Area Dir Clin Doc Integrity

Kindred Healthcare•Louisville, KY

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Administers the Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) program across multiple sites to support accurate and complete clinical documentation, quality outcomes, severity capture, acuity, and risk of mortality reporting. Utilizes project management expertise, clinical knowledge, and understanding of coded data and documentation requirements to improve patient record integrity and reimbursement accuracy. Collaborates closely with coding professionals, physicians, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure documentation compliance and effectiveness. Partners with hospital, Area, District, and Support Center leadership to achieve program goals and operational objectives.

Requirements

Minimum of three (3) to four (4) years of clinical experience required
Examples include inpatient care, clinical documentation improvement, and/or case management review
Prior Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) experience required
Expert interpersonal, verbal, written, and presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with physicians, executive leadership, and multidisciplinary teams
Knowledge of Adult Learning Theory and educational methodologies
Ability to combine clinical expertise and business acumen to drive operational improvements and achieve organizational goals
Experience leading projects, streamlining workflows, and supporting process improvement initiatives
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
Knowledge of healthcare revenue cycle operations and reimbursement practices
Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office applications, spreadsheets, and presentation software
Understanding of healthcare policy trends, regulatory requirements, and operational practices within LTACH environments
Associate or Bachelor’s degree from an accredited school of Nursing, Health Information Management, Medicine, or related healthcare field required
Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CDIS) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) certification required within two (2) years of hire into the role

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred
Strong understanding of coding classification systems including ICD-10-CM, MS-DRG, APR-DRG, and HCC methodologies preferred

Responsibilities

Implement and provide oversight for a multi-site Clinical Documentation Improvement program in a standardized and organized manner
Mentor and train new Clinical Documentation Improvement staff
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with hospital, Area, District, and Support Center leadership and staff
Facilitate appropriate clinical documentation to support accurate diagnosis capture and reimbursement
Review primary and secondary diagnoses, complications, Present on Admission (POA) indicators, and Hospital Acquired Conditions (HACs) to ensure documentation specificity and completeness
Initiate provider clarification and query processes when documentation improvement opportunities are identified
Collaborate with coding staff and physicians to identify diagnoses impacting severity of illness, risk adjustment, and quality indicators
Serve as a subject matter expert in medical record review to support accurate diagnosis capture and coding across all payer types, including CMS, Medicare Advantage, and RAC reviews
Support development of CDI workflows, educational initiatives, and documentation improvement programs for internal stakeholders
Collaborate routinely with Case Management leadership, HIM staff, and clinical teams through coding calls, meetings, and site visits
Submit relevant documentation and coding information through established CDI software systems and communication channels
Conduct quality assurance reviews of CDI processes and recommend corrective actions as appropriate
Compile and present reports to Physician Advisors, Medical Directors, committees, and executive leadership
Provide CDI education regarding documentation improvement opportunities, DRG optimization, and coding accuracy to clinical and operational leaders
Conduct data analysis and root cause reviews; communicate findings and recommendations to leadership and medical staff
Lead provider query processes and maintain tracking and reporting of verbal and written queries
Participate in committees, workgroups, and organizational initiatives as assigned