Nurse Defense Auditor

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Denials Management Coordinator plays a vital role in supporting the organization’s revenue cycle operations by coordinating the review, analysis, and resolution of insurance claim denials to help ensure accurate and timely reimbursement. The Denials Management Coordinator works closely with clinical, financial, coding, billing, and payer teams to support compliant revenue practices and revenue recovery efforts.

Within the Hospital Billing & Collections department, the Denials Management Coordinator analyzes complex patient accounts, denied claims, audits, and appeals while serving as a liaison between internal stakeholders and third-party payers. UT MD Anderson relies on this role to identify denial trends, facilitate retrospective approvals, support defense audits, and improve reimbursement outcomes through effective communication and clinical expertise.

The ideal candidate is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing preferred, experience with front-end and back-end insurance appeals, nurse auditing, utilization review, case management, or business office operations. Preferred certifications include Case Management, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. The candidate should possess strong knowledge of insurance appeals, medical necessity reviews, nurse defense audit, and case management.

Minimum $89,000 annually – Midpoint $111,000 annually – Maximum $133,000 annually (based on a 40-hour work week)
The typical work schedule is Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm(must be able to come onsite as needed).
Work Location\: Remote( must be able to come onsite as needed)

Why Us?
At UT MD Anderson, this role directly supports the mission of advancing patient care by helping secure appropriate reimbursement for medically necessary services. The position offers an opportunity to collaborate across clinical and financial teams, develop expertise in complex appeals and denials management, contribute to operational excellence, and maintain work-life balance through a primarily remote work arrangement with onsite presence as needed.

• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance. • Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options. • Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups. • Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities

Denials Analysis & Appeals • Analyze invoices and patient accounts in the patient accounting system to prepare appeals for third-party payer denials • Utilize Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Remittance Advices to verify denials and identify appeal opportunities • Review denied services for retrospective approval, continued access needs, retrospective review, and defense audits • Identify and evaluate denial trends that impact reimbursement and revenue cycle performance

Payer Communication & Resolution • Contact third-party payers, insurance medical directors, case management, and utilization review teams to request reconsideration and appeals • Provide comprehensive clinical and financial documentation to support appeal requests • Coordinate appeal and audit activities and maintain timely follow-up on appealed or audited claims • Communicate issues affecting future care needs and contract performance to leadership

Clinical & Revenue Cycle Collaboration • Collaborate with Case Management and providers to ensure all medical necessity documentation is captured • Serve as a liaison between clinical departments, coding, billing, payer relations, and financial teams • Promote compliant revenue practices and support accurate reimbursement processes • Support resolution strategies for complex denials requiring clinical intervention
Documentation & System Management • Update and maintain patient accounting system information, including insurance, demographics, notations, and service codes • Accurately document appeal activities, audit outcomes, and account actions • Maintain confidentiality and follow hospital and departmental policies and procedures • Perform business office responsibilities with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment

Compliance & Professional Knowledge • Demonstrate knowledge of third-party payer claim requirements, UB04, HCFA1500, EOBs, and appeal timelines • Maintain understanding of insurance guidelines related to medical necessity review, including M&R and InterQual • Apply working knowledge of ICD-10 and CPT codes • Stay current on oncology clinical processes, outcomes, clinical trials, and related resources • Contribute ideas and recommendations that improve revenue recovery and team effectiveness