Clinical Documentation Specialist

Ascension • Des Plaines, IL

20h • $79,512 - $110,835 • Remote

About The Position

This role focuses on optimizing clinical documentation to drive measurable improvements in medical record completeness, accuracy, and overall data quality. The specialist will manage DRG & Database Inputs by conducting timely admission reviews to assign and log accurate working Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs). A key aspect of the role involves cultivating provider collaboration by partnering extensively with physicians and mid-level providers to resolve documentation queries prior to patient discharge. The goal is to ensure medical records precisely reflect the true severity of illness and the full level of healthcare services delivered.

Requirements

• Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Certified Professional Coder (CPC) credentialed from the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Registered Nurse credentialed from the Texas Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Reg Health Info Admnstr credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• Reg Health Info Tech credentialed from the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree OR 4 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required.

Nice To Haves

• 1+ years of CDI experience strongly preferred
• Second Level Review experience and Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) preferred
• Active Registered Nursing license in state of residence

Responsibilities

• Optimize Clinical Documentation: Drive measurable improvements in medical record completeness, accuracy, and overall data quality.
• Manage DRG & Database Inputs: Conduct timely admission reviews to assign and log accurate working Diagnosis Related Groups (DRGs).
• Cultivate Provider Collaboration: Partner extensively with physicians and mid-level providers to resolve documentation queries prior to patient discharge.
• Capture Care Severity: Ensure medical records precisely reflect the true severity of illness and the full level of healthcare services delivered.

Benefits

• Paid time off (PTO)
• Various health insurance options & wellness plans
• Retirement benefits including employer match plans
• Long-term & short-term disability
• Employee assistance programs (EAP)
• Parental leave & adoption assistance
• Tuition reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED