Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist

Job Details

Job Description

PRIMARY FUNCTION:

Under the direction of CDI Manager, the Clinical Documentation Specialist reviews medical records to facilitate accurate and complete medical record documentation to reflect clinical treatment, decisions, and diagnoses used for measuring and reporting hospital and physician outcomes.  Accurately identifies additional documentation opportunities and places appropriate queries and/or communicates with physicians, coders, and other health team members (i.e. PI, Case managers, Nurse navigators, etc.) for documentation improvement. Works independently and works primarily in an approved remote home work environment.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Interacts with co-workers, visitors, and other staff consistent with the values of Jefferson.

• Accurately reviews medical records concurrently for completeness in documentation of diagnostic and procedural information for compliance to CMS, DOH regulatory, and financial requirements. Assures documentation of diagnoses, procedures, co-morbid, and complication conditions are reflected on the medical record to support proper severity of illness, intensity of service, and risk of mortality classifications and designated quality reviews (i.e. Patient Safety Indicator reviews).

• Prepare well written and compliant queries to communicate with physicians and other providers regarding missing, incomplete or clarifying information needed in the medical record. 

• Works closely with coding staff to assure that documentation of discharge diagnosis and any co-existing co-morbidities are a complete reflection of the patient’s clinical status and care.

• Interacts and continuously educates physicians (attending’s, residents and interns), nurse practitioners and physician assistants.  Provides real-time intervention/education when needed to promote correct coding, regulatory compliance, and correction of documentation deficiencies.

• Compentent in utilizing all computer applications, ie; Epic EHR, 3M DRG, MS Office. 

• Maintains productivity expectations. Accurately records activity in CDI software tracking tool.

• Expert working knowledge of HIPPA PHI and all laws relative to access PHI (protected Health Information)

• Demonstrates working effectively and independently in a remote home work environment, and effectively trouble shoots systems issues in accordance with dept policy and procedures. 

• Review medical record for other identified regulatory requirements as applicable.

• Tracks and trends issues identified during concurrent reviews. Attend department meetings. Actively contribute to the continued improvement and success of the department and the hospital.

• Attends continuing education meetings, in-services, and training session and audioconferences related to coding and CDI to maintain skills and stay abreast of coding guideline changes and best practice CDI processes.

• Demonstrate initiative, judgement and creative ability in performance of job duties.

• Identify problems with process and suggest possible solutions

• Function in a professional, efficient and positive manner.

• Performs other duties and assignments as necessary.

EDUCATIONAL/TRAINING REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management or related field.

Certification, Associate or Bachelor in other healthcare related field with experience noted below.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATION:

• CCDS, CDIP certification preferred

• RN/BSN preferred

• RHIA, or RHIT with CCS, MD or DO will be considered

• CCDS within 6 months of hire for eligible candidates

• Maintenance of appropriate registration/certification. Responsible for tracking Continuing Education credits to maintain professional credentials if applicable.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

• Working knowledge of Medicare reimbursement system and coding structures preferred.

• 5 years of Critical Care/Emergency medicine or 5 years of Medical Surgical Experience preferred

• 2-3 years Clinical Documentation Improvement experience or 5 years of Coding experience preferred.

• MD/DO with two years of experience as a concurrent or retrospective coder or documentation specialist in an inpatient acute care facility using the United States IPPS system will be considered.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Office applications required.

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Motivated, organized with excellent Interpersonal skills, analytical skills.

• Strong facilitation and presentation skills preferred.

Ability to read and communicate in the English Language

Additional Qualifications

Physical Demands
Lift and carry 25 lbs. frequent sitting/standing, frequent keyboard use, *patient care providers may be required to perform activities specific to their role including kneeling, bending, squatting and performing CPR.
Job Description Disclaimer: This position description provides the major duties/responsibilities, requirements and working conditions for the position. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current position, however management reserves the right to revise or change as necessary to meet organizational needs. Other responsibilities may be assigned when circumstances require.

Work Shift

Worker Sub Type

Employee Entity

Primary Location Address

Nationally ranked, Jefferson, which is principally located in the greater Philadelphia region, Lehigh Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey, is reimagining health care and higher education to create unparalleled value. Jefferson is more than 65,000 people strong, dedicated to providing the highest-quality, compassionate clinical care for patients; making our communities healthier and stronger; preparing tomorrow's professional leaders for 21st-century careers; and creating new knowledge through basic/programmatic, clinical and applied research. Thomas Jefferson University, home of Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson College of Nursing, and the Kanbar College of Design, Engineering and Commerce, dates back to 1824 and today comprises 10 colleges and three schools offering 200+ undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 8,300 students. Jefferson Health, nationally ranked as one of the top 15 not-for-profit health care systems in the country and the largest provider in the Philadelphia and Lehigh Valley areas, serves patients through millions of encounters each year at 32 hospitals campuses and more than 700 outpatient and urgent care locations throughout the region. Jefferson Health Plans is a not-for-profit managed health care organization providing a broad range of health coverage options in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for more than 35 years.    

Jefferson is committed to providing equal educa­tional and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap or disability or any other protected group or status. 

Benefits

Jefferson offers a comprehensive package of benefits for full-time and part-time colleagues, including medical (including prescription), supplemental insurance, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, retirement plans, tuition assistance, as well as voluntary benefits, which provide colleagues with access to group rates on insurance and discounts. Colleagues have access to tuition discounts at Thomas Jefferson University after one year of full time service or two years of part time service. All colleagues, including those who work less than part-time (including per diem colleagues, adjunct faculty, and Jeff Temps), have access to medical (including prescription) insurance.

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