Clinical Investigator Behavioral Health

Position Purpose: Conduct comprehensive reviews of medical records and documents supporting claims for providers, suppliers, and pharmacies to include but not limited to physicians, inpatient, outpatient, ancillary, behavioral health care, laboratory, etc. Provides investigative support to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) related to coding and billing issues and identifies potential overpayments and suspected health care fraud and abuse. Position requires the associate to verify authorization for services and written documentation of services provided against claim information, ensure the appropriateness and accuracy of diagnosis and procedure codes supporting such claims, coordinate medical necessity and appropriate level of care determinations with Medical Directors, and validate services against CMS and State-specific coverage, limitations and exclusion guidelines. Coordinate with internal and external resources in determining the appropriateness of codes found in administrative, medical, claim and financial records, develop reports of findings and recommendations, communicate complex results of audit findings in meetings and/or judicial hearings, and assist SIU investigators during interviews, discussions and negotiations with providers, suppliers, and pharmacies.

Key Details: Candidates must be fully licensed with one of the approved licenses listed below upon the submission of the Centene application. One of the following Behavioral Health licenses is required - LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LMHP, or LIMHP and 3 - 4 years of direct/board work experience and knowledge of FWA policies in state agency investigations or managed care investigations is highly preferred

• Perform retrospective and prepayment reviews of medical records to identify potential fraud, waste, and abuse and inappropriate billing practices.
• Investigate, analyze, and identify provider billing patterns to determine payment based on medical records, claim history, billing codes, regulatory and state guidelines, and policies.
• Prepare summary of findings and recommend next steps for providers.
• Identify preventative measures and recommend changes to internal policies and procedures and/or provider practices to prevent future fraudulent and erroneous practices.
• Collaborate with investigators to identify abuse and fraud by utilizing clinical and coding expertise to analyze patterns in billing activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Comply with all policies and standards

Education/Experience: Master’s Degree and 2 + years of direct board clinical behavioral health experience with a fully independent clinical license AND 2+ years of fraud, waste, and abuse experience is required. A Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification is preferred but not required.

· 2+ years of experience in state agency investigations, special investigations in managed care, behavioral health provider reviews, medical record reviews, behavioral health billing/coding analysis, or behavioral health compliance.

· 3+ years of providing direct Psychotherapy or Inpatient group therapy within inpatient psychiatric hospitals or units, residential treatment centers, substance abuse rehabilitation facilities, military or veteran hospitals

· Direct experience or working knowledge with FWA policies in state agency investigations or managed care investigations is preferred

· Strong clinical documentation and problem-solving skills required

· Role requires openness, adaptability, and flexibility for business changes

· Strong communication, attention to detail, organizational and time management skills are required

· Skilled at utilizing Microsoft Office applications (MS 365 Co-Pilot, Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, Teams) and is open to utilizing Generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc) is preferred

· Comfortable with presenting findings in a concise and effective manner to various stakeholders is required

· Working knowledge of behavioral health billing and coding basics preferred

License/Certification: One of the following Behavioral Health licenses is required - LMHC, LCSW, LMFT, LPC, LMHP, or LIMHP

At Centene, we connect people to the care they need to live healthier lives — and the work you do here makes that impact real every day. You’ll take on meaningful challenges that directly support individuals, families, and communities, building your skills while making healthcare more accessible and effective. It’s work with a purpose you can see, backed by a team committed to improving lives well beyond the workday.

Centene offers a comprehensive benefits package including: competitive pay, health insurance, 401K and stock purchase plans, tuition reimbursement, paid time off plus holidays, and a flexible approach to work with remote, hybrid, field or office work schedules. Actual pay will be adjusted based on an individual's skills, experience, education, and other job-related factors permitted by law, including full-time or part-time status. Total compensation may also include additional forms of incentives. Benefits may be subject to program eligibility.

Centene is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, and values the ways in which we are different. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with the LA County Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act