Research Finance & Compliance Specialist

Company: St. Luke's University Health Network
Location: Allentown
Posted on: January 12, 2021

Job Description:

St. Luke's is proud of the skills, experience and compassion of its employees. The employees of St. Luke's are our most valuable asset! Individually and together, our employees are dedicated to satisfying the mission of our organization which is an unwavering commitment to excellence as we care for the sick and injured; educate physicians, nurses and other health care providers; and improve access to care in the communities we serve, regardless of a patient's ability to pay for health care.The Research Finance & Compliance Specialist holds a key role in the financial management of St. Luke's University Health Network (SLUHN) clinical trials. The Research Finance & Compliance Specialist will report directly to the Manager of Research Finance and Compliance and shall be responsible for the overall day to day pre- and post-award financial operations of SLUHN industry or grant funded clinical trials. The position will assist SLUHN and affiliated providers with Billing Coverage Analysis (BCA) development and identifying billable versus non-billable tests/procedures in accordance with The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services National Coverage Determination (NCD), local standard of care, and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines. The intent of this job description is to provide a summary of the major duties and responsibilities of this position and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position.JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: * This position is responsible for pre- and post-award research finance and compliance activities for all funded clinical trial and research contracts undertaken by SLUHN.* Assist Manager in the assessment of all relevant clinical trial documents, including the protocol and Informed Consent Form (ICF), and collaborate with clinical research personnel as well as other ancillary departments in the preparation of Billing Coverage Analyses (BCA) to ensure costs are compliant with local standard of care, routine care, and Medicare billing guidelines.* Independently prepare initial budget spreadsheets, budget proposals, and other supporting documents, as well as any amendments for review with the Manager in support of clinical trial budget and contract negotiation with sponsors, and act as a liaison between site and sponsor through the execution of Clinical Trial Agreements (CTA).* Prepare clinical trial cost analyses for National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN) group studies, observational studies, and other unfunded studies to determine profit or loss. Identify appropriate Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) and Healthcare Common Procedure Codes (HCPCs) along with the appropriate research rate(s) for procedures outlined in each protocol study schedule.* Set up new clinical trials accounts, and work as a liaison to clinical trials management, SLUHN Finance, and SLUHN Accounting.* Assist in the build of financials and billing Protocols of each study into the department's Clinical Trials Management System (CTMS) and EPIC EHR system.* Perform daily review and monthly cycle billing compliance reviews on both hospital, professional, and research charges against the final BCA and CTA to ensure compliance with billing guidelines, regulations and contractual terms. Assist the Manager in the development of standards and templates to ensure consistency in budgeting and billing across all clinical studies.* Reconcile funds, and conduct routine and end of study audits as well as resolve identified discrepancies and retain all necessary documentation for department files.* Keep clinical trials management abreast of departmental inquiries and issues, and assist management in the development and implementation of process improvements and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as necessary.* Assist management with the implementation and maintenance of Epic EHR system by collaborating with the Epic team to develop system processes to streamline the clinical trials registration and billing processes and procedures. Contribute to the planning, optimization and implementation of electronic clinical trial management systems (e.g. CTMS, Epic Research).* Participate in identifying department needs and supports department goals and objectives, as well as contributes to the growth of the Clinical Trials and Research Office.* Maintains confidentiality of all materials handled within the Network/ Entity as well as the proper release of information.* Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding issues of employee, patient and environmental safety and follows appropriate reporting requirements.* Demonstrates/models the Network's Service Excellence Standards of Performance in interactions with all customers (internal and external). Demonstrates Performance Improvement in the following areas as appropriate: Clinical Care/Outcomes, Customer/Service Improvement, Operational System/Process, and Safety.* Demonstrates financial responsibility and accountability through the effective and efficient use of resources in daily procedures, processes and practices. Complies with Network and departmental policies regarding attendance and dress code.* Other related duties as assigned.?PHYSICAL AND SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:Requires sitting for up to seven hours per day, 4 hours at a time. Standing for up to 4 hours per day 3 hours at a time. Requires frequent fingering, handling and twisting and turning. Occasionally requires lifting, carrying and pushing and pulling objects weighing up to 20 pounds. Occasionally requires reaching above shoulder level. Must have the ability to hear as it relates to normal conversation, seeing as it relates to general vision.MOST COMPLEX DUTY:Preparation of Billing Coverage Analyses and Cost Analyses, effective budget negotiation, and post-award billing compliance.COMMUNICATIONS:Excellent written and verbal communication skills required for contact with staff, physicians, sponsors, regulatory authorities, CROs, and the community. Highly effective negotiation skills.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSEDUCATION:Bachelor's degree required with a minimum of 2-3 years directly related experience. Master's degree with 1-2 years directly related experience preferred. Clinical research certification (e.g. SoCRA, ACRP, CHRC, etc.) or RN highly preferred. Directly related experience includes experience in an academic or community medical setting with industry and government grants administration, research-related clinical experience, and/or medical coding experience.TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook; Internet Functions) required. Experience with NIH policies and sponsored research regulations including The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services national coverage determination (NCD), and A-133, A-21 and A-110 highly preferred. Organized and detail oriented, with clear demonstration of leadership skills also highly preferred.WORK SCHEDULE: Full Time - Monday through Friday and as needed.Please complete your application using your full legal name and--current home address. Be sure to--include--employment history for--the past seven (7) years, including your present employer. Additionally, you are--encouraged to upload a current resume, including all work history, education, and/or certifications and--licenses, if applicable. It is highly recommended that you create a profile at the conclusion of submitting your first application. Thank you for your interest in St. Luke's!!St. Luke's University Health Network is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Keywords: St. Luke's University Health Network, Allentown , Research Finance & Compliance Specialist, Other , Allentown, Pennsylvania