve identifying and resolving potential coding edits and discrepancies to ensure claim accuracy and compliance, consistently meeting stringent quality and productivity coding standards.

To be successful in this role, you will possess established intermediate-level coding experience with a strong emphasis on inpatient coding guidelines and revenue cycle best practices. You must be a highly organized self-starter with exceptional problem-solving skills and the ability to work autonomously in a remote setting. Proficiency with various technical applications and EMR systems, sharp attention to detail, and a commitment to data quality are paramount for excelling in this critical financial coding and compliance-focused position.

  • Accurately assigns codes from the current ICD classification systems for inpatient accounts, creates MS-DRG/APR-DRG assignments while adhering to coding guidelines, regulations and compliance plan
  • Abstract additional data elements as identified by enterprise, such as administrative codes
  • Review medical documentation and health information within various electronic medical or health systems to address coding claim edits and other requests from other departments, such as Patient Financial Services, in a timely manner ensuring DNFC KPI metrics are met
  • Must be able to code all service lines of inpatient and outpatient accounts
  • Ability to communicate effectively, stay organized, and demonstrate effective time management skills
  • Adhere to the ethical standards of coding as established by AAPC and/or AHIMA
Job Requirements

Required

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must hold one (1) of the following certifications: CCS, RHIT, or RHIA
  • Inpatient Coding Expertise: Two plus (2+) years of recent inpatient medical coding experience in a hospital or large multi-facility setting
  • Complex Case Experience: Proven ability to code complex conditions and procedures, ideally in a Level I/II trauma center or teaching hospital (e.g., cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedics, NICU)
  • Remote Work Proficiency: Demonstrated experience working effectively in a remote environment
  • Technical Acumen: Proficient with various encoder (e.g., Optum eCAC, Solventum) and EMR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Meditech)

Preferred

  • Associate's degree in HIM/HIT
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Professional (CDIP) certification
  • Four to six (4-6) years recent inpatient medical coding experience (hospital, large multi-facility organization, etc.)
  • Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor's degree in HIM or related field 
Where You'll Work

Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.

Qualifications:

Required

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Must hold one (1) of the following certifications: CCS, RHIT, or RHIA
  • Inpatient Coding Expertise: Two plus (2+) years of recent inpatient medical coding experience in a hospital or large multi-facility setting
  • Complex Case Experience: Proven ability to code complex conditions and procedures, ideally in a Level I/II trauma center or teaching hospital (e.g., cardiovascular, neurosurgery, orthopedics, NICU)
  • Remote Work Proficiency: Demonstrated experience working effectively in a remote environment
  • Technical Acumen: Proficient with various encoder (e.g., Optum eCAC, Solventum) and EMR systems (e.g., Epic, Cerner, Meditech)

Preferred

  • Associate's degree in HIM/HIT
  • Clinical Documentation Improvement Professional (CDIP) certification
  • Four to six (4-6) years recent inpatient medical coding experience (hospital, large multi-facility organization, etc.)
  • Bachelor’s degree or Bachelor's degree in HIM or related field 
Employment Type: Full Time

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