CalOptima Health is seeking a highly motivated Certified Coding Specialist Sr (HCC-Medicare and Medi-Cal) to join our team.  The Certified Coding Specialist Sr (HCC-Medicare and Medi-Cal) will be responsible for assisting with all Hierarchical Condition Categories (HCC) projects and Medi-Cal Annual Wellness Visit Initiative Program. The incumbent will handle risk adjustment-related activities to ensure the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) coding and documentation guidelines are met. The incumbent will assist in improving risk score performance through collaboration with CalOptima Health’s health networks, contracted providers and Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) providers. The incumbent will substantiate and verify the member’s medical records using International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 Clinical Modification (CM) official guidelines for coding and reporting during the review process. The incumbent will verify the accuracy, completeness and appropriateness of diagnosis codes based on the medical documentation provided. As part of the medical records review, travel may be required to physician offices or physician medical groups throughout Orange County. 

Position Information:

• Department: Financial Analysis
• Salary Grade: 309 - $68,015 - $108,824 ($32.70 - $52.3192)
• Work Arrangement: Full Telework 
  
  **This position is eligible for telework in California.** 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• 80% - Program Support
  • Participates in a mission-driven culture of high-quality performance, with a member focus on customer service, consistency, dignity and accountability.
  • Reviews and assesses the accuracy, completeness, specificity and appropriateness of diagnosis codes based on documentation and creates tools/tip sheets for audit staff to utilize for future audits based on findings.
  • Conducts in depth retrospective and prospective medical record audits to assess the accuracy of ICD-10 CM coding for chronic conditions as it pertains to HCC for CalOptima Health Community Network (CHCN), PACE providers and delegated health networks.
  • Tracks all network HCC activities, including training, audit results and evaluating future outcomes, which includes monitoring performance improvement of network providers by observing patterns and trends and recommending solutions to the manager.
  • Reviews medical record information to identify all appropriate coding CMS HCC categories and DHCS coding and monitors the DHCS and CMS websites for updates.
  • Reviews additional data identified from audits to ensure timely data entry for CMS sweeps.
  • Identifies providers for education and training opportunities following ICD-10-CM coding guidelines based on HCC audit results and Medi-Cal Annual Wellness Visit Initiative Program and reports findings to the Manager.
  • Assists with CMS Risk Adjustment Data Validation (RADV) and Office of Inspector General (OIG) audits, including workflow or data collection requirements and creating and maintaining HCC audit results when applicable.
  • Performs code abstraction on supported clinical documentation identified as opportunities through Natural Language Processing (NLP) software. 
    
    
• 15% - Administrative Support
  • Assists the team in carrying out department responsibilities and collaborates with others to support short- and long-term goals/priorities for the department.
  • Assists manager in evaluating existing reports for PACE members provided by CMS and collaborates with Financial Analysis to create any custom report required to assist with audits. 
    
    
• 5% - Other-
  • Completes other projects and duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, business administration or related field PLUS 5 years of risk adjustment coding and chart audit/quality experience in a managed care or health care environment required; an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position such as those listed above may also be qualifying.
  
• Have access to means of transportation for work away from the primary office approximately 20% of the time required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) or Certified Risk Adjustment Coder (CRC).
  
• Experience with conducting presentations and performing physician education.

Required Licensure / Certifications:

• Current Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) or American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) required. Certification is required to be current and maintained during employment.

Knowledge & Abilities:

• Develop rapport and establish and maintain effective working relationships with CalOptima Health's leadership and staff and external contacts at all levels and with diverse backgrounds.  
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work a flexible schedule; available to participate in evening and weekend events.
• Organize, be analytical, problem-solve and possess project management skills.
• Work in a fast-paced environment and in an efficient manner.
• Manage multiple projects and identify opportunities for internal and external collaboration.
• Motivate and lead multi-program teams and external committees/coalitions.
• Utilize computer and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Office: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and job specific applications/systems to produce correspondence, charts, spreadsheets, and/or other information applicable to the position assignment.

Physical Requirements (With or Without Accommodations):

• Ability to visually read information from computer screens, forms and other printed materials and information.
• Ability to speak (enunciate) clearly in conversation and general communication.
• Hearing ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, and face-to-face interactions.
• Manual dexterity for typing, writing, standing and reaching, flexibility, body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling and prolonged sitting.
• Lifting and moving objects, patients and/or equipment 10 to 25 pounds

Work Environment:

If located at the 500, 505 Building or a remote work location:

• Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed.
• There are no harmful environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate.

If located at PACE:

• Work is typically indoors in a clinical setting serving the frail and elderly.
• There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

If located in the Community:

• Work is typically indoors and sedentary and is subject to schedule changes and/or variable work hours, with travel as needed. 
• Employee will occasionally work outdoors in varied temperatures.
• There may be harmful or hazardous environmental conditions present for this job.
• The noise level in this work environment is usually moderate to loud.

About CalOptima Health:
CalOptima Health is the single largest health plan in Orange County, serving one in four residents. Our motto — "Better. Together.” — is at the heart of our mission to serve members with excellence, dignity and respect. We are a public agency made up of compassionate leaders and professionals working together to strengthen our community’s health.  We are continuing to build a culture that promotes diversity and inclusion within our community where employees have a sense of belonging, and are valued for their ideas, contributions, and their unique individual perspectives they bring.  CalOptima Health has been recognized as one of Orange County’s best places to work, so we know there is something special about our organization. It is why people choose to work here and why they choose to stay! 

About our Benefits & Wellness options:
At CalOptima Health, we know that a healthy and happy workforce is a thriving workforce, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including participation in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), low-cost medical/vision/dental insurance options, and paid time off. To support quality work-life balance, we allow flexible scheduling during core business hours, telework options for some positions, and a wellness program featuring diverse activities. Additionally, CalOptima Health contributes 4% of pensionable earnings to a 401(a) retirement program with no required employee contribution. For those who are interested in additional retirement savings, employees have access to 457(b) retirement plans with pre/post-tax contribution options.   For more information, please click on the 2025 CalOptima Health Benefits Guide regarding our comprehensive benefits and wellness package.

IMPORTANT APPLICATION INFORMATION AND INSTRUCTIONS

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until a sufficient number of qualified applications have been received. The deadline for the first review of applications is June 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM (PST).  Applicants are encouraged to apply early. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. 

The selection process may include, but is not limited to, a skills assessment, phone screen and interview.

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a reference / background check (to include a conviction record) and if applicable also pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug screening).  Internal CalOptima Health applicants should apply through InfoNet.

Communication regarding your application will be sent to the email address listed on your application.  Please check your email, including your SPAM folder, regularly throughout the recruitment process.  You can also visit your candidate portal to receive the most up to date status of your application.

CalOptima Health is committed to attracting, hiring, and retaining a diverse staff, where we will honor your unique experiences, identity, and perspectives. Our organization strives to create and maintain a workplace environment that is inclusive, equitable and welcoming so we can truly be Better Together.

CalOptima Health is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions on the basis of merit. CalOptima Health wants to have qualified employees in every job position. CalOptima Health prohibits unlawful discrimination against any employee, or applicant for employment, based on race, religion/religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, sex stereotype, gender, gender identity, gender expression, transitioning status, age, sexual orientation, immigration status, military status as a disabled veteran, or veteran of the Vietnam era, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. CalOptima Health also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has, or is perceived as having, any of those characteristics. 

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation at (714) 246-8400 if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability.