PRN -Clinical Documentation Specialist, First Reviewer

SSM Health • Oklahoma City, OK

2d • Remote

About The Position

Performs concurrent analytical reviews of clinical and coding data to improving physician documentation for all conditions and treatments from point of entry to discharge, ensuring an accurate reflection of the patient condition in the associated Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) assignments, case-mix index, severity of illness (SOI), and risk of mortality (ROM) profiling, and reimbursement. Facilitates the resolution of queries and educates members of the patient care team regarding documentation guidelines and the need for accurate and complete documentation in the health record, including attending physicians and allied health practitioners. Collaborates with coding professionals to ensure accuracy of diagnostic and procedural data and completeness of supporting documentation to determine a working and final DRG, SOI, and/or ROM.

Requirements

• Graduate of accredited school of nursing, PA, NP, or medical school, or Associate's degree and Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) certification from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialist (ACDIS)
• Two years' in an acute care setting or relevant experience

Responsibilities

• Completes initial reviews of patient records and evaluates documentation to assign the principal diagnosis, pertinent secondary diagnoses, and procedures for accurate diagnosis review group (DRG) assignment, risk of mortality (ROM), and severity of illness (SOI). Maintains appropriate productivity level.
• Conducts follow-up reviews of patients every to support and assign a working or final DRG assignment upon patient discharge, as necessary.
• Queries physicians regarding missing, unclear, or conflicting health record documentation by requesting and obtaining additional documentation within the health record when needed. Identifies issues with reporting of diagnostic testing proactively. Enhances expertise in query development, presentation, and standards including understanding of published query guidelines and practice expectations for compliance.
• Educates physicians and key healthcare providers regarding clinical documentation improvement and the need for accurate and complete documentation in the health record.
• Attends department meetings to review documentation related issues. Conducts independent research to promote knowledge of clinical topics, coding guidelines, regulatory policies and trends, and healthcare economics.
• Collaborates with coding to reconcile the DRG and resolves mismatches utilizing the escalation policy. Troubleshoots documentation or communication problems proactively and appropriately escalates.
• Reviews and clarifies clinical issues in the health record with the coding professionals that would support an accurate DRG assignment, SOI, and/or ROM. Assists in the mortality review and risk adjustment process utilizing third-party models.
• Demonstrates an understanding of complications, comorbidities, SOI, ROM, case mix, and the impact of procedures on the billed record. Imparts knowledge to providers and other members of the healthcare team. Maintains a level of expertise by attending continuing education programs.
• Applies the existing body of evidence-based practice and scientific knowledge in health care to nursing practice, ensuring that nursing care is delivered based on patient’s age-specific needs and clinical needs as described in the department's scope of service.
• Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• SSM Health values our exceptional employees by offering a comprehensive benefits package to fit their needs.
• Paid Parental Leave: we offer eligible team members one week of paid parental leave for newborns or newly adopted children (pro-rated based on FTE).
• Flexible Payment Options: our voluntary benefit offered through DailyPay offers eligible hourly team members instant access to their earned, unpaid base pay (fees may apply) before payday.
• Upfront Tuition Coverage: we provide upfront tuition coverage through FlexPath Funded for eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees