Investigator III

Premera Blue Cross•Mountlake Terrace, WA

23d•Hybrid

About The Position

Our purpose, to improve customers’ lives by making healthcare work better, is far from ordinary. And so are our employees. Working at Premera means you have the opportunity to drive real change by transforming healthcare. Premera is committed to being a workplace where people feel empowered to grow, innovate, and lead with purpose. By investing in our employees and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous development, we’re able to better serve our customers. It’s this commitment that has earned us recognition as one of the best companies to work for. Learn more about our recent awards and recognitions as a greatest workplace. Learn how Premera supports our members, customers and the communities that we serve through our Healthsource blog: https://healthsource.premera.com/ . As a member of Premera’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU), the Investigator III leads complex investigations into allegations of external fraud, waste, and abuse (FWA). This role manages medium to high complexity cases from initiation through resolution, producing thorough, well documented investigative reports that may be subject to legal discovery. The Investigator III conducts detailed analysis, collaborates closely with SIU colleagues, and balances multiple investigations simultaneously. In this role, you will also work to identify and recover improper payments resulting from fraudulent or misrepresentative billing, while ensuring all investigative activities comply with company policies, regulatory requirements, and applicable laws. As a not-for-profit organization, Premera offers the opportunity to do this work with a genuine focus on doing what’s right for our members—supported by leaders who believe in the impact this team makes, not just the metrics.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business administration, health care administration, finance, accounting, nursing or criminal justice or (4) years of work experience in field of study. (Required)
(3) years of experience in fraud investigation, special investigation unit, or a related field. (Required)
Two (2) years of active experience in auditing and investigating in the healthcare industry.
Significant experience with relevant technology, such as background check systems, claims processing platforms, data mining, and fraud detection software.
Demonstrated knowledge of institutional and/or professional payment methodologies.
Strong understanding of health insurance reimbursement methodologies, including familiarity with International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10 CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS).
Strong computer aptitude and experience with spreadsheet and database software, e.g., Excel, Access, Focus.
Demonstrated strong technical writing skills - ability to write reports and business correspondence and to prepare case files.
Ability to exercise a very high level of discretion when handling sensitive information.

Nice To Haves

Certified Professional Coder (CPC), Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), or Accredited Health Care Fraud Investigator (AHFI).

Responsibilities

Analyze healthcare claim data and vet referrals to detect fraudulent activity and independently determine the most effective and efficient method of investigation for each individual case.
Perform investigative field work to include on-site office visits, record collection, and surveillance.
Interview suspects and witnesses.
Prepare cases, testify and give depositions to law enforcement and regulatory agencies for potential criminal prosecution.
Participate in settlement negotiations with attorneys and other responsible parties.
Perform root cause analysis of identified issues and prepare post-investigative reports directed towards the prevention of fraud.
Make recommendations for creating SIU policies, procedures, workflows and process improvements.
Develop and maintain collaborative and liaison relationships with Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Plans, HHS OIG, other carriers' anti-fraud professionals, law enforcement and regulatory agencies.
May attend webinars and conferences like BCBSA, National Health Care Anti-Fraud Association (NHCAA), and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) to keep apprised of developments in health care fraud.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental coverage with low employee premiums.
Voluntary benefit offerings, including pet insurance for paw parents.
Life and disability insurance.
Retirement programs, including a 401K employer match and, believe it or not, a pension plan that is vested after 3 years of service.
Wellness incentives with a wide range of mental well-being resources for you and your dependents, including counseling services, stress management programs, and mindfulness programs, just to name a few.
Generous paid time off to reenergize.
Looking for continuing education? We have tuition assistance for both undergraduate and graduate degrees.
Employee recognition program to celebrate anniversaries, team accomplishments, and more.
For our hybrid employees, our on-campus model provides flexibility to create your own routine with access to on-site resources, networking opportunities, and team engagement.
Commuter perks make your trip to work less impactful on the environment and your wallet.
Free convenient on-site parking.
Subsidized on-campus cafes make lunchtime connections with colleagues fun and affordable.
Participate in engaging on-site activities such as health and wellness events, coffee connects, disaster preparedness fairs and more.
Our complementary fitness & well-being center offers both in-person and virtual workouts and nutritional counseling.
Need a brain break? Challenge someone to a game of shuffleboard or ping pong while on campus.