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This position supports the research program primarily in the management of pre- project or/and pre-award financial and administrative activities for research projects conducted at Northside Hospital. Key responsibilities include the review and finalization of the Medicare Coverage Analysis (MCA) and study cost analysis. The Research Financial Analyst supports the clinical staff conducting research by serving as the point of contact for pre-award financial administration issues related to clinical research projects and services. This position will assist the NSH research community by negotiating research budgets, and when needed working with legal counsel to finalize clinical trial agreements with sponsors and assisting with any federal grant submissions to sponsors. Other responsibilities might include assisting with billing advisement, invoicing, and research project planning items, such as ensuring departmental support, establishing agreements with vendors that provide research services or agreements for institutions seeking vendor services from Northside Hospital. This position is important to the efficient, consistent and timely set-up and close of new research initiatives. This individual works closely with the Accounting, Finance and Revenue Integrity.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Review complicated research protocols, sponsor agreements, informed consent forms and related documents to develop or complete quality assurance of a MCA that categorizes all services, items, costs and expenses applicable to the clinical research project.
• Analyze Medicare benefit policies, coverage determinations and medical practice guidelines related to research-specific interventions and routine care.
• Using the MCA, work with the Investigator and the clinical research team to develop an internal study budget to reflect all costs and expenses applicable to the clinical research trial.
• Provide study specific training on Medicare Coverage Analysis.
• Support the Research Billing Specialists, Clinical Research Staff and other impacted roles with the interpretation of the MCA.
• Ensure that items designated as billable to sponsor are included in the sponsor budget and that costs incurred by Northside are covered.
• Lead special projects as assigned to improve financial processes and stay compliant with regulations.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on research and Medicare billing guidelines.
• Interact with members of the research team to gather the necessary information required for developing a research project budget using the budget template.
• With the help of Legal Counsel, utilize the internal budget (costs) to negotiate study budgets that account for the costs associated with a research project.
• Interact with internal or external counsel, as necessary, when more sophisticated negotiation situations demand additional input or support for the negotiation effort.
• Maintain constant communication with internal Departments to obtain updated costs/pricing to accurately generate a research project budget.
• Based on the results of the internal cost analysis, sponsor budget negotiations and using the input of the clinical research team, assist in the determination of whether a particular research project is feasible.
• Develop grant proposals with federal and state sponsors, as needed.

REQUIRED:

• Bachelor's degree in life sciences or an applicable related field with up to 3 years of relevant experience. a). An applicable related field may be business administration, accounting, law or an experienced Study Coordinator or Research Nurse with financial and/or contract management experience.
• It is highly preferred that the individual have an understanding of Medicare billing rules and functional knowledge of essential National Coverage Decisions and the new CMS Clinical Research Policy.
• Working knowledge of study accounting, billing and/or coding is preferred.
• General understanding of Medicare National Coverage Determinations and Standard of Care items to complete a Medicare Coverage Analysis.
• Knowledge of key research financial regulations regarding research (e.g., FDA / OHRP / ORI / DHHS / NIH).
• Knowledge of clinical research administration, Good Clinical Practices, and federal grants preferred.
• Advanced experience using Microsoft Applications such as Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint.
• Effective professional communication skills; ability to communicate with others in a clear, understandable, and professional manner.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to adhere to policies and procedures.
• Effective organizational skills, effective follow-through and commitment to excellence.
• Proven track record in customer service, attention to detail, and problem solving.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Must be flexible and adaptable, conditions and environment are unpredictable and change frequently.

PREFERRED:

• Experience in a healthcare or community hospital setting strongly preferred.
• Background in Research Finance