Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist (Hybrid)

CareFirst; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 51,984 - 95,304; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401k contribution programs

Job summary

CareFirst is looking for a Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist to support the CMS-HCC Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment and HHS-Risk Adjustment Data Validation audit. This position requires an Associate's Degree in a related field and CCS certification upon hire.

The role involves verifying diagnosis codes and maintaining coding guidelines. Candidates should have at least 3 years of relevant coding experience and be adaptable to various technology platforms.

Position offers a hybrid work model, allowing some remote work. Salary ranges from $51,984 to $95,304 with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• 3 years risk adjustment/hierarchical condition category (HCC) coding experience.
• CCS-Certified Coding Specialist or CPS, CCS-P, CRC Upon Hire Required.
• RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician or RHIA Upon Hire Preferred.

Responsibilities

• Verifies accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of diagnosis codes.
• Develop and maintain coding guidelines for Commercial, CMS Medicare Advantage.
• Provide guidance and direction to Coding Specialists.

Skills

Adobe Acrobat Professional

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Claims Processing

Facets

Communication skills

Customer service

Education

Associate's Degree in Health Information Technology

2 years of relevant work experience

Tools

Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems

Job description

Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE

The Risk Adjustment Coding Specialist supports the retrospective risk adjustment supplemental filing, CMS-HCC Medicare Advantage Risk Adjustment, HHS-Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) audit and any other chart coding functions, by performing moderately complex medical record review and coding, ensuring compliance with all applicable Federal, State and/or County laws and regulations related to coding and documentation guidelines. The development and ongoing maintenance of the Commercial Risk Adjustment Coding guidelines, as well as guiding junior coding specialists are included in the job responsibilities.

We are looking for an experienced professional in the greater Baltimore/Washington metropolitan area who is willing and able to work in a hybrid model. The incumbent will be expected to work a portion of their week from home and a portion of their week at a CareFirst location based on business needs and work activities/deliverables that week.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Verifies accuracy, completeness, and appropriateness of diagnosis codes based on medical documentation provided at all levels of complexity. Utilizes appropriate coding guidelines and recommends any changes to diagnosis codes based on chart review. Achieves and maintains coding accuracy levels greater than 90%. Works with vendors, providers and hospital staff to coordinate record access.

• Identifies and documents coding observations or discrepancies and provides information to management team to further enhance quality and/or provider education. Work with leadership and third-party vendors to negotiate agreement on complex medical record diagnoses and determine compliance with coding guidelines which will be accepted by the federal government. Develops and conducts new physician/other healthcare practitioner coding orientation/education, including group or individual sessions. Develop and maintain coding guidelines for Commercial, CMS Medicare Advantage, and Medicaid Risk Adjustment for any changes in industry standards.

• Provide guidance and direction to Coding Specialists when reviewing complex medical records to help guide in determining appropriate coding.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Position does not have direct reports but is expected to assist in guiding and mentoring less experienced staff. May lead a team of matrixed resources.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education Level

Associate's Degree in Health Information Technology, Business or related field OR in lieu of a Associate degree, an additional 2 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.

Licenses/Certifications

• CCS-Certified Coding Specialist or CPS, CCS-P, CRC Upon Hire Required or
• RHIT - Registered Health Information Technician or RHIA Upon Hire Preferred

Experience

3 years risk adjustment/hierarchical condition category (HCC) coding experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Adobe Acrobat Professional.
• Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Claims Processing, Facets.
• Ability to adapt to various coding technology platforms, such as Electronic Medical Record (EMR) or Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems and coding documentation platforms.
• Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.
• Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.

Travel Requirements

Estimate Amount: 5% medical sites to supervise medical record retrieval, conferences.

Salary Range

$51,984 - $95,304

Salary Range Disclaimer

The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of the Company to provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Federal Disc/Physical Demand

Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in US

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship