Associate Clinical Document Improvement Specialist - Remote 2384305 | Bakersfield, California | Remote

Associate Clinical Document Improvement Specialist - Remote Requisition number: 2384305 Job category: Medical & Clinical Operations Primary location: Bakersfield, California Date posted: 09/22/2026 Overtime status: Exempt Travel: No Share this job Facebook X LinkedIn Email Optum is a global organization that delivers care, aided by technology to help millions of people live healthier lives. The work you do with our team will directly improve health outcomes by connecting people with the care, pharmacy benefits, data and resources they need to feel their best. Here, you will find a culture guided by inclusion, talented peers, comprehensive benefits and career development opportunities. Come make an impact on the communities we serve as you help us advance health optimization on a global scale. Join us to start Caring. Connecting. Growing together. The Associate Clinical Document Improvement Specialist is responsible for providing CDI program oversight and day to day CDI implementation of processes related to the concurrent review of the clinical documentation in the inpatient medical record of Optum 360 clients' patients. The goal of the CDS oversight and practice is to assess the technical accuracy, specificity, and completeness of provider clinical documentation, and to ensure that the documentation explicitly identifies all clinical findings and conditions present at the time of service. This position collaborates with providers and other healthcare team members to make improvements that result in accurate, comprehensive documentation that reflects completely, the clinical treatment, decisions, and diagnoses for the patient. The CDS utilizes clinical expertise and clinical documentation improvement practices as well as facility specific tools for best practice and compliance with the mission/philosophy, standards, goals, and core values of Optum 360. In this position the CDS will utilizing the Optum™ CDI 3D technology that is assisting hospitals to improve data quality to accurately reflect the quality of care provided and ensure revenue integrity. Our three-dimensional approach to CDI technology, paired with best-practice adoption methodology and change management support, is helping hospitals make a real impact on CDI efficiency and effectiveness. Increase in identification of cases with CDI opportunities, with automated review of 100% of records Improved tracking, transparency and reporting related to CDI impact, revenue capture, trending, and compliance Easing the transition to ICD-10 by improving the specificity and completeness of clinical documentation, resulting in more accurate coding This position does not have patient care duties, does not have direct patient interactions, and has no role relative to patient care. You'll enjoy the flexibility to work remotely * from anywhere within the U.S. as you take on some tough challenges. Primary Responsibilities: Provides expert level review of inpatient clinical records within 24-48 hours of admit; identifies gaps in clinical documentation that need clarification for accurate code assignment to ensure the documentation accurately reflects the severity of the condition and acuity of care provided Conducts daily follow-up communication with providers regarding existing clarifications to obtain needed documentation specificity Provides expert level leadership for overall improvement in clinical documentation by providing proficient level review and assessment, and effectively articulating recommendations for improvement, and the rational for the recommendations Actively communicates with providers at all levels, to clarify information and to communicate documentation requirements for appropriate diagnoses based on severity of illness and risk of mortality Performs regular rounding with unit-based physicians and provides Working DRG lists to Care Coordination Provides face-to-face educational opportunities with physicians on a regular basis Provides complete follow-through on all requests for clarification or recommendations for improvement Leads the development and execution of physician education strategies resulting in improved clinical documentation Provides timely feedback to providers regarding clinical documentation opportunities for improvement and successes Ensures effective utilization of Optum® CDI 3D Technology to document all clarification activity Utilizes only the Optum360 approved clarification forms Proactively develops a reciprocal relationship with the HIM Coding Professionals Coordinates and conducts regular meetings with HIM Coding Professionals to reconsolidate DRGs, monitor retrospective query rates and discuss questions related to Coding and CDI Engages and consults with Physician Advisor / VPMA when needed, per the escalation process, to resolve provider issues regarding answering clarifications and participation in the clinical documentation improvement process Actively engages with Care Coordination and the Quality Management teams to continually evaluate and spearhead clinical documentation improvement opportunities You'll be rewarded and recognized for your performance in an environment that will challenge you and give you clear direction on what it takes to succeed in your role as well as provide development for other roles you may be interested in. Required Qualifications: 3+ years acute care hospital clinical RN experience OR Medical Graduate with CDI experience and CDI certification (CCDS, CDIP) Experience communicating & working closely with Physicians Proficiency in a Windows environment, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Electronic Medical Records Preferred Qualifications: CCDS, CDIP or CCS certification Experience in Clinical Documentation Improvement CAC experience (Computer Assistant Coding) *All employees working remotely will be required to adhere to UnitedHealth Group's Telecommuter Policy. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to local labor markets, education, work experience, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, we offer benefits such as, a comprehensive benefits package, incentive and recognition programs, equity stock purchase and 401k contribution (all benefits are subject to eligibility requirements). No matter where or when you begin a career with us, you'll find a far-reaching choice of benefits and incentives. The salary for this role will range from $60,200 - $107,400 annually based on full-time employment. We comply with all minimum wage laws as applicable. Application Deadline: This will be posted for a minimum of 2 business days or until a sufficient candidate pool has been collected. Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants. At UnitedHealth Group, our mission is to help people live healthier lives and make the health system work better for everyone. We believe everyone-of every race, gender, sexuality, age, location and income-deserves the opportunity to live their healthiest life. Today, however, there are still far too many barriers to good health which are disproportionately experienced by people of color, historically marginalized groups and those with lower incomes. We are committed to mitigating our impact on the environment and enabling and delivering equitable care that addresses health disparities and improves health outcomes - an enterprise priority reflected in our mission. UnitedHealth Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer under applicable law and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations. UnitedHealth Group is a drug-free workplace. Candidates are required to pass a drug test before beginning employment. Apply Internal apply Bookmark job Back to nav Benefits Our mission of helping people live healthier lives extends to our team members. Learn more about our range of benefits designed to help you live well. Life Resources and support to focus on what matters most to you, in every facet of your life. Emotional Education, tools and resources to help you reduce and manage stress, build resilience and more. Physical Health plans and other coverage to support wellness for you and your loved ones. Financial Benefits for today and to help you plan for the future, including your retirement. Learn more Back to nav Previous slide Being able to connect with so many people that all have the same goal in giving the best care possible is something truly special. Brooke G. Senior Pharmacy Technician At Optum, I receive the support, resources, and flexibility that I want so that I can be the best doctor possible while also finding personal and professional satisfaction. Dr. Conan T. Regional Chief of Primary Care We’re applying artificial intelligence to build something that can help people in their most distressed moments. The problems you work on here have an impact on someone’s life. Achala S. Senior Director and AI Architect Being able to connect with so many people that all have the same goal in giving the best care possible is something truly special. Brooke G. Senior Pharmacy Technician At Optum, I receive the support, resources, and flexibility that I want so that I can be the best doctor possible while also finding personal and professional satisfaction. Dr. Conan T. Regional Chief of Primary Care We’re applying artificial intelligence to build something that can help people in their most distressed moments. The problems you work on here have an impact on someone’s life. Achala S. Senior Director and AI Architect Being able to connect with so many people that all have the same goal in giving the best care possible is something truly special. Brooke G. Senior Pharmacy Technician Next slide Go to slide 1 Go to slide 2 Go to slide 3 Back to nav We’re honored to be recognized for our exceptional work culture