Integrity DRG Coding & Clinical Validation Analyst I​/Ii​/Iii; RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CIC Ce

Job Description Summary

The Payment Integrity DRG Coding & Clinical Validation Analyst position has an extensive background in acute facility-based clinical documentation, and/or inpatient coding and has a high level of understanding of the current MS-DRG, and APR-DRG payment systems. This position is responsible for reviewing medical records for appropriate provider documentation to support the principal diagnosis, co‑morbidity, complications, secondary diagnosis, surgical procedures, POA indicators to validate coding and DRG assignment accuracy, and ensuring the physician documentation supports the hospital coded data.

• Analyzes and audits acute inpatient claims. Integrates medical chart coding principles, clinical guidelines, and objectivity in the performance of medical audit activities.
• Adheres to official coding guidelines, coding clinic determinations, and CMS and other regulatory compliance guidelines and mandates. Requires expert coding knowledge – DRG & ICD‑10.
• Establishes national and best practice benchmarks and measures performance against benchmarks.
• Ensures accurate payment by independently utilizing a DRG grouper, encoder, and claims processing platform.
• Manages case volumes and review/audit schedules, prioritizing case load as assigned by Management.
• Consistently demonstrates high standards of integrity by supporting the Lifetime Healthcare Companies' mission and values, adhering to the Corporate Code of Conduct, and embracing the Lifetime Way values and beliefs.
• Maintains high regard for member privacy in accordance with the corporate privacy policies and procedures.
• Regular and reliable attendance is expected and required.
• Performs other functions as assigned by management.

• Performs complex audits or projects with minimal direction or oversight.
• Acts as an expert in reviewing medical coding and medical record review with the ability to oversee complex assignments, challenge customers, and handle highly visible issues.
• Supports leadership in projects related to divisional/departmental strategies and initiatives.
• Participates and represents in audits, payment methodologies, contractual agreements, with cross‑functional teams or business partners as needed.
• Serves as a mentor to new hires.
• Demonstrates ability to participate and represent the department on internal/external committees.

• Provides expertise in developing data criteria for audits.
• Acts as a Lead and provides training, guidance, consultation, complex performance analysis, and coaching expertise to team members around methods of continuous quality improvement.
• Serves as an expert and resource for escalations and works directly with Payment Integrity staff to resolve issues and escalation problems.
• Provides backup support for Management as necessary.

• Associate or bachelor's degree in health information management (RHIA or RHIT) or a Nursing Degree.
• Three (3) years' experience in claims auditing, quality assurance, or recovery auditing of (MS/APR) DRG coding for hospital or other acute facility setting.
• Three (3) years of working experience with ICD‑10CM, MS‑DRG, and APR‑DRG with a broad knowledge of medical claims billing/payment systems, provider billing guidelines, medical necessity criteria, and coding terminology.
• Coding Certification maintained as a condition of employment – one of: RHIA or RHIT, Inpatient Coding Credential – CCS or CIC.
• Intermediate analytical and problem‑solving skills; and kept abreast of latest trends related to business analysis.
• Intermediate knowledge of PC, software, auditing tools and claims processing systems.