HB Coding Strategic Data Analyst (Remote - Must reside in IL, IN, IA, MO, or WI)
About The Position
The HB Coding Strategic Data Analyst transforms complex coding, revenue cycle, operational, and financial data into actionable insights that support performance, compliance, strategic decision-making, and operational leadership across Northwestern Medicine’s Hospital Billing Coding operations. The role develops and manages reports, dashboards, performance metrics, and analytics to help leaders identify trends, measure outcomes, evaluate effectiveness, improve coding accuracy and financial performance, and plan resources and initiatives. The analyst collaborates with stakeholders on reporting, workflow optimization, technology enhancements, and process improvement. Using Epic, computer-assisted coding (CAC) technology, Power BI, Microsoft applications, and other reporting tools, the role supports operational excellence, organizational growth, and high-quality patient care. This position is 100% remote and requires residence in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, or Wisconsin. For the inpatient HB Coding specialization described in Addendum 2, the role also requires expertise in inpatient coding principles and regulations, denials including DRG downgrades, and reviewing and writing payer appeal letters.
Requirements
- Associate’s degree in health information management, health informatics, or a related field, or equivalent education and relevant experience.
- At least 3 years of data analytics experience.
- Working knowledge of KPI management.
- Microsoft Office proficiency, including advanced Excel functions.
- Experience with Epic and computer-assisted coding technology.
- AHIMA or AAPC membership.
- Applicable Epic reporting certification required at hire or within six months.
- Demonstrated attention to detail and accuracy, critical thinking, clear written and verbal communication, effective collaboration, ability to manage competing priorities, and accountability.
- For the inpatient specialization: expertise in inpatient coding principles and regulatory requirements, including ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and official coding guidelines.
- For the inpatient specialization: RHIT or CCS credential.
- For the inpatient specialization: 3 years of inpatient coding experience and experience reviewing and writing appeal letters for payer denials and DRG downgrades.
Nice To Haves
- Acute care revenue cycle experience.
- Project management experience.
- Healthcare coding analytics experience.
- Experience with Epic Cogito, Reporting Workbench, Slicer Dicer, or applicable Epic reporting.
- Dashboard development and data visualization experience.
- Budget, productivity, and quality analysis experience.
- Bachelor’s degree in health information management, health informatics, or a related field, or equivalent education and relevant experience.
- RHIA coding credential.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary analytics resource for Coding Leadership, turning coding, revenue cycle, operational, and financial data into insights for strategic and operational decision-making.
- Develop, maintain, and enhance dashboards, scorecards, KPIs, routine reports, and ad hoc analyses covering productivity, quality, accounts receivable, budgets, vendor performance, and workflow outcomes.
- Analyze coding and revenue cycle data to identify trends, risks, variances, and improvement opportunities, and provide recommendations to leadership and operational teams.
- Translate analytical findings into reports, presentations, and visualizations that communicate performance, risks, opportunities, and recommendations.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues, support reporting needs, and achieve organizational objectives.
- Use Epic, CAC technology, Power BI, Microsoft applications, and reporting tools to evaluate system functionality, validate business requirements, coordinate user acceptance testing and post-implementation validation, and optimize operational performance.
- Coordinate coding technology activities by documenting workflows, supporting upgrades and troubleshooting, managing IS ticket documentation and status reporting, and serving as a subject matter expert for Epic and CAC workflows.
- Lead and support reporting, technology, and continuous improvement initiatives; apply project management principles, strengthen data integrity, document requirements and decisions, and streamline departmental workflows.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
- For the inpatient specialization: review and write appeal letters for payer denials and DRG downgrades.
Benefits
- Competitive benefits, including tuition reimbursement, loan forgiveness, and 401(k) matching.
- A range of benefits intended to support physical, emotional, and financial well-being and provide protection for unexpected life events.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
Associate degree
