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Orthopedic Coder Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Surgical Scheduler - Ortho

Woodridge, IL ยท On-site

$19.89 - $28.84/hr

Position: Surgical Scheduler I - Orthopedics * Location: 3329 75th Street, Woodridge, IL ... Enters procedure CPT codes for all patients to facilitate the reimbursement process. * Continually ...

Showing results 41-60

Orthopedic Coder information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$19

$25

$28

How much do orthopedic coder jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for orthopedic coder in Chicago, IL is $25.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.61 and $27.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an orthopedic coder?

Orthopedic coders are specialized medical coding professionals who assign standardized codes to diagnoses, procedures, and treatments related to orthopedic care, such as surgeries, fractures, and joint replacements. They use coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS to ensure accurate billing and proper reimbursement for healthcare providers. Orthopedic coders must have a strong understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy and common orthopedic procedures, as well as up-to-date knowledge of relevant coding guidelines. Their work helps reduce claim denials and supports compliance with regulations.

What does an orthopedic coder do?

Orthopedic coders have similar job duties as other medical coders, but they work specifically with orthopedic surgeons or other orthopedic specialists. As an orthopedic coder, you review physician recommendations for treatments to ensure they are accurate, match the correct billing code to all surgical and non-surgical procedures, and submit the documentation to the insurance company or other departments that require the information. You may also be responsible for ensuring that patient records are current and address any discrepancies you find. Many orthopedic coders start their careers in a general medical practice or facility before moving to a specialty office, such as orthopedics.

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

To thrive as an Orthopedic Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical coding systems (such as ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS), anatomy, and orthopedic procedures, typically supported by a coding certification like CPC, CCS, or specialty credentials. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), coding software, and medical billing systems is essential for efficiency and accuracy. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strong communication skills help coders interpret complex documentation and collaborate with healthcare teams. These skills ensure proper reimbursement, compliance with regulations, and accurate patient records, which are critical for healthcare operations.

What are some common challenges faced by orthopedic coders in ensuring accurate documentation and coding?

Orthopedic coders often face challenges such as interpreting complex operative reports, keeping up with frequent updates to coding guidelines, and distinguishing between similar procedures or diagnoses. Accurately coding for procedures like joint replacements or fracture repairs requires careful attention to detail and close collaboration with orthopedic surgeons to clarify documentation. Maintaining compliance with payer requirements and preventing denials also adds to the complexity, making continuous education and strong communication skills essential for success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Orthopedic Coder jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Orthopedic Coder jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Orthopedic Coder jobs in Chicago, IL? For Orthopedic Coder jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Orthopedic Coder jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Orthopedic Coder job openings:
Infographic showing various Orthopedic Coder job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 4% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $52,659 per year, or $25.3 per hour.

$17.75 - $22.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

The Medical Billing Specialist is a key member of the financial team at the Chicago Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery. This role is primarily responsible for ensuring accurate and timely processing of insurance payments, conducting appeals on improperly processed claims, and maintaining diligent follow-up on outstanding claims and denials. The Specialist will also assist with coding issues and patient inquiries regarding billing.
Key Responsibilities:
Payment Posting:
  • Accurately post insurance payments from mail batches and electronic funds transfers (EFT) from various sources, including websites and ECW EFTs.
  • Review and reconcile payment entries to ensure that all payments are accounted for and properly posted.

Claims Management:
  • Conduct thorough follow-ups on all outstanding insurance claims to ensure timely reimbursement.
  • Investigate and appeal underpaid or denied claims by gathering necessary documentation and submitting detailed appeals to insurance companies.
  • Proactively manage the Payer Denied Bucket by reviewing and resolving denied claims from commercial insurances.

Appeals and Rejections:
  • Handle mail batch rejections by reviewing the reason for rejection, correcting any issues, and resubmitting the claims.
  • Track the status of appeals by monitoring the appeal bucket and performing regular follow-ups until the appeal is resolved.

Coding and Compliance:
  • Assist with coding issues by reviewing and suggesting appropriate corrections to ensure accurate billing and compliance with medical coding standards.

Communication and Customer Service:
  • Respond to patient inquiries, providing clear explanations of benefits and answering insurance-related questions.
  • Ensure timely and professional responses to emails and voicemails related to billing inquiries.

Surgical and Commercial Billing:
  • Handle billing for surgical procedures, ensuring accuracy and completeness of all claims.
  • Manage commercial billing processes, including claim submission and follow-up.

Cross-Training and Collaboration:
  • Be cross-trained and serve as a backup for various billing positions within the department, maintaining the flexibility to support different functions as needed.

Administrative Support:
  • Complete actions and telephone encounters promptly, maintaining a high standard of patient service.
  • Participate in special projects and perform additional duties as assigned by supervisors or management to support the billing department.

Qualifications:
  • Associate or bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, healthcare administration, or a related field is preferred.
  • Certification in medical billing and coding is highly desirable.
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience in medical billing, specifically in an orthopedic or similar specialty practice.
  • Proficiency with medical billing software, preferably ECW (eClinicalWorks), and a solid understanding of EFTs.
  • Knowledge of medical terminology, ICD-10, and CPT coding.
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent communication and customer service skills, with the ability to explain complex billing issues in understandable terms.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize work to adhere to deadlines and patient service standards.

The Medical Billing Specialist at Chicago Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Surgery is integral to our team, ensuring the practice's financial health through meticulous billing management and exceptional patient service. If you have a passion for healthcare finance and a commitment to excellence, we invite you to apply.