DRG Nurse Quality Auditor, Sr. Specialist

Gainwell Technologies

3d•$85,000 - $99,000•Remote

About The Position

We are seeking a talented individual for a DRG Nurse Quality Auditor, Sr. Specialist who is responsible for performing on-going quality assurance audits of the accuracy and consistency of work performed by clinical and coding staff. Responsibilities include performing DRG validation (clinical/coding) reviews of medical records and/or other documentation to validate the conditions that were documented in the medical record, the ICD-10-CM/PCS code assignments and determine the accuracy of DRG assignment that is clinically supported as defined by review methodologies specific to the contract for which review services are being provided. This involves accessing proprietary systems to audit medical records, accurately documenting findings and providing policy/regulatory support for determination. The candidate must have extensive clinical experience and an active coding certification with a background in auditing medical records with a high level of understanding payment methodologies including MS-DRG, and APR-DRG.

Requirements

Associates degree required; bachelor's degree preferred.
Active, unrestricted RN licensure from the United States and in the state of primary home residency, active compact multistate unrestricted RN license as defined by the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), required
One of the following Coding Certifications required: RHIA, RHIT, CCS, CIC, CCDS or CPC
5+ years clinical experience in an inpatient hospital setting required
3+ years of MS DRG/APR DRG coding or auditing experience with expert knowledge of ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines and DRG reimbursement methodologies
Expert knowledge of ICD -10-CM coding including but not limited to; expert knowledge of principal diagnosis selection, complications/comorbidities (CCs) and major complications/comorbidities (MCCs), and conditions that impact severity of illness (SOI) and risk of mortality (ROM)
Expert knowledge of ICD-10-PCS coding methodologies, code sequencing, and discharge disposition in accordance with CMS requirements, Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and Coding Clinic guidance.
Demonstrated ability to apply clinical review judgment to make clinical determinations
Excellent written communication skills including ability to write clear, concise, accurate, and fact-based rationales in support of review determinations.
Advanced knowledge of medical codes, coding conventions and rules.
Demonstrated experience in medical review, chart audits and quality improvement processes

Responsibilities

Conducts QA audits to ensure accurate determinations and high-quality documentation.
Identifies quality trends and develops corrective education and training.
Reviews medical records to validate accurate diagnosis/procedure coding and compliance with guidelines.
Applies job aids, policies, and criteria consistently during reviews.
Documents review decisions clearly and provides detailed results for reporting and trending.
Ensures all review elements are completed accurately while meeting productivity and quality goals.
Supports training of new reviewers through monitoring, mentoring, and feedback.
Demonstrates strong proficiency with multiple payment methodologies, DRG validation, and client-specific requirements.
Trains new Coders or Clinical DRG Auditors as needed.
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of coding guidelines and required licensure/CEU standards.
Participates in trainings and meetings to stay current on clinical policies and regulations.
Cross-trains on multiple claim types to support flexible workforce needs.
Serves as a subject matter expert for business proposals.
Assists with projects, data analysis, and reporting as assigned.
Consistently meets established productivity and quality standards.