Financial Analyst (Clinical Trials Research/ Revenue Cycle)

Company Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better health care, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. We pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, our goal is to take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Financial Analyst (Clinical Trials Research/ Revenue Cycle) reflects the mission, vision, and values of Northwestern Medicine, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

The Research Financial Analyst in this role will support both hospital and professional research billing compliance workflows, ensuring research-related charges are reviewed accurately and within required timelines to maintain timely billing and revenue cycle performance. The ideal candidate will have hands-on Epic experience, a strong understanding of research billing regulations, and the ability to manage high volumes independently while quickly onboarding to support operational continuity. Ensure timely review of charges within 10 days of service to meet internal KPIs. Work daily within Epic charge review queues/report to process and monitor charges. Familiarity with both hospital and professional billing workflows.

The position is onsite at 541 N. Fairbanks, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

• Support both hospital and professional research billing compliance workflows, ensuring research-related charges are reviewed accurately and within required timelines to maintain timely billing and revenue cycle performance.
• Review and validate research-related hospital and professional charges for billing compliance
• Distinguish between billable and non-billable research services
• Identify and resolve billing discrepancies and late charge drops
• Collaborate with research operations and revenue cycle stakeholders to support compliance
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure audit readiness
• Hands-on experience working in Epic with a strong understanding of charge review processes, research billing regulations, and revenue cycle dependencies
• high attention to detail and ability to manage high volume independently
• Review and reference study documents (protocol, consent form, budget, clinical trial agreement, coverage analysis) to identify research related charges impacting NMHC, and to ensure and support compliant billing.
• Maintain a detailed understanding of and adhere to rules and regulations of different types of payors, such as Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and commercial payors, inclusive of Medicare's Clinical Trial Policy (NCD 310.1) and related guidance.
• Acts as a resource to research teams to aid in identification of items and services related to the research and assignment of the appropriate payor.
• Maintains knowledge and proficiency in Epic, clinical trial management system, research fee schedule, and relevant government and non-government websites.
• Review and validate research-related hospital and professional charges for billing compliance distinguishes between billable and non-billable research services. Collaborate with research operations and revenue cycle stakeholders to support compliance. Hands-on experience working in Epic with a strong understanding of charge review processes, billing regulations, and revenue cycle dependencies high attention to detail and ability to manage high volume independently.
• Support both hospital and professional research billing compliance workflows, ensuring research-related charges are reviewed accurately and

Qualifications

Required:

• High School diploma
• One year related work experience or college degree
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations
• Basic knowledge of medical terminology and billing practices
• Extensive experience and knowledge of PC applications, including Microsoft Office and Excel
• Learn quickly and meet continuous timelines
• Exhibit behaviors consistent with principles of excellent service.

Preferred:

• Two or more years’ college or college degree.
• Degree Specific associate’s degree

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.