Lead Clinical Documentation Specialist

Ascension

Lead Clinical Documentation Specialist focusing on urgent clinical documentation integrity. Collaborating across departments to ensure compliance and data-driven decision-making in healthcare.

Posted 7/28/2026full-timeRemote • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $96,208 - $134,109 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI) with a focus on rapid response to urgent issues, compliance with coding standards, and effective mentorship of clinical documentation specialists. Proven ability to analyze data for trends, drive strategic initiatives, and support training and decision-making processes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Clinical Documentation Integrity (CDI)CCDS CertificationLeadership ExperienceProject Management ExperienceData Analysis

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Clinical Documentation AnalysisCoding IntegrityRisk Adjustment CaptureAudit FacilitationQuery Framing

Soft Skills

CollaborationMentoringCommunication

Certifications & Qualifications

CCDS CertifiedClinical Documentation Prof. Credential

Industry Keywords

Payer DenialsDRG ValidationComplianceStrategic InitiativesCumulative Experience

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

The Lead Clinical Document Specialist (CDS) – Rapid Response serves as a high-level clinical documentation integrity expert, deployed to address urgent, complex, or high-impact issues across the CDI program. This role supports strategic initiatives, facilitates rapid-cycle audits, and investigates documentation and coding anomalies in real-time. The Rapid Response Lead works collaboratively across departments to drive accurate documentation, coding integrity, and risk adjustment capture, while supporting training, compliance, and data-driven decision-making.
Serve as the primary resource for urgent CDI issues (e.g., payer denials, audits, DRG validation). Address immediate system needs (e.g., high denial rates, quality issues, new coding rules).
Mentor front-line CDSs on complex cases, query framing, and escalation. Analyze documentation and coding data for trends and improvement.
Lead and ensure compliance of strategic CDI initiatives across markets/systems. Evaluate strategic results and recommend implementation pathways.
CCDS Certified

Requirements

What you’ll need

Clinical Documentation Prof. credentialed from the Association of Clinical Documentation Improvement Specialists obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date.
High School diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience OR Associate's degree/Bachelor's degree with 1 year of experience OR 5 years of applicable cumulative job specific experience required. 2 years of leadership or management experience preferred.
Lead experience
Project Management experience
CCDS Certified

Benefits

Comp & perks

Comprehensive health coverage: medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage and HSA/FSA options
Financial security & retirement: employer-matched 403(b), planning and hardship resources, disability and life insurance
Time to recharge: pro-rated paid time off (PTO) and holidays
Career growth: Ascension-paid tuition (Vocare), reimbursement, ongoing professional development and online learning
Emotional well-being: Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care and stress management resources
Family support: parental leave, adoption assistance and family benefits
Other benefits: optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings and more