Cognizant is a large IT Consulting Firm that leverages modern technologies to transform a variety of business operations. The **Encounters Analyst** plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely submission of healthcare encounter data to regulatory agencies. This **fully remote, U.S.-based** position is responsible for managing the end-to-end encounter lifecycle, including data submission, remediation, analytics, and compliance. The ideal candidate will bring a strong analytical mindset, a working knowledge of SQL, and a deep understanding of healthcare data standards. This role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams, proactive issue resolution, and a commitment to continuous process improvement to support regulatory compliance and operational excellence. **Role Responsibilities** **Encounter Data Management & Submission** + Create and manage submission schedules in the EDM system, ensuring timely and accurate delivery of encounter data to regulatory agencies. + Process supplemental chart review files and integrate them into the encounter workflow. + Track and report on encounter submissions and remediation metrics; develop and maintain dashboards and performance reports. **Analytics & Issue Resolution** + Analyze metric deviations (e.g., scrubs, rejects) and perform root cause analysis using desk-level procedures and system research. + Investigate schedule failures and collaborate with production support and technical teams to resolve issues. + Research and document encounter errors in established systems/databases, applying statistical and trend analysis. + Perform root cause analysis of processing and submission issues; recommend data-driven solutions aligned with industry standards. **Testing & System Support** + Provide User Acceptance Testing (UAT) support during software upgrades, new releases, and defect fixes. + Coordinate release management activities and validate new software or product enhancements. **Process Documentation & Compliance** + Document and monitor the end-to-end encounter lifecycle, including inbound and outbound processes. + Ensure 100% compliance with process requirements, training mandates, and regulatory guidelines. + Develop and maintain SOPs, training manuals, and knowledge management databases. **Stakeholder Engagement & Reporting** + Respond to internal and external customer queries related to submissions and remediations. + Create and deliver status reports to stakeholders; manage escalations and ensure timely resolution. + Keep management informed of accomplishments, ongoing issues, and resolution strategies. **Performance & Quality Assurance** + Achieve individual and team SLA targets; maintain high levels of productivity, accuracy, and turnaround time. + Ensure team productivity and utilization targets are met (e.g., >85% utilization, >95% process health score). + Minimize rework and ensure no findings in DAG audits. + Maintain and manage individual performance scorecards and process-related MIS. **Continuous Improvement & Collaboration** + Lead and participate in Lean and Kaizen projects to drive process efficiency and customer satisfaction. + Identify and implement process improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and accuracy. + Collaborate across departments to recommend business process and system enhancements. **Team Development & Engagement** + Support knowledge transfer during process transitions. + Ensure team adherence to learning plans and completion of mandatory training and certifications. + Contribute to recruitment efforts and manage employee engagement and retention (e.g., ESAT scores, attrition targets). **Desired Skills & Experience** + At least a Bachelor’s Degree is required + 4+ years related healthcare and/or IT experience with specific knowledge including Encounters, claims, membership, provider maintenance, code sets, EDI including 837 and NCPDP file formats, and CMS compliance + Strong SQL skills in the healthcare space + SQL Server – SSIS and SSRS plus any Microsoft cloud technologies will be an added advantage **Salary and Other Compensation:** Applications will be accepted until August 1st, 2025. The annual salary for this position is between $50,000 - $67,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans. **Benefits:** Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: + Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance + Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off + 401(k) plan and contributions + Long-term/Short-term Disability + Paid Parental Leave + Employee Stock Purchase Plan **Disclaimer:** The salary, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law. Cognizant will only consider applicants for this position who are legally authorized to work in the United States without requiring company sponsorship now or at any time in the future. Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.