Clinical Document Improvement Specialist - Telecommute

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 The Clinical Document Improvement Specialist - (CDS) is responsible for providing CDI program oversight and day to day CDI implementation of processes related to the concurrent review of the clinical documentation in the inpatient medical record of Optum 360 clients’ patients.  The goal of the CDS oversight and practice is to assess the technical accuracy, specificity, and completeness of provider clinical documentation, and to ensure that the documentation explicitly identifies all clinical findings and conditions present at the time of service.

This position reviews all clinical information and documentation to make improvements that result in accurate, comprehensive documentation that reflects completely, the clinical treatment, decisions, and diagnoses for the patient.  The CDS utilizes clinical expertise and clinical documentation improvement practices as well as facility specific tools for best practice and compliance with the mission/philosophy, standards, goals and core values of Optum 360.  In this position the CDS will utilizing the Optum™ CDI 3D technology that is assisting hospitals to improve data quality to accurately reflect the quality of care provided and ensure revenue integrity.

Our three-dimensional approach to CDI technology, paired with best-practice adoption methodology and change management support, is helping hospitals make a real impact on CDI efficiency and effectiveness.

• Increase in identification of cases with CDI opportunities, with automated review of 100% of records
• Improved tracking, transparency and reporting related to CDI impact, revenue capture, trending, and compliance
• Easing the transition to ICD-10 by improving the specificity and completeness of clinical documentation, resulting in more accurate coding

This position does not have patient care duties, does not have direct patient interactions, and has no role relative to patient care.

You’ll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform concurrent and retrospective chart reviews for improving the overall completeness of clinical documentation
• Keep abreast of current coding trends and maintains up to date knowledge of Medicare rules and regulations regarding diagnosis coding and CDI current trends.
• Effectively utilizes ICD-10 and related materials to investigate coding issues and produce accurate results
• Conducts daily follow-up communication with providers regarding existing clarifications to obtain needed documentation specificity
• Provides expert level leadership for overall improvement in clinical documentation by providing proficient level review and assessment, and effectively articulating recommendations for improvement, and the rational for the recommendations
• Actively communicates with providers at all levels, to clarify information and to communicate documentation requirements for appropriate diagnoses based on severity of illness and risk of mortality
• Provides complete follow through on all requests for clarification or recommendations for improvement
• Ensures effective utilization of Optum® CDI 3D Technology to document all clarification activity
• Utilizes only the Optum360 approved clarification forms
• Proactively develops a reciprocal relationship with the HIM Coding Professionals
• Engages and consults with Physician Advisor /VPMA when needed, per the escalation process, to resolve provider issues regarding answering clarifications and participation in the clinical documentation improvement process

 You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

 Required Qualifications:

• Solid understanding of clinical medicine, pathophysiology, and pharmacology
• Solid grasp of ICD-10 coding, coding conventions, and guidelines
• Have proficiency using a PC in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word,  Excel, Power Point and Electronic Medical Records
• Ability to work one week-end day 

Preferred Qualifications:

• BSN degree if a RN
• CCDS, CDIP or CCS certification
• 5+ years of acute inpatient hospital coding with certifications
• 5+ years acute care hospital clinical RN experience OR  Medical Graduate with CDI experience and CDI certification (CCDS, CDIP)
• 3+ years of CDI experience for an acute care hospital
• CAC experience (Computer Assistant Coding)

To protect the health and safety of our workforce, patients and communities we serve, UnitedHealth Group and its affiliate companies require all employees to disclose COVID-19 vaccination status prior to beginning employment. In addition, some roles and locations require full COVID-19 vaccination, including boosters, as an essential job function. UnitedHealth Group adheres to all federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination regulations as well as all client COVID-19 vaccination requirements and will obtain the necessary information from candidates prior to employment to ensure compliance. Candidates must be able to perform all essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Failure to meet the vaccination requirement may result in rescission of an employment offer or termination of employment

Careers with Optum. Here's the idea. We built an entire organization around one giant objective; make health care work better for everyone. So when it comes to how we use the world's large accumulation of health-related information, or guide health and lifestyle choices or manage pharmacy benefits for millions, our first goal is to leap beyond the status quo and uncover new ways to serve. Optum, part of the UnitedHealth Group family of businesses, brings together some of the greatest minds and most advanced ideas on where health care has to go in order to reach its fullest potential. For you, that means working on high performance teams against sophisticated challenges that matter. Optum, incredible ideas in one incredible company and a singular opportunity to do your life's best work.(sm)

*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.

Colorado, Connecticut or Nevada Residents Only: The Salary range for Colorado residents is $82,100 to $146,900. The Salary range for Connecticut/Nevada residents is $90,500 to $161,600. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.