Appeals Processing Analyst

Cigna Medicare Part C Appeals Reviewer: Appeals Processing Analyst
We will depend on you to communicate some of our most critical information to the correct individuals regarding Medicare appeals and related issues, implications and decisions. The Case Management Analyst reports to the Supervisor/Manager of Appeals and will coordinate and perform all appeal related duties in a Medicare Advantage Plan. These appeals will include requests for decisions regarding denials of medical services as well as Part B drugs. The Case Management Analyst will be responsible for analyzing and responding appropriately to appeals from members, member representatives and providers regarding denials for services and denials of payment via oral and written communication; researching and applying pertinent Medicare and Medicaid regulations to determine the outcome of the appeal; provide oversight and assistance to Medical Management staff with resolution of appeal by interpreting Medicare and Medicaid regulations; reviewing documentation to ensure that all aspects of the appeal have been addressed properly and accurately; e) prepare case files for submission to Independent Review Entity, which also include writing required case summary on behalf of the plan to support appeal resolution.
This position is full-time (40 hours/week) with the scheduled core business hours generally 8:00 am - 5:00 pm CST - Monday through Friday with occasional weekend and holiday coverage.

Job Requirements include, but not limited to:

• Must have experience in Medicare Appeals, Utilization Case Management or Compliance in Medicare Part C
• Ability to differentiate different types of requests Appeals, Grievances, coverage determination and Organization Determinations in order to ensure the correct processing of the appeal.
• Excellent prioritization and organizational skills; effectively manage competing priorities and multiple deadlines.
• Review, research and understand how request for plan services and claims submitted by consumers (members) and physicians/providers was processed and determine why it was denied
• Identify and obtain all additional information (relevant medical records, contract language and process/procedures) needed to make an appropriate determination of the appeal.
• Make an appropriate administrative determinations as to whether a claim should be approved or denied based on the available information and as well as research and provide a written detailed clinical summary for the Plan Medical Director.
• Determine whether additional pre service, appeal or grievance reviews are required and/or whether additional appeal rights are applicable and then if necessary, route to the proper area/department for their review and decision/response
• Complete necessary documentation of final documentation of final determination of the appeals using the appropriate system applications, templates, communication process, etc.
• Communicate appeal information to members or providers with the required timeframes well as to all appropriate internal or external parties (regulatory agencies, plan administrators, etc.)
• Meet the performance goals established for the position in the areas of: efficiency, accuracy, quality, member satisfaction and attendance
• Adhere to department workflows, desktop procedures, and policies.
• Work with all matrix partners to ensure accurate and timely processing of Medicare Appeals.
• Read Medicare guidance documents report and summarize required changes to all levels department management and staff.
• Support the implementation of new process as needed.
• Based on case work and departmental reporting, ability to identify and report trends and/or areas of opportunities to department management and peers. .
• Understand and investigate billing issues, claims and other plan benefit information. .
• Assist with monitoring, inquiries, and audit activities as needed.
• Additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Registered Nurse (RN)
• 3-5 years’ experience in Medicare Advantage Health Plans or related experience in a healthcare setting handling complex inquiries and requests for service
• Working knowledge of Medicare Advantage, Original Medicare and or Medicaid appeal regulations. Understanding of Local Coverage Determinations, National Coverage Determinations, Medicare claim process and plan rules along with working with of ICD9, ICD10
• Superb written and oral communication skills with particular emphasis on verbally presenting case summary and decisions.
• Must have the ability to work objectively and provide fact based answers with clear and concise documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office products (Access, Excel, Power Point, Word).
• Prioritizes workflow on a consistent basis, applies key HIPAA and CMS guidelines in daily workflow, and meets turnaround times for assigned cases.
• Ability to multi-task and meet multiple competing deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and under pressure.
• Attention to detail and critical thinking skills.

Learning and Applying Quickly

• A relentless and versatile learner
• Open to change
• Analyzes both successes and failures for clues to improvement
• Experiments and will try anything to find solutions
• Enjoys the challenge of unfamiliar tasks
• Quickly grasps the essence and the underlying structure of anything

Written Communications

• Is able to write clearly and succinctly in a variety of communication settings and styles
• Can get messages across that have the desired effect

Functional/Technical Skills

• Clinical and Non Clinical functional or technical proficiency
• Appropriate judgment and decision making because
• Knowledge of applicable policy and business requirements
• Computer skills and ability to work in various system applications.
• Detail oriented and Has the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment

Time Management

• Spends his/her time on what's important
• Quickly zeros in on the critical few and puts the trivial many aside
• Can quickly sense what will help or hinder accomplishing a goal
• Eliminates roadblocks
• Uses his/her time effectively and efficiently
• Concentrates his/her efforts on the more important priorities
• Gets more done in less time than others
• Can attend to a broader range of activities

Problem Solving

• Uses rigorous logic and methods to solve difficult problems with effective solutions
• Probes all fruitful sources for answers
• Can see hidden problems
• Looks beyond the obvious and doesn't stop at the first answers
• Is excellent at honest analysis

If you will be working at home occasionally or permanently, the internet connection must be obtained through a cable broadband or fiber optic internet service provider with speeds of at least 10Mbps download/5Mbps upload.

About Cigna Healthcare

Cigna Healthcare, a division of The Cigna Group, is an advocate for better health through every stage of life. We guide our customers through the health care system, empowering them with the information and insight they need to make the best choices for improving their health and vitality. Join us in driving growth and improving lives.

Qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, age, disability, sex, childbirth (including pregnancy) or related medical conditions including but not limited to lactation, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital or familial status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, citizenship status or any other characteristic protected by applicable equal employment opportunity laws.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing the online application process, please email: SeeYourself@cigna.com for support. Do not email SeeYourself@cigna.com for an update on your application or to provide your resume as you will not receive a response.

The Cigna Group has a tobacco-free policy and reserves the right not to hire tobacco/nicotine users in states where that is legally permissible. Candidates in such states who use tobacco/nicotine will not be considered for employment unless they enter a qualifying smoking cessation program prior to the start of their employment. These states include: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Washington State.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.