Senior Clinical Documentation Specialist

Ascension; Tulsa (OK); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health coverage including medical, den

Tuition reimbursement

PTO & Holidays

Employee Assistance Program

Parental leave

Life & disability insurance

Job summary

Ascension St. John Medical Center is seeking a CDI Lead within Health Information Management Operations in Tulsa, OK. You will lead high-complexity chart reviews, work closely with physicians to clear documentation gaps, and drive CDI quality improvements across market teams.

The role emphasizes mentoring teammates on evolving coding guidelines and clinical indicators to support accurate severity of illness and mortality data. Strong leadership and CDI credentials are preferred.

Qualifications

• Clinical Documentation Specialist credentials required or obtained before hire.
• 3+ years of progressive Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) experience in an acute care setting preferred.
• Active RN license or CCS credential required or preferred. CCDS/CDIP certifications highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-complexity clinical chart reviews to capture accurate diagnoses.
• Collaborate with physicians to clarify documentation and support severity of illness data.
• Drive quality initiatives to improve case mix index and documentation practices.
• Mentor colleagues on CDI guidelines and best practices.

Skills

Clinical documentation

Leadership

Mentoring

Physician collaboration

Education

RN license

CCDS/CDIP certification

Tools

EPIC or other CDI systems

Job description

Your future role at a glance

• Facility: Ascension St. John Medical Center
• Specialty: Health Information Management Operations
• Schedule: Full-time | Monday-Friday | 8am-5pm

How you’ll make an impact in this role

• Lead high-complexity clinical chart reviews to capture accurate diagnosis codes and ensure patient care journeys are fully reflected in the medical record.
• Collaborate directly with physicians and advanced practice providers to clarify clinical documentation, resolving gaps to support severity of illness and risk of mortality data.
• Drive quality improvement initiatives across market teams to uphold compliance standards, improve case mix index accuracy and elevate overall documentation practices.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and mentor to guide colleagues on evolving coding guidelines, clinical indicators and CDI best practices.

What Minimum Requirements You’ll Need

Licensure / Certification / Registration

• Required Credential(s):
  • Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.

Education

• High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.

Additional Preferences

• Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) or Certified Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) certification
• Minimum 3 years of progressive Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) experience in an acute care setting
• Active Registered Nurse (RN) license or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) credential

Benefits that help you thrive

• Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
• Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
• Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
• Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
• Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
• Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
• Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more

Life at Ascension: Where purpose meets opportunity

Ascension is a leading nonprofit Catholic health system with a culture and associate experience grounded in service, growth, care and connection. We empower our 99,000+ associates to bring their skills and expertise every day to reimagining healthcare, together. Recognized as one of the Best 150+ Places to Work in Healthcare and a Military-Friendly Gold Employer, you'll find an inclusive and supportive environment where your contributions truly matter.

Equal employment opportunity employer

Ascension provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) to all associates and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, lactation, breastfeeding, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, all as defined by applicable law, and any other legally protected status or characteristic in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. For further information, view the EEO Know Your Rights (English) poster or EEO Know Your Rights (Spanish) poster.

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