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 diversity and inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health equity on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together.
The Senior Clinical Appeals RN utilizes subject matter expertise in MS-DRG and APR-DRG auditing to review and provide response to appeals. By partnering with the original auditor, review medical records, and other information to author a rebuttal or agreement with the facility. This person will be instrumental in providing coaching and education to our remote DRG Validation Specialists utilizing core coding and clinical information. We are seeking self-motivated, solution oriented and skilled problem solvers who provide written documentation under tight deadlines. As a Sr Clinical Appeals RN, you will derive key insights from the appeals and provide guidance and direction to fellow auditors across our business.
You’ll enjoy the flexibility to telecommute* from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges.
Primary Responsibilities:
Analyze scope and resolution of DRG Appeals
Respond to Level one, two or higher appeals
Perform complex conceptual analyses
Identify risk factors, comorbidities, and adverse events, to determine if overpayment or claim adjustment is needed
Review governmental regulations and payer protocols and / or medical policy to recommend appropriate actions
Research and prepare written appeals
Exercise clinical and/or coding judgment and experience
Collaborate with existing auditors, quality and leadership team to seek to understand, and review medical records pertaining to impacted claims
Navigate through web-based portals and independently utilizes other online tools and resources including but not limited to word, adobe, excel
Serve as a key resource on complex and / or critical issues and help develop innovative solutions
Define and document / communicate business requirements
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
You’ll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.
Required Qualifications:
Associates Degree (or higher)
Unrestricted RN (registered nurse) license in your state of residence
CCS or CIC or willing to obtain 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
Intermediate level of 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)
Intermediate level of knowledge of ICD-10-PCS coding including but not limited to; expert knowledge of the structural components of PCS including but not limited to; selection of appropriate body systems, root operations, body parts, approaches, devices, and qualifiers
Preferred Qualifications:
Managed care experience
Healthcare claims experience
Investigation and/or auditing experience
Knowledge of health insurance business, industry terminology, and regulatory guidelines
Proficiency with MS Excel, including the ability to create/edit spreadsheets and use sort/filter function
An existing coding certification, such as RHIT (registered health information technician), RHIA (registered health information administrator), CDIP (certified documentation improvement practitioner), CCS (certified coding specialist), or CIC (certified inpatient coder)
*All Telecommuters will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group’s Telecommuter Policy.
**PLEASE NOTE** The sign-on bonus is only available to external candidates. Candidates who are currently working for UnitedHealth Group, UnitedHealthcare or a related entity in a full time, part time or per diem basis ('Internal Candidates') are not eligible to receive a sign on bonus.
California, Colorado, Nevada, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington, or Washington D.C Residents Only:The hourly range for California, Colorado, Nevada, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Hawaii, Maryland, Washington, or Washington D.Cresidents is $33.75 to $66.25 per hour.Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. UnitedHealth Group complies with all minimum wage laws as applicable.In addition to your salary, UnitedHealth Group offers 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 UnitedHealth Group, you’ll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.
At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone–of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income–deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes — an enterprise priority reflected in our mission.
Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.
UnitedHealth Group is a drug - free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.