Clinical Documentation Specialist

Clinical Documentation Specialist – UAMS

Position:
Clinical Documentation Specialist

Institution:
University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

Department: ICE | CORE Value Based Care

Type:
Professional Staff – Project/Program Administration (Regular, Full‑time)

Work Shift:

Not specified. Sponsorship Available:
No.

Closing Date: 01/31/2026.

The Clinical Documentation Specialist supports UAMS population health, quality, and financial performance through accurate, complete, and compliant risk‑adjusted coding. The role conducts coding audits, identifies documentation and coding improvement opportunities, and ensures compliance with CMS and payer guidelines. A central component is provider education – partnering with clinicians to enhance understanding of risk adjustment principles, improve documentation practices, and strengthen audit readiness.

• Perform detailed retrospective and prospective reviews of provider documentation to ensure accurate assignment of ICD‑10‑CM codes that support risk adjustment models (CMS‑HCC, HHS‑HCC, etc.).
• Validate that diagnoses meet all MEAT (Monitored, Evaluated, Assessed, Treated) criteria and align with official coding guidelines.
• Develop prospective process for pre‑visit charting prioritizing high‑risk patient cohorts.
• Identify and correct coding discrepancies or missed opportunities that impact risk scores and quality metrics.
• Partner with physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, and care teams to provide feedback and education on documentation best practices and accurate coding.
• Develop and deliver training sessions, workshops, or provider tip sheets focused on risk adjustment principles, MEAT criteria, and condition specificity.
• Serve as a subject‑matter expert on coding and documentation policy updates, ensuring provider network awareness and compliance.
• Promote a culture of documentation excellence through ongoing education and collaboration.
• Collaborate with population health teams to track coding completeness, identify trends, and prioritize high‑impact patient cohorts.
• Use data‑driven insights to support Value‑Based Care initiatives such as gap closure, RAF optimization, and quality measure improvement.
• Prepare detailed audit reports and participate in audit follow‑up activities, including root‑cause analysis and education.
• Collaborate with billing and revenue cycle teams to ensure appropriate claim corrections or adjustments are made, without directly altering billing or claim data.
• Maintain current knowledge of risk adjustment regulations, coding policies, and payer‑specific documentation requirements.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Registered Nurse (RN) with current license and 4 years inpatient clinical experience in Emergency, Critical Care, or Medical/Surgical area with experience in Quality, Case Management, Clinical Audit, or Data Abstraction.
• OR Coding professional with CCS certification and 6 years inpatient coding experience with documented education in anatomy/physiology and pharmacology.

• Certified Professional Coder (CPC);
  Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC) –Coding Specialist (CCS) or Clinical Documentation Improvement (CDI) Certification.
• 2 years work in Risk Coding, provider education, audit experience in a billing coding role.

We champion teamwork and diversity and offer a comprehensive benefits package to eligible staff. Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment.

The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, or pregnancy.

To apply, click the Apply button or visit the UAMS career site:  Please do not send application materials to the listed recruitment contact.