Clinical Research Specialist - Center for Clinical Studies

Position Summary
Position serves as a resource to provide comprehensive information to clinical research staff; responsible for ensuring billing and regulatory compliance standards are maintained. Position is responsible for performing Prospective Reimbursement Analysis to ensure that clinical services associated with clinical research studies are billed in compliance with the CMS National Coverage Decision and all other applicable billing regulations, third party requirements, and Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) policy. The Clinical Research Billing Analyst will also provide assistance to other staff in developing and/or negotiating clinical study budgets, informed consents and contracts.

Job Description

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Researches and recommends new methods and procedures to maintain standards and improve quality
• Serves as a resource to the clinical research staff, ensuring appropriate procedures, and explains policies and procedures; ensures that research projects are completed according to federal guidelines
• Develops and implements policies and procedures; provides comprehensive direction to clinical research personnel
• Performs Prospective Reimbursement Analysis by:
  • Reviews clinical study protocol, budget, consent form, and HRPO application forms to determine research patient care versus routine clinical care.
  • Determines appropriate CPT and ICD 9 CM codes for procedures performed as part of the clinical study.
  • Determines whether services provided as part of the clinical study should be billed to third-party payers or the clinical study fund.
  • Prepares and submits requests for Medicare coverage determinations as needed.
• Maintains a close working relationship between grant administrators, financial affairs personnel, IRB members and staff, and compliance officers, providing consultative and advisory services for clinical research billing.
• Provide guidance to PI’s, study coordinators, department administrators, and other parties on topics related to professional and/or technical billing in the context of clinical research.
• Assist departments in determining the per subject portion of their budgets for sponsored research projects and industry clinical trials.
• Coordinates with assigned clinical department’s/division’s liaison(s) to facilitate at the departmental/divisional level.
• Respond to inquiries regarding coding, documentation, and billing compliance issues.
• Maintain a current knowledge of laws and regulations governing professional fee billing and inform clinical departments, faculty, and staff of changes in federal regulations or University policy related to research billing.
• Assists/performs special audits and/or other projects as assigned.

Working Conditions

• Normal office environment.
• Local travel to the medical school and physicians offices.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of government and third-party billing regulations, including regulations governing patient care costs associated with clinical trials.
• Experience in medical record review, knowledge of ICD-9 and CPT coding.
• Working knowledge of PC applications including word processing, database and spreadsheets.
• Interactive communication skills with the ability to work with physicians, research and billing staff one-on-one and in groups. 

Required Qualifications

Bachelor of Science degree plus four years of clinical or research experience with at least one year of lead or supervisory experience included; eight years of relevant education and work experience may substitute for this requirement.

Grade
C13

Salary Range
$66,700.00 - $103,400.00 / Annually

The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.

Questions

For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ .

Accommodation

If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email [email protected]  or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.

Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.

Benefits Statement

Personal

• Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.

• Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.

• Want to Live Near Your Work and/or improve your commute? Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees. We also offer a forgivable home loan of up to $12,500 for closing costs and a down payment for homes in eligible neighborhoods.

• WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.

Wellness

• Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!

Family

• We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.

• WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.

For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/

EEO/AA Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.

Diversity Statement
Washington University is dedicated to building a diverse community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.