Job Description & Qualifications
A Brief Overview
Applies clinical expertise and knowledge of health care workflows in order to educate and train CDI Specialists in the essential duties of their role to improve the overall accuracy and comprehensiveness of medical record documentation, with focus on ensuring accurate reporting of quality outcomes Educates CDI Specialists on the rules/regulations associated with coding and clinical documentation integrity. Trains newly hired CDI Specialists and provides ongoing coaching and education specific to daily CDI Specialist job functions. Ensures the work output of the Clinical Documentation Integrity staff is accurate and compliant. Collaborates with CDI leadership and Coding team to identify training opportunities and assist with education of CDI and Coding staff with regard to clinical documentation integrity and/or clinical and coding scenarios as needed.
What You Will Do
Performs post-discharge, final coded, pre-bill reviews of targeted records identified for second-level review for opportunity to accurately capture patient acuity, severity of illness, risk of mortality, and DRG assignment in compliance with industry rules and regulations
• Documents SLR findings within CDI application.
◦ If a documentation opportunity is identified, place physician query and follow up for response to ensure completeness and accuracy of the medical record.
◦ If coding opportunity is identified, coordinate with coder and/or Coding Leadership to review and address opportunity as applicable
- Serves as a role model and resource for CDI team members
• Subject matter expert that exhibits excellent skills in essential components of the CDI Specialist role
• Responds to CDS requests for concurrent chart reviews on challenging cases with recommendations and supporting rationale
◦ Performs concurrent second level reviews based on defined criteria and shares feedback with CDI Specialist assigned to the encounter for action on opportunities identified. - Maintains a summary of opportunities identified through second level review for feedback and education with the CDI team
• Coordinates with other Second Level Reviewers, CDI Leads, and CDI Educator to compile trends and areas of opportunity and conduct education both 1:1 and group education with the CDI team based on the findings - Periodically review the criteria established for cases triggering a second level review and recommend updates or modifications to the criteria to assist in identifying areas of opportunity
- Is actively engaged in quality and process improvement efforts
• Performs targeted audits as assigned in support of department initiatives
• Participates in quality initiatives such as HAC/PSI and US News/Mortality
• Collaborates with CDI Leadership, Leads and Educators to optimize query templates
• Identifies and shares feedback regarding workflow improvement opportunities identified when completing the SLR process
• Facilitates change and supports the CDI team through change management processes
• Actively engages in advancing the CDI practice throughout the UH enterprise
• Actively engages in department and/or enterprise-wide committee
Additional Responsibilities
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
- For specific duties and responsibilities, refer to documentation provided by the department during orientation.
- Must abide by all requirements to safely and securely maintain Protected Health Information (PHI) for our patients. Annual training, the UH Code of Conduct and UH policies and procedures are in place to address appropriate use of PHI in the workplace.
$5,000 Sign on Bonus
Education
- Other Accredited Program: Diploma in Nursing or in Health Information Management (Required) or
- Associate’s Degree preferably in Health Information Management or Nursing (Required) or
- Bachelor’s Degree preferably in Health Information Management or Nursing (Required) or
- Doctorate Degree in Medicine (Required)
Work Experience
- 3+ years CDI experience as a concurrent reviewer (Required)
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Extensive clinical knowledge and understanding of pathology/physiology; best demonstrated by clinical experience in hospital setting (Required proficiency)
- Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to review the medical record to identify information not yet documented but supported by clinical indicators or clinical clues (Required proficiency)
- Demonstrates comprehension of Case Mix Index (CMI) and can interpret, analyze, evaluate data, provide rationale for trends/impacting factors and develop strategy for correcting/optimizing CMI (Required proficiency)
- Knowledge of age-specific patient needs and the elements of disease processes and related procedures (Required proficiency)
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to write concisely and effectively when communicating with providers (Required proficiency)
- Assertive personality traits to facilitate ongoing physician communication (Required proficiency)
- Working knowledge of inpatient admission criteria. (Required proficiency)
- Ability to work independently in a time-oriented environment as well as working as part of a team, primarily in a virtual setting. (Required proficiency)
- Applies knowledge and expertise to daily job responsibilities. Maintains professional knowledge by reading and/or attending webinars that pertain to Clinical Documentation Improvement. (Required proficiency)
- Earns and maintains Certification for Clinical Documentation Improvement. (Required proficiency)
- Incorporates current literature, research and best practice ( ACDIS and AHIMA ) into daily practice. (Required proficiency)
- Up to-date clinical and coding experience, and current working knowledge of pathology, pharmacology, surgical procedures, etc. (Required proficiency)
- Detail-oriented and organized, have excellent time-management skills, and have good analytical and problem-solving ability. (Required proficiency)
- Notable client service, communication, presentation and relationship building skills. (Required proficiency)
Licenses and Certifications
