Business Analyst

The University of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Chicago is seeking a Healthcare Business Analyst to optimize revenue cycle processes, analyze denial trends, and provide actionable insights across clinical departments. The role emphasizes data-driven decision making and cross-functional collaboration with AR management and IT.

Ideal candidates will have 2-5 years of healthcare revenue cycle experience, strong data analysis skills, and familiarity with EPIC or similar EHR systems. A bachelor’s degree is required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with data analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Analyze denial trends and root causes to identify improvement areas.
• Present findings to management and clinical departments; collaborate on action plans.
• Utilize BI dashboards to identify opportunities and communicate results.

Job description

Department

BSD UCP - Vendors - EMR

About the Department

The University of Chicago biomedical enterprise houses three entities: the Biological Sciences Division (BSD), the University of Chicago Medicine (UCM), and the Pritzker School of Medicine. Collectively called UCM, we are one of the nation's leading academic medical institutions and have been at the forefront of discovery, education, and clinical care since 1927. Located 20 minutes south of downtown Chicago, our Hyde Park main campus provides a single environment for learning, world-renowned basic science and clinical research, and outstanding clinical care.

The BSD is the largest academic unit within the University. The BSD is comprised of faculty from ten basic science departments, 13 clinical departments, and several Centers and Institutes. The approximately 1,300 faculty and 3,000 staff members working in the BSD collaborate across the organization to achieve our Mission, Vision, and Values (MVV):

MISSION

As part of the University of Chicago, we pursue globally impactful solutions to seemingly unsolvable challenges. Through our rigorous research, innovative education, and comprehensive care and healing, we collaborate on life-changing advancements that create meaningful results for our community and the world, including a greater, more equitable future for all.

VISION

Together, we elevate the human experience with knowledge and health care.

VALUES

• Commit to Excellence: We contribute our exceptional talents to all we do and empower the same spirit of excellence in others.
• Embrace Curiosity: We stay open to new ideas, champion diverse perspectives, and drive a culture of thoughtful risk-taking to deliver transformative innovation.
• Embody Equity: We identify systemic issues and then foster change to drive a more equitable environment inclusive of diverse people, ideas, and fields of science.
• Grow Together: We meaningfully collaborate with one another to create something bigger than we could ever achieve alone.
• Make a Difference: We lead with heart and compassion in all our interactions. We create positive change in our areas of influence, whether expanding scientific inquiry, developing the next generation of leaders, or healing our community.
• Take Ownership: We accomplish what we say we will and hold ourselves and one another accountable for our actions.

Job Summary

The job provides professional support and solves straightforward problems in projects related to revenue cycle operations, including activities related to charging, billing, and collecting. Coordinates the management of successful billing and compliance activities with department managerial and executive staff. University of Chicago Physician's Group is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Healthcare Business Analyst to join our team. This role will be instrumental in optimizing revenue cycle management processes, identifying denial trends, and supporting clinical departments with actionable insights. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, a passion for improving operational efficiency in healthcare, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

Responsibilities

Proactive Denial Review:

• Analyze denial trends and root causes to identify areas for improvement and develop proactive strategies to prevent future denials.
• Analyze denial trends and overturn rates to develop strategies for minimizing denials and maximizing reimbursement.
• Stay informed about new payer denial trends and elevate significant changes to leadership.

Support Management and Clinical Meetings:

• Pull detailed information on denial trends to be validated by Accounts Receivable (AR) management.
• Present findings on denial trends and recovery options at management and clinical department meetings.
• Collaborate with AR management and clinical departments to develop action plans based on identified trends.

Utilization of BI Dashboards:

• Utilize Business Intelligence (BI) dashboards to identify denials or AR process opportunities requiring additional analysis.
• Generate reports and data visualizations to communicate key findings to stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain denial management metrics and reports to track denial trends, resolution rates, and revenue recovery efforts.

Support Data Requests:

• Respond to data requests from all University of Chicago Physician's Group areas and clinical departments.
• Provide accurate and timely data analysis to support decision-making and process improvement initiatives.

Review Payer Policy Updates:

• Review payer policy updates every month and assess potential impacts on revenue cycle processes.
• Identify changes with high-level impacts and elevate them to leadership for further review and action.

Review High-Dollar Write-Offs:

• Review high-dollar write-offs performed by the AR team and identify areas for improvement.
• Elevate significant findings to leadership and collaborate on strategies to minimize write-offs.

Analyze Accounts Receivable (AR):

• Analyze AR data to identify payer-specific trends, write-offs, and process improvement opportunities across all financial classes, including Self-Pay.
• Develop recommendations for optimizing revenue cycle processes and maximizing collections.

Collaboration on System Updates:

• Work collaboratively with the manager and IT team to make updates to the EPIC system to facilitate improved Revenue Cycle Processes.
• Provide input and feedback on system enhancements to support operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Prioritizes chart documentation and maintaining requirements within the department. Ensures all processes involved in accurately posting professional fees.
• Participates and may lead in training sessions, performing audits, and promoting an understanding of procedures, policies, and expectations in promotion of compliance efforts.
• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Work Experience:

2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

Certifications:

---

Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree in Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Finance, or related field strongly preferred.

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in healthcare revenue cycle management, billing, or financial analysis strongly preferred.
• Experience with EPIC or other Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems is strongly preferred.

Preferred Competencies

• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data analysis tools and BI dashboards.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse stakeholders.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of healthcare payer policies, regulations, and reimbursement methodologies.

Working Conditions

• Office environment.

Application Documents

• Resume (required)
• Cover Letter (required)

Job Family

Financial Management

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Pay Rate Type

Salary

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Range

$70,000.00 - $95,000.00

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Posting Statement

The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at: http://securityreport.uchicago.edu. Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.