Auditor Project Lead-DRG Validation

This is a remote position

We are seeking a DRG validation auditor specializing in coding-related denials, reimbursement audits, and clinical documentation improvement. This Auditor Project Lead will be part of a team of clinicians, engineers, product managers, and other domain experts who are applying state-of-the-art machine learning software to improve the data quality and medical coding practices of providers. This is an opportunity to help inform the next generation in auditing software as well as to work in a dynamic environment with a high-performing team.
The ideal candidate for this position needs to have both an inpatient and outpatient coding / auditing background focused on the following disciplines from a coding and billing perspective: Inpatient MS-DRG/APR-DRG, and Outpatient CPT-4/HCPCS coding and auditing, with a strong focus on pediatric healthcare services and coding accuracy and payer claim processing.

Job Duties:

• Manage DRG validation projects including client expectations, collaboration with engineers and product team as well as oversee contract auditors.  
• Validate the accuracy of ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, and DRG and APR group appropriateness, CPT and HCPCS inpatient patient and outpatient facility claims.
• Auditing inpatient claims to identify DRG codes that may have been over-assigned, ensuring accurate reimbursement aligned with regulatory and contractual guidelines.
• Identify and resolve complex coding discrepancies.
• Provide expert client services and communicate complex coding findings.
• Be responsible and accountable for maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of protected health information. Follow HIPAA security policies and procedures affecting your job, and report any suspected or actual violation or breach.

• Extensive knowledge of healthcare industry and experience in and around coding, billing, auditing, compliance and reimbursement for Inpatient and Outpatient facility.
• Must have extensive pediatric inpatient facility experience.
• 8 years of auditing facility inpatient and outpatient services with DRG and APR-DRG as well as familiarity with clinical documentation improvement practices.
• Extensive knowledge of current Official Coding Guidelines and Coding Clinic citations.
• Strong background in cost reduction strategies by ensuring correct claims payment and appropriate diagnosis-related group (DRG) assignment including familiarity with inpatient denial coding systems (e.g. CARC codes).
• Proficiency in coding software, electronic health record systems and familiar with how AI tools can assist in identifying over/under-assigned DRGs.
• High level proficiency in anatomy, physiology, disease process, and pharmacology.
• Detail oriented and deadline driven attitude.
• Ability to think critically and determine the best method for resolving challenges.
• Excellent organizational skills, a strong sense of accountability, a proactive work ethic and a collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams.  

• RHIA, RHIT, or CCS from AHIMA and/or CPMA, CIC, COC from AAPC
  
  AAPC Values:
  
  DRIVEN | Self-starts and stays highly motivated to achieve ambitious goals. Shares contagious energy and enthusiasm liberally. Takes initiative without always being directed. Demonstrates confidence in decision-making and effectively balances autonomy and authority with accountability.
  
  HUMBLE | Learns, adapts, and improves relentlessly. Seeks feedback without insecurity and implements coaching. Recognizes others' contributions gratefully. Approaches work and relationships with an abundance mentality. Places the needs of others above self.
  
  TRANSPARENT| Integrity-centered, honest, truthful, and trustworthy in all aspects of work. Keeps commitments to external and internal parties. Holds self strictly accountable, valuing the trust placed in them by others.
  
  SUPPORTIVE | Empowers and uplifts others. Listens actively and responds with empathy and understanding. Prioritizes well-being and growth of team members and customers ahead of own interest. Faces challenges together, believing in collective strength and unity.
  
  INNOVATIVE | Entrepreneurial spirit with a scrappy mentality. Dreams big, sees opportunity, pursues full potential, and finds ways to accomplish the impossible. Rolls up sleeves and does real work. Works quickly, intelligently, and flexibly.

What We Offer:

AAPC offers a competitive compensation commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, Health Savings Account (HSA), and generous PTO and holiday pay.

AAPC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, handicap, religion, national origin or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above listed items.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. This company does not and will not discriminate in employment and personnel practices on the basis of race, sex, age, disability, religion, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Hiring, transferring and promotion practices are performed without regard to the above-listed items.