- Registered Nurse (RN), Ohio and/or Multi State Compact License (Required Upon Hire) or
- Registered Health Information Administration (RHIA) (Required Upon Hire) or
- Registered Health Information Technologist (RHIT) (Required Upon Hire)
and
- Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) (Required Upon Hire) or
- Clinical Documentation Improvement Practitioner (CDIP) (Required Upon Hire)
- International medical doctor education and experience can meet qualifications in lieu of RN, RHIA or RHIT
Physical Demands
- Standing Occasionally
- Walking Occasionally
- Sitting Constantly
- Lifting Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Carrying Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Pushing Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Pulling Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Climbing Rarely up to 20 lbs
- Balancing Rarely
- Stooping Rarely
- Kneeling Rarely
- Crouching Rarely
- Crawling Rarely
- Reaching Rarely
- Handling Occasionally
- Grasping Occasionally
- Feeling Rarely
- Talking Constantly
- Hearing Constantly
- Repetitive Motions Frequently
- Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination Frequently
Additional Salary Detail:
The salary range and/or hourly rate listed is a good faith determination of potential base compensation that may be offered to a successful applicant for this position at the time of posting of this job advertisement and may be modified in the future. When determining a team member’s base salary and/or rate, several factors may be considered as applicable (e.g., location, specialty, service line, years of relevant experience, education, credentials, union negotiated contracts, budget and internal equity). This figure does not include, unless otherwise stated incentive pay or shift differential pay or the value of University Hospitals’ comprehensive benefits package, which includes healthcare, dental, vision, retirement plan options, and additional offerings. Click here to view complete wellness and benefits details.
For over 150 years, University Hospitals has been dedicated to our mission To Heal. To Teach. To Discover. Starting as a small Cleveland hospital in 1866, UH has grown into 18 hospitals and 40 health centers, serving 1 million people annually.
UH delivers exceptional care, advances medical innovation, and trains future healthcare leaders. Now, you have the opportunity to add your talents to this legacy of care. At UH, you’ll join a collaborative team in an inspiring environment where your skills and ideas will be valued. Together, we can continue to shape the future of healthcare and deliver on the promise of our mission for generations to come.
Equal Opportunity Employer – Veterans and individuals with disabilities.
Your Nursing Talent Can Be The Difference.
Our UH health system cares for more than a million patients a year, one patient at a time. You chose a career in nursing because you wanted to help; to improve lives, including your own; and to have real impact. When it comes to choosing the perfect place to share and grow your talents, you deserve to be among those who share your passion and dedication too. That’s us.
Join Us and Be the difference in Advancing the Science of Health and the Art of Compassion.
We combine the best of evidence-based nursing with personalized care to provide the best healing experience for those we serve. The result is a different level of patient-focused healthcare and a different caliber of opportunity for our nurses.
Equal Opportunity Employer – veterans and individuals with disabilities
University Hospitals is a national leader in healthcare that takes pride in calling Northeast Ohio home. With more than 150 locations throughout Cleveland and the surrounding metropolitan areas, UH provides unique opportunities to deliver world-class care in the communities where our employees live, work, and play.
We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.
View complete wellness and benefits details on our Why Choose Us page.

We want you to make a career with us and we are here to support you – both in and out of work. Our comprehensive benefits program offers choice and flexibility to meet you where you are in your life.
- Medical Plans
- Dental Plans
- Vision Plan
- Paid Short and Long Term Disability
- Life and Account Insurance
- Additional Voluntary Benefits
- Wellness Programs and Plans
- Financial Health Resources
- Career Development Resources
- And More!
*Benefits may vary based on FTE Status and Position Type.


Working at University Hospitals
Careers at UH offers opportunities to provide care locally in the Cleveland area with the power to impact healthcare nationwide. As leaders in our industry, our staff share a commitment to be the difference in the lives of our patients and our communities from Northeast Ohio and beyond. Look at this video to discover how we’re building an organization for the future today.
Nightshift Module
Night shift provides a unique and rewarding opportunity for caregivers who thrive in a close-knit, supportive environment. With fewer distractions and a calmer atmosphere, you’ll have the chance to foster meaningful relationships with both colleagues and patients. The quieter pace allows for more in-depth patient connections, greater autonomy, and the opportunity to refine your skills. Whether it’s the flexibility to fit your lifestyle, the teamwork and problem-solving that come with a close-knit team, or the financial benefits of shift differential pay, night shift offers a space where you can grow both personally and professionally. If you excel in a late-night environment and appreciate the independence and collaboration it offers, our night shift team is the perfect fit for you!
Hear from our team about why they enjoy working the night shift and how it has shaped their careers.
Sara H.
Multi Modality
I like nightshift because the smaller staff helps me build connections and friendships with the staff around me. Helping us to better communicate without any issues, including doctors. I can work independently, keeping my thinking skills sharp. Even when it is quiet, it is never boring.










