HCC Coding Education Lead Analyst - Cigna Healthcare - Hybrid (Mid-Atlantic)

Incumbent candidate must reside in assigned territory and have the ability to travel to the local office and provider offices in the territory. Candidate can be based out of Baltimore, MD office or McLean, VA office.

This position cannot be performed remotely. Incumbent candidate must be hybrid, working 3 days per week in assigned local office.

Selected candidate will be awarded a one-time sign-on bonus of $5,000 in addition to base salary.

This role is responsible for supporting Cigna Medicare Advantage’s Risk Adjustment program for assigned populations in an operational market. The role will be accountable for assigned provider groups reaching risk adjustment related annual metrics. This role will work directly with providers to assist in achieving accurate and complete coding documentation.

Provider Data Lead Analysts will be responsible for the most complex provider groups along the engagement continuum within an assigned market. Lead Analyst will be primary contact for provider groups on Risk Adjustment topics at joint operating meetings, quality meetings, etc.

Lead analysts may be asked to provide coaching and support to senior analysts, lead representatives, or other team members to achieve Risk Adjustment goals. The role will work under the direction of Risk Adjustment Manager to reach overall operational market goals in conjunction with market matrix partners. The role will provide subject matter expertise to assigned providers and internal matrix partners of Cigna Medicare’s programs specific to CMS Risk Adjustment and HCC Coding Processes. It will require expertise in ICD-10-CM / outpatient and CPT coding principles and guidelines and use of own discretion to deliver compliant, effective strategies to meet established goals.

Core Responsibilities :

In partnership with Risk Adjustment Manager, support the training and development of Senior Analysts and Lead Representatives.

Responsible for identifying and influencing adoption of resources and processes to reach risk adjustment and quality goals of assigned provider groups (PODs / IPAs).

Accountable to complete and accurate review of multi-year diagnosis coding of assigned population.

Understands, develops, tracks, monitors, and reports on key program performance metrics for coding initiatives.

Work closely with matrix partners to ensure provider office communications are effective and efficient.

Review and act on any assigned audit educational opportunities timely and provide primary care or specialty care provider trainings as necessary to educate on audit findings.

Analyze data regarding trends or patterns identified in provider office diagnosis coding. Implement provider office education, where necessary, and provide formal training to providers and staff regarding coding and documentation standards.

Rely upon independent judgment and decision-making at provider sites, whether conducting chart review or providing training / education, both for historical and / or real time data.

Develop relationships with clinical providers / staff and communicate coding and documentation guidelines.

Conduct provider training on health plan coding initiatives guidelines and requirements of the Risk Adjustment program to ensure correct coding and documentation.

Conduct chart reviews for providers and review provider performance. T his is accomplished by doing virtual training sessions, traveling to the individual practices and / or performing side-by-side education.

Assists with research, analysis, and response to inquiries from all internal and external audit departments regarding compliance, coding, and inappropriate coding.

Provides second level medical record review of external requests for diagnosis code retraction.

Attend risk adjustment and quality provider meetings for assigned provider groups to provide updates, recommendations, or education (may occur be before / after normal business hours)

Perform the minimum number of coding quality reviews consistent with established departmental goals.

Maintain strictest confidentiality based on HIPAA privacy policy.

Maintain current knowledge of coding guidelines and relevant federal regulations through the use of current ICD-10 CM, CPT, HCPCS

Assure compliance by delivering quality services and meeting all contractual, state & federal legal and regulatory requirements.

Maintain CEU credits to ensure credentials are kept up to date.

Requirements :

Coding certification required through AHIMA or AAPC (at least one of the below) :

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)

Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC)

Certified Coding Specialist for Providers (CCS-P)

Registered Health Information Management Technician (RHIT)

5+ years of risk adjustment coding experience, 3+ national Medicare Advantage health plan experience preferred.

Must be a strong public speaker with excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience effectively delivering subject matter expertise to a large audience.

Prior experiences teaching / training others on correct coding guidelines and have the ability to present to large groups of Physicians / Providers .

Extensive knowledge and adherence to ICD-10-CM / outpatient and CPT coding principles and guidelines.

Excellent understanding of medical terminology, disease process, anatomy, and physiology.

Working knowledge of CPT / Evaluation and Management guidelines.

Working Knowledge of CMS Risk Adjustment and HCC Coding Process.

Strong computer skills (i.e., MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).

Ability to drive within assigned areas or overnight travel for internal or external meetings.

Capacity to attend provider meetings day / evening / weekends as needed within assigned areas. These meetings may be virtual or in person as defined by manager / leadership.