Abstractor/Coder I

University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 36,726 - 53,753; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking an Abstractor/Coder to manage clinical revenue billing activities. The role involves reviewing and coding medical procedures, analyzing reports, and educating staff on coding. Candidates should have strong knowledge of coding guidelines, a High School diploma or equivalent, and preferably 2–4 years of experience in healthcare coding. A flexible work arrangement is available. The pay range is $26.66 – $39.02 per hour, with a variety of benefits offered.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of coding guidelines and requirements.
• Prior experience with electronic billing and medical record systems.
• Experience in an academic medical center is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review and code medical procedures and diagnoses.
• Analyze denial and rejection reports.
• Submit charges in a timely manner.
• Educate physicians and staff on coding issues.
• Audit and provide feedback to providers.

Skills

Medical terminology

ICD and CPT coding

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Adobe

Communication skills

Interpersonal relationship management

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

2–4 years experience in coding

RHIA or HIM bachelor's program

Tools

Epic

Last Word

IDX

Job description

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, conducting audits for physician education, and 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, providing guidance to faculty and staff on the charge capture and documentation processes.
• Educate physicians and support staff on coding issues, including fraud and abuse related to coding, professional billing, and 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, demonstrated by certification through a nationally accredited body (e.g., AAPC or AHIMA).
• Working knowledge of ICD and CPT coding classification systems, coding for third‑party payers, CMS guidelines, and reimbursement compliance, including both specialty and primary care coding concepts, modifiers, and documentation requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Adobe.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Ability to manage interpersonal relationships and communicate with clarity, tact and courtesy with patrons, patients, staff, faculty, students and others.
• Ability to identify priorities, recognize and resolve or refer problems, work effectively with supervision and as part of a team, and use or learn a range of position‑related software applications.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• 2–4 years of experience in physician/healthcare billing and physician coding, or a recent graduate from an HIM bachelor’s program with an RHIA.
• Prior experience with electronic billing and medical record systems (e.g., Epic, Last Word, IDX).
• Preferred: experience in an academic medical center or large, complex hospital‑physician billing group.
• Preferred: experience with Medicine primary and sub‑specialty physician and procedure coding.
• Preferred: experience with Epic Professional Billing.
• Preferred: coding in an academic medical center setting.

Licenses and Certifications

• 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).

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite.
• Knowledge and experience of billing and coding practices.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Standard office environment.
• Use of 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 per hour.

Benefits

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

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter

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, see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.