Clinical Denials Coordinator

Job Opportunity At Thom Thomas Hospitals

Responsible for reporting, monitoring, and analyzing denials. Coordinates all referrals for further appeal to outside agencies based on department guidelines. Provides support and assistance to Revenue Cycle Leadership as directed. Coordinates all administrative activities surrounding management of clinical denials. Coordinates and performs appeals writing for RAC, Medicaid RAC, payer and other government denials. Provide process improvement initiatives through root cause analysis.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Current Registered Nurse license issued by the state in which services will be provided or current multi-state Registered Nurse license through the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact.

Experience:

1. Three (3) years of healthcare clinical experience.

Preferred Qualifications

Education, Certification, and/or Licensure:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Nursing OR Associate of Science in Nursing Degree (ASN) or Diploma; Currently enrolled in a BSN program and BSN completion within three (3) years of hire.

Experience:

1. Medical Management for Medicare and/or Medicaid populations.

2. Utilization Management experience.

Core Duties and Responsibilities

The statements described here are intended to describe the general nature of work being performed by people assigned to this position. They are not intended to be constructed as an all-inclusive list of all responsibilities and duties. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Completes clinical appeal writing for insurance denials.
2. Evaluates each patient medical record reviewing specific documents relating to patient treatment and billable charges, chronologically, identifying services billed versus services documented as rendered. Identifies acceptable versus unacceptable supportive information, based on JCAHO/AHA/Clinical Practice Standards.
3. Evaluates patient medical record versus the bill noting discrepancies in over-under and miss-billed items; correctly calculates the dollar total amounts for each discrepancy and submits necessary documents for adjustments.
4. Negotiates with external auditors regarding billing issues as needed to reach agreement on disputed items; provides appropriate supportive documentation for questioned charges.
5. Completes and submits audits documentation in a timely fashion and legible manner. Completes work independently with minimum supervision.
6. Communicates regularly with clinical and administrative personnel to obtain further supportive documentation for billed services beyond what is found in the medical record.
7. Maintains current clinical knowledge through reading, attendance at seminars, clinical practice and informal sessions with other departments.
8. Provides timely information regarding bill defense problems to manager, and offers recommendations to eliminate the unnecessary loss of revenue.
9. Applies the medical necessity process to auditing to effectively maximize the hospital's position in negotiation.
10. Participates in departmental projects and educational opportunities to enhance effectiveness of the audit unit. Coordinates and presents education to various groups within the hospital directed at identified problems.
11. Develops appropriate learning tools and objectives for presentations. Shares knowledge with others in a clear, concise and timely manner.
12. Coordinates all administrative activities with regard to denial management including: Collects all denial correspondence. Updates the denial database regularly to accurately reflect all denials received. Coordinates appeals process with Case Management, Patient Access, providers on appropriate accounts.
13. Aggressively appeals denials with payers to obtain maximum recovery of revenues.
14. Develops and/or coordinates training sessions ongoing for revenue cycle staff, clinical staff, etc. to maintain current practices with regard to payer denial activity.
15. Completes analysis and process improvement initiatives related to denials with clinical leaders in organization.
16. Prepares and distributes clinical denial reports as needed for various leaders and stake holders.
17. Assists with preparing and coordinating follow up activities to resolve organizational difficulties with regard to denials.
18. Identifies payer trends with regard to denials and communicates outcomes appropriately.
19. Attends all denial related meetings, as appropriate, to stay up to date on current organizational activities with regard to denials. Attends training sessions, internal and/or externally, and researches the latest best practice trends in handling denials.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Skills and Abilities

1. Strong letter writing skills.

2. Diverse clinical knowledge.

3. Effective communication skills.

Additional Job Description: Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Shift: Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Exempt) Company: Thom Thomas Hospitals Cost Center: 6242 THOM SF Pain Management Address: 400 Court Street Charleston West Virginia Equal Opportunity Employer West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.