CCDS Certification required from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists.
High School diploma with 2 years of experience, or Associate's/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience, or 5 years of relevant experience.
2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
Experience in project management is a plus.
Lead experience is preferred.
Responsibilities
Serve as a high-level expert in clinical documentation integrity for urgent issues.
Address immediate CDI concerns like payer denials and audits.
Mentor front-line Clinical Document Specialists on complex cases.
Analyze documentation and coding data for trends and improvements.
Lead compliance for strategic CDI initiatives across various markets.
Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription options.
Employer-matched 403(b) retirement plan and financial security resources.
Pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays for work-life balance.
Ascension-paid tuition and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Employee Assistance Program for emotional well-being and support.
Parental leave and adoption assistance for family support.
Optional legal and pet insurance, along with transportation savings.
Full Job Description
Your future role at a glance
Location: Remote
Department: Clinical Documentation Integrity
Schedule: Full-Time | Days
#LI-remote
How you'll make an impact in this role
The Lead Clinical Document Specialist (CDS) " Rapid Response serves as a high-level clinical documentation integrity expert, deployed to address urgent, complex, or high-impact issues across the CDI program. This role supports strategic initiatives, facilitates rapid-cycle audits, and investigates documentation and coding anomalies in real-time. The Rapid Response Lead works collaboratively across departments to drive accurate documentation, coding integrity, and risk adjustment capture, while supporting training, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
Serve as the primary resource for urgent CDI issues (e.g., payer denials, audits, DRG validation). Address immediate system needs (e.g., high denial rates, quality issues, new coding rules).
Mentor front-line CDSs on complex cases, query framing, and escalation. Analyze documentation and coding data for trends and improvement.
Lead and ensure compliance of strategic CDI initiatives across markets/systems. Evaluate strategic results and recommend implementation pathways.
CCDS Certification is required for this position.
What minimum requirements you'll need
Licensure / Certification / Registration:
Required Credential(s):
Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
Education:
High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
Preferred Experience:
Lead experience
Project Management experience
CCDS Certification is required
Benefits that help you thrive
Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more
Responsibilities
How you'll make an impact in this role
The Lead Clinical Document Specialist (CDS) â Rapid Response serves as a high-level clinical documentation integrity expert, deployed to address urgent, complex, or high-impact issues across the CDI program. This role supports strategic initiatives, facilitates rapid-cycle audits, and investigates documentation and coding anomalies in real-time. The Rapid Response Lead works collaboratively across departments to drive accurate documentation, coding integrity, and risk adjustment capture, while supporting training, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
Serve as the primary resource for urgent CDI issues (e.g., payer denials, audits, DRG validation). Address immediate system needs (e.g., high denial rates, quality issues, new coding rules).
Mentor front-line CDSs on complex cases, query framing, and escalation. Analyze documentation and coding data for trends and improvement.
Lead and ensure compliance of strategic CDI initiatives across markets/systems. Evaluate strategic results and recommend implementation pathways.
CCDS Certification is required for this position.
Qualifications
What minimum requirements you'll need
Licensure / Certification / Registration:
Required Credential(s):
Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
Education:
High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
Preferred Experience:
Lead experience
Project Management experience
CCDS Certification is required
About Ascension
Ascension is a healthcare company that provides a range of services, including hospital care, primary care, and specialty care. The company operates more than 150 hospitals and 50 senior living facilities across the United States. Ascension also offers health insurance and other healthcare-related services. The company was founded in 1999 and is headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri.
