Biostatistical Research Scientist - 0901177 Job

Employer Name: BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee	SpiderID: 2929085
Location: Chattanooga, Tennessee	Date Posted: 10/21/2009
Wage:	Category: Biotech
Job Code: 0901177
Number Of Openings: 1

Job Description:

BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee
Chattanooga, TN

The mission of the Medical Informatics Division (MI) is to support all BCBST business units by conducting research, and developing tools and processes that improve the outcomes, quality, access to, cost and utilization and management of health care to BCBST members. MI achieves this mission through health services and other types of research designed to (1) improve clinical practice, (2) improve BCBST's ability to provide access to and deliver high quality, high-value health care, and (3) provide policy makers with the ability to assess the impact of system changes on outcomes, quality, access, cost, and use of health care resources. The candidate chosen for this position will serve to support the mission of the MI division.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
The incumbent will work closely with senior researchers and business unit staff to support the MI mission through the following major activities:

• Provider Profiling
• Network Evaluation
• Transparency and Pay for Performance Programs
• Clinical Program Evaluation
• Research Studies
• Population Assessment
• Statistical Analysis
• Outcomes Assessment
• Report and Tool Development
• Utilization and Cost Studies

The incumbent will use their prior experience in the development and maintenance of the above-mentioned programs and activities. The candidate chosen will also be expected to keep up with latest research in these areas and apply these new techniques as appropriate. Substantial scientific innovation is required to expand and evaluate the above-mentioned activities.

In addition, the selected candidate will conduct research and be involved in studies in the following major areas:
1. Development and testing of outcomes measures addressing severity and risk adjustment, as well as general measurement issues; and strategies for improving outcome measures for patients and providers.
2. Applied Research using Episode of Care Technology.
3. The relationship between processes and outcomes of care, including timing of services.
4. Evaluation of, and development of measures for, outcomes, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of clinical preventive services for all ages.
5. Analysis of the causes of variations in clinical practice and the use of health care technologies, including the clinical behaviors of primary care and specialty providers, provider training, patient characteristics and preferences, or other factors.
6. Effects of information technology applications, such as computerized decision-support systems, on improving outcomes.
7. Studies that use various external sources of data to assess the cost and utilization of health resources within the BCBST member base.
8. Impact of the trends in health care prices, costs, and sources of payment for services on access, expenditures, and outcomes.
9. Development of new and more effective ways to measure the range of health care costs and to organize and analyze data on costs by clinical condition, socio-demographic factors, site of care, and payment sources.
10.Assessment of the determinants of access to care and strategies to improve access.

The candidate is expected to work as an independent research leader in team efforts to design and carry out health-related research, and be able to present research findings and evaluation results to internal and external audiences on a frequent basis. Strong encouragement will be given for publication of methodological and substantive papers. The candidate will also be expected to perform grant-funded work as necessary. In addition, the candidate will develop tools for use in business processes and serve as a consultant on research and statistical matters with internal and external customers.

Please apply via our career site at:

https://www.bcbst.com/about/careers/openings/

Job Requirements:

• Minimum acceptable qualifications include a bachelor's degree in a quantitative/research discipline and six or more years of research experience in a managed health care environment OR an advanced degree in a quantitative/research discipline and 4 years of research experience
• Experience in the application of modern statistical design and research techniques to health-related data
• Interest in statistical and research methodology
• Ability to use of SAS and other computational software for statistical analysis
• Teamwork and leadership qualities are highly essential as are written and oral communication skills

Job Criteria:
Start Date:
Position Type: Full-Time Permanent
Years of Experience Required:
Education Required:
Overnight Travel:
Vacation Time:

Job Benefits:
Health/Dental Benefits, Retirement Benefits, Paid Holidays, Vacations, and Sick Leave, Life and/or Disability Insurance, Relocation Assistance, Tuition Reimbursement, Casual Dress, Company Cafeteria

Contact Information:

Contact Name: BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee	Company Type: Employer
Company: BlueCross and BlueShield of Tennessee

City: Chattanooga
State: Tennessee
Zip:

Web Site: http://www.bcbst.com