Clinical Validation Auditor Registered Nurse

Title: DRG/Clinical Validation Auditor RN

Location: US

Work Type: Remote, Full Time

Job ID: 2329289

Job Description:

Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology, to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.

In this position as a Clinical DRG RN auditor, you will apply your expert knowledge of the MS-DRG and APR-DRG coding/reimbursement methodology systems, ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines, and AHA Coding Clinic Guidelines in the auditing of inpatient claims. Employing both industry and Optum proprietary tools, you will validate ICD-10 diagnosis and procedure codes, DRG assignments, and discharge statuses billed by hospitals to identify overpayments. Utilizing excellent communications skills, you will compose rationales supporting your audit findings.

You'll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Conduct MS-DRG and APR-DRG coding reviews to verify the accuracy of DRG assignment and reimbursement with a focus on overpayment identification
• Utilize expert knowledge to identify the ICD-10-CM/PCS code assignment, appropriate code sequencing, present on admission (POA) assignment, and discharge disposition, in accordance with CMS requirements, ICD-10 Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, and AHA Coding Clinic guidance
• Apply current ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines and AHA Coding Clinic citations and demonstrate working knowledge of clinical criteria documentation requirements used to successfully substantiate code assignments
• Perform clinical coding review to ensure accuracy of medical coding and utilize clinical expertise and judgment to determine correct coding and billing
• Utilize solid command of anatomy and physiology, diagnostic procedures, and surgical operations developed from specialized training and extensive experience with ICD-10-PCS code assignment
• Write clear, accurate and concise rationales in support of findings using ICD-10 CM/PCS Official Coding Guidelines, and AHA Coding Clinics
• Utilize proprietary workflow systems and encoder tool efficiently and accurately to make audit determinations, generate audit rationales and move claims through workflow process correctly
• Demonstrate knowledge of and compliance with changes and updates to coding guidelines, reimbursement trends, and client processes and requirements
• Maintain and manage daily case review assignments, with a high emphasis on quality
• Provide clinical support and expertise in the other investigative and analytical areas
• Work in a high-volume production environment that is matrix driven

What are the reasons to consider working for UnitedHealth Group? Put it all together - competitive base pay, a full and comprehensive benefit program, performance rewards, and a management team who demonstrates their commitment to your success. Some of our offerings include:

• Paid Time Off which you start to accrue with your first pay period plus 8 Paid Holidays
• Medical Plan options along with participation in a Health Spending Account or a Health Saving account
• Dental, Vision, Life& AD&D Insurance along with Short-term disability and Long-Term Disability coverage
• 401(k) Savings Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Education Reimbursement
• Employee Discounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Referral Bonus Program
• Voluntary Benefits (pet insurance, legal insurance, LTC Insurance, etc.)

You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear directions on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.

Required Qualifications:

• Associate's Degree (or higher)
• Unrestricted RN (Registered Nurse) license
• CCS/CIC or willing to obtain certification within 6 months of hire
• 3+ years of MS DRG/APR DRG coding experience in a hospital environment with expert knowledge of ICD-10 Official Coding Guidelines and DRG reimbursement methodologies
• 2+ years of ICD-10-CM coding experience 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)
• 2+ years of ICD-10-PCS coding experience including but not limited to expert knowledge of the structural components of PCS such as selection of appropriate body systems, root operations, body parts, approaches, devices, and qualifiers

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with prior DRG concurrent and/or retrospective overpayment identification audits
• Experience working with Utilization Management
• Experience with readmission reviews of claims
• Experience with DRG encoder tools (ex. 3M)
• Experience using Microsoft Excel with the ability to create / edit spreadsheets, use sort / filter function, and perform data entry
• Healthcare claims experience
• Managed care experience
• Knowledge of health insurance business, industry terminology, and regulatory guidelines

Soft Skills:

• Ability to use a Windows PC with the ability to utilize multiple applications at the same time
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment and deliver exceptional results
• Demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, solid analytical skills, and attention to detail
• Excellent time management and work prioritization skills

Physical Requirements and Work Environment:

• Frequent speaking, listening using a headset, sitting, use of hands / fingers across keyboard or mouse, handling other objects, long periods working at a computer
• Have a secluded office area in which to perform job duties during the work day
• Have reliable high-speed internet access and a work environment free from distractions
• All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy.

Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The hourly pay for this role will range from $34.23 to $61.15 per hour based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.