Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) Specialist

Accountabilities:: Conduct comprehensive initial and follow-up concurrent reviews of inpatient medical records according to established CDI priorities, timelines, and review frequencies. Identify incomplete, conflicting, or clinically unclear documentation and determine appropriate opportunities for clarification or diagnosis validation. Apply clinical validation principles and current ACDIS/AHIMA compliant query guidelines when preparing written queries for treating physicians. Develop compliant queries using approved templates and ensure that relevant, patient-specific clinical indicators are accurately documented. Identify principal and secondary diagnoses and significant procedures to establish and update the appropriate working MS-DRG. Monitor documentation throughout concurrent reviews and update working DRGs and expected length-of-stay considerations as appropriate. Apply knowledge of Patient Safety Indicators, Hospital-Acquired Conditions, Severity of Illness, Risk of Mortality, and present-on-admission status. Track physician responses to queries and ensure all relevant outcomes and documentation are accurately captured in the appropriate systems. Maintain productivity and quality benchmarks while effectively managing daily CDI worklists and priorities. Enter required information into CDI applications and related systems to support final MS-DRG, SOI, and ROM determinations. Use electronic coding references, Official Coding Guidelines, and Coding Clinic resources to support accurate coding and working DRG assignments. Collaborate with coding teams on ICD-10 coding questions, MS-DRG assignments, concurrent and retrospective queries, and DRG reconciliation. Participate in DRG reconciliation activities in a timely, thorough, and collaborative manner. Contribute to departmental committees, hospital task forces, service-line meetings, and other assigned initiatives. Promote a positive, collaborative working environment while maintaining compliance with HIPAA requirements and applicable codes of conduct. Requirements Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant professional experience or an advanced degree may substitute for formal education. Current and active credentials as an RN, MD or equivalent, RHIA, RHIT, or CCS . At least 2 years of acute-care inpatient hospital coding or CDI experience . Familiarity with encoder systems and MS-DRG assignment. Current working knowledge of official coding guidelines and Coding Clinic resources. Strong clinical understanding of disease processes and the ability to apply clinical indicators appropriately to documentation reviews. Strong knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and related clinical concepts. Demonstrated critical-thinking, analytical, and problem-solving abilities. Experience working with EHR systems, CDI software, coding applications, and electronic encoders. Strong typing, computer, documentation, and data-entry skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate tactfully and effectively with physicians and other healthcare professionals. Confidence navigating potentially difficult or sensitive conversations with physicians while maintaining professionalism and compliance. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple reviews, queries, deadlines, and documentation requirements. Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with coding, clinical, and operational teams. CCDS or CDIP certification is preferred. Benefits Annual salary range of $68,000–$113,000 USD . Compensation may vary based on skills, experience, training, licensure, certifications, and other organizational factors. Medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance. Personal and family sick time. Company-paid holidays. Potential eligibility for a discretionary variable incentive bonus. Parental leave. 401(k) retirement plan. Basic and supplemental life insurance. Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care. Short-term and long-term disability coverage. Tuition reimbursement. Personal development and learning opportunities. Skills development and certification support. Employee referral program. Corporate-sponsored events and community outreach opportunities. Emergency backup childcare program. Fully remote position within the United States. No travel required.