Inpatient Rehabilitation SME - Remote

Optum Insight is improving the flow of health data and information to create a more connected system. We remove friction and drive alignment between care providers and payers, and ultimately consumers. Our deep expertise in the industry and innovative technology empower us to help organizations reduce costs while improving risk management, quality and revenue growth. Ready to help us deliver results that improve lives? Join us in making healthcare work better for everyone through people-led, responsible AI while Caring. Connecting. Growing together. The IRF CMG Coding & Payment Integrity SME is responsible for leading clinical and coding validation efforts related to CMS Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS), with a specialized focus on Case Mix Group (CMG) assignment, functional scoring (IRF PAI), and comorbidity tiering accuracy. This role partners across clinical, coding, and analytics teams to identify, validate, and recover payment variances driven by documentation gaps, functional scoring discrepancies, and incorrect comorbidity tier assignment. You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. For all hires in the Minneapolis or Washington, D.C. area, you will be required to work in the office a minimum of four days per week. Primary Responsibilities:CMG & Tiering ValidationPerform detailed reviews of IRF cases to validate:CMG assignment accuracyFunctional scoring (IRF PAI Section GG) integrityComorbidity tier assignment (Tier 1, 2, 3 vs. non-tier)Identify and quantify overpayments and underpayments tied to CMG and tiering misclassificationApply CMS Grouper logic to validate expected CMG outcomesClinical Documentation & Coding IntegrityEvaluate alignment between:Medical record documentationIRF PAI functional scoresICD 10 coding and comorbidity captureLead clinical validation for:Etiologic diagnosis (primary rehab driver)Comorbidity eligibility for tieringIdentify patterns of:Unsupported functional scoresIncorrect diagnosis sequencingMissed or invalid tier opportunitiesAudit & Recovery StrategySupport development of CMG-focused audit strategies, including:Targeting high-weight CMGsTiering-driven opportunity identificationCARC/RARC mapping for denial alignmentPartner with analytics teams to:Define data elements (IRF PAI, ICD 10, LOS, CMG weights)Build prioritization logic for claim selectionDraft audit rationales, findings summaries, and client-facing reportsRegulatory Expertise & SME LeadershipServe as internal SME on:CMS IRF PPS rulesCMG Grouper updates and annual recalibrationComorbidity tiering changes and exclusionsInterpret CMS rule updates and translate into:Operational guidanceAudit logic enhancementsProvide education and training to internal teams and clientsCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with:Clinical teams (therapy, nursing documentation)Coding teams (ICD 10 and IRF PAI specialists)Payment integrity and recovery teamsSupport product development and strategy for IRF-related solutions You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in.Required Qualifications:Clinical Licensure - Hold a license in one of the following : RN, PT, OT, SLPCoding Licensure - RHIA, RHIT, CCS, or CPC with strong IRF experience5+ years of experience in one or more of the following:Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) coding or auditingIRF PAI completion and functional scoringPayment integrity, DRG/CMG validation, or audit recoveryExperience applying CMS regulatory guidance in an audit or compliance settingDemonstrated expertise in:CMG assignment methodologyIRF PPS payment structureComorbidity tiering logic and ICD 10 application Preferred Qualifications:CCS (Certified Coding Specialist)CPC (Certified Professional Coder)CRC (Certified Risk Adjustment Coder)CDIP (Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner)Experience in payment integrity / recovery audits (vs. only facility coding)Experience identifying tiering eligibility exclusions or misclassificationProven background in functional scoring validation (GG items)Proven exposure to IRF Grouper tools or CMS Web Pricer logicProven ability to translate findings into financial impact narratives Core CompetenciesDeep IRF PPS knowledge (CMG, IRF PAI, tiering)Solid clinical documentation interpretation skillsAbility to link documentation → coding → payment outcomesAudit and investigative mindset (root cause + financial impact)Experience with large dataset review and trend identificationSolid communication skills for client-facing reporting Success Profile (What 'great' looks like in this role)Consistently identifies high-value CMG/tiering opportunitiesDetects documentation vs IRF PAI inconsistenciesImproves audit yield by focusing on:High-weight CMGsTier 2/3 casesServes as a trusted SME for both clinical and coding validation *All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $112,700 - $193,200 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and help make the health system work better for everyone. Together, we are shaping the future of healthcare by harnessing technology and innovation to make care simpler to navigate, more affordable and more connected for the people we serve. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcomed, valued, heard and respected, empowering people to bring their authentic selves to work and strengthening our collective impact through diverse talents, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.  UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. UnitedHealth Group and its affiliated brands are a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment.