This is a remote position.

JOB TITLE: Authorization Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY OF DUTIES:

Responsible for obtaining managed care authorizations and verifying patient insurance benefits. Analyzing utilization data from health plans' claims as required. Maintains optimal patient, referring physician and insurance company satisfaction.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Regional Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Obtaining required referrals and authorizations prior to services via phone, fax, on-line, etc.
• Review office schedules daily for patients requiring authorizations, referrals, pre-notification, and insurance eligibility verification.
• Obtaining retro-authorizations or updating existing authorizations in a timely manner.
• Inputting/updating authorization information into internal system.
• Updates the patient account with details of the insurance verification.
• Identifies deductibles, co-pays, and self-pay accounts. Identifies large dollar DME accounts.
• Notifying the appropriate staff members if treatment or service is denied.
• Coordinating with the Financial Counselor necessary information for patient discussions.
• Working with the provider if a peer-to-peer review and/or appeals are necessary or requested by the payer.
• Keeping up-to-date on third party payer authorization requirement information.
• Re-verify all patients monthly for active, current insurance.
• Assist Collection staff with account questions when presented.
• Participates in professional development efforts to ensure currency in health care practices and trends.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION: High School, with minimum