Clinical Outcomes Specialist

At Houston Methodist, the Clinical Outcomes Specialist is responsible for supporting regulatory and/or accreditation quality reporting requirements, internal quality initiatives, clinical outcomes processes, and clinical benchmarking endeavors of the entity.

This includes concurrent and/or retrospective data abstraction, data management, data analysis, report generation, results presentation and dissemination, and education of medical staff, entity staff and management.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Communicates and disseminates timely data analysis and findings to management and appropriate entity and/or medical staff committees.
Communicates timely and relevant feedback to team, management, entity, and/or medical staff as it pertains to assignment, errors in coding, performance/process improvement initiatives, ongoing projects and other related issues; follows-up on and closes the loop of each communication to ensure timely resolution or escalation if necessary.
Adheres to agreed upon escalation process for communication within the department, entity and/or medical staff.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Supports Department with data abstraction for regulatory and/or accreditation requirements and performance/process improvement projects.
Interprets and analyzes data to determine trends, identify potential causative factors and opportunities for improvement.

Incorporates analyses into routine monthly or ad hoc reports, using statistical tools/graphic models appropriate for data and intended audience. Presents the information to various committee or performance improvement teams.
Serves as a resource, consultant, and expert for assigned registry or measure sets for the Department, entity leadership, and staff.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Accurately abstracts data through concurrent and/or retrospective medical record review; organizes and inputs data into appropriate database in accordance with specifications manual or coding instructions; adheres to volume requirement and submission deadlines; if required, meets registry volume requirement for follow-up phone calls to clinics, patients or families within the required time frame.
Clarifies interpretation of specifications manual/coding instructions/abstraction guidelines with appropriate registry or measure set support team and disseminates information to team, entity and/or medical staff as needed.
Reviews and validates accuracy and completeness of abstracted data on an established and agreed upon schedule and prior to submission; adheres to established department internal and external validation process to ensure quality, accuracy, and integrity of data.
Supports RCAA/FMEA process as requested when patient outcomes suggest possible system failures.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Manages department resources and assignment effectively and efficiently as evidenced by prudent use of office supplies, timely data abstraction, data entry, and data submission.
Reports case reviews with incorrect diagnosis or procedure code and refers cases to Coding team for review and re-coding as appropriate.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Maintains knowledge of guidelines governing data abstraction, regulatory, and accreditation requirements; stays current with clinical knowledge for specialty area by participating in internal or external educational opportunities.
Makes recommendations to team, department, or entity committees on how to improve processes and performance based on registry or clinical guidelines.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Science in Nursing required

WORK EXPERIENCE
Three years of direct patient care in acute care hospital or ambulatory environment required
Previous performance improvement experience preferred

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
RN

- Registered Nurse - Texas State Licensure and/or Compact State Licensure within 60 days

OR
RN-Temp

- Registered Nurse - Temporary State Licensure within 60 days

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - PREFERRED
CPHQ - Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (NAHQ)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations
Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security
Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles
Ability to review medical information from multiple computer sources, abstract pertinent information, and assimilate findings based upon defined measurement guidelines
Detail oriented
Intermediate computer and analytical skills
Skill in general use of Excel spreadsheet, relational database, presentation and word-processing software and the Internet; proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook essential for success in this position
Excellent time management and organizational skills
Ability to work independently and with teams
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
Uniform No
Scrubs No
Business professional Yes
Other (department approved) No
ON-CALL*
*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie. DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* No
TRAVEL**
**Travel specifications may vary by department**
May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area Yes
Company Profile:
Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in Texas (two-way tie) and one of America’s “Best Hospitals.” As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health care organizations: Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital. Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M University and the University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for thousands of patients from around the world.
Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral Protected Veterans requested.