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Va Medical Coding Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Va Medical Coding information

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$5

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$48

How much do va medical coding jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for va medical coding in Chicago, IL is $30.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.53 and $35.43 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much does the VA pay medical coders?

The VA pays medical coders an annual salary that typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000, depending on experience, location, and grade level. Federal pay scales and certifications such as CPC or CCS can influence salary levels for VA medical coding positions.

How much does a medical coder in VA make?

A medical coder working for the VA typically earns between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced coders with certifications like CPC or CCS can earn higher salaries. The role often requires knowledge of medical coding systems and electronic health records.

What is the difference between Va Medical Coding vs Medical Billing Specialist?

AspectVa Medical CodingMedical Billing Specialist
CertificationsCPMA, CPC, CCSCertified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS), CPC
Work EnvironmentVeterans Affairs hospitals, clinicsHospitals, clinics, private practices
Job FocusAssigning codes for VA medical servicesProcessing insurance claims and billing
Industry UsagePrimarily in VA healthcare systemBroad healthcare settings

Va Medical Coding involves assigning medical codes for services provided to veterans within the VA system, focusing on accurate documentation. Medical Billing Specialists handle the billing process, submitting claims to insurance companies across various healthcare settings. While both roles require coding and billing certifications, Va Medical Coders work specifically within the VA system, whereas Medical Billing Specialists serve a wider range of healthcare providers.

What is VA medical coding?

VA medical coding is the process of translating medical diagnoses, procedures, and services provided to veterans within the Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system into standardized alphanumeric codes. These codes are essential for accurate medical records, billing, and reimbursement, as well as for tracking healthcare statistics and outcomes. VA medical coders use specialized knowledge of coding systems like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS, and must also be familiar with VA-specific documentation and compliance requirements. Their work ensures that services delivered to veterans are properly documented and reported, supporting both patient care and administrative processes.

Does the VA use medical coders?

Yes, the VA employs medical coders to review and assign appropriate codes for patient diagnoses and procedures, ensuring accurate billing and record-keeping. VA medical coders typically need certification and familiarity with healthcare coding systems like ICD-10 and CPT, working within electronic health record systems. Their role is essential for maintaining compliance and efficient healthcare administration within the VA system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a VA Medical Coder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a VA Medical Coder, you need a thorough understanding of medical terminology, anatomy, coding systems (like ICD-10-CM, CPT, and HCPCS), and typically a certification such as CPC or CCS. Proficiency with electronic health record (EHR) systems and medical billing software is crucial. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and the ability to maintain confidentiality are important soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate coding, proper reimbursement, and compliance with federal regulations in the VA healthcare system.

What are some common challenges faced by VA Medical Coders, and how can they be addressed?

VA Medical Coders often encounter challenges such as staying updated with frequent changes in coding regulations and accurately interpreting complex medical documentation. Additionally, understanding the specific requirements of the Veterans Affairs healthcare system can be demanding. To address these challenges, it’s important to participate in ongoing training, utilize official coding resources, and actively communicate with healthcare providers for clarification. Many VA Medical Coders also benefit from collaborating with peers and joining professional networks to share best practices.

What is the highest paying medical coder job?

The highest paying medical coding roles are often senior or specialized positions such as Coding Manager, Coding Director, or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) with additional certifications like CCS or CPC-H. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and knowledge of complex medical billing and coding systems, leading to higher salaries within healthcare organizations.
What are popular job titles related to Va Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL? For Va Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Va Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Va Medical Coding jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Va Medical Coding jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Va Medical Coding job openings:
Va Medical Coding jobs near you
Infographic showing various Va Medical Coding job openings in Chicago, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,258 per year, or $30.9 per hour.

Medical Records Technician (Coder In/Out)

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K/yr

Other

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The MRT Coder is a position located under the Health Information Management Division of the Resources Directorate at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, Illinois. This position is responsible for maintaining the quality of patient records, assigning of appropriate International Classification of Diseases (ICD), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) codes, and other duties as assigned.Qualifications:Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met.
BASIC REQUIREMENTS:
United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
Experience and Education:
  • Experience. One year of creditable experience that indicates knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, medical coding, and the structure and format of a health records.
OR
  • Education. An associate's degree from an accredited college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education 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 (e.g., courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical coding, and information to health records). Transcripts required.
OR
  • Completion of an AHIMA approved coding program, or other intense coding training program of approximately one year or more that included courses in anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, basic ICD diagnostic/procedural, and basic CPT coding. The training program must have led to eligibility for coding certification/certification examination, and the sponsoring academic institution must have been accredited by a national U.S. Department of Education accreditor, or comparable international accrediting authority at the time the program was completed;
OR
  • Experience/Education Combination. Equivalent combinations of creditable experience and education are qualifying for meeting the basic requirements. Transcripts required.

Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to MRT (Coder) positions in the GS-0675 series in VHA must have either (1), (2), or (3) below:
  1. Apprentice/Associate Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  2. Mastery Level Certification through AHIMA or AAPC.
  3. Clinical Documentation Improvement Certification through AHIMA or ACDIS.

May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria).
Grade Determination: Medical Records Technician (Coder) Outpatient & Inpatient
GS-8
  • Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
  • Demonstrated Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate all of the following KSAs:
    • Ability to analyze the health record to identify all pertinent diagnoses and procedures for coding and to evaluate the adequacy of the documentation. This includes the ability to read and understand the content of the health record, the terminology, the significance of the comments, and the disease process/pathophysiology of the patient.
    • Ability to accurately perform the full scope of outpatient coding, including ambulatory surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and outpatient encounters, and inpatient facility coding, including inpatient discharges, surgical cases, diagnostic studies and procedures, and inpatient professional services.
    • Skill in interpreting and adapting health information guidelines that are not completely applicable to the work, or have gaps in specificity, and the ability to use judgment in completing assignments using incomplete or inadequate guidelines.
The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-08.
Reference: VA Handbook 5005/122 PART II APPENDIX G57. For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
Physical Requirements: See VA Directive and Handbook 5019, Employee Occupational Health Service.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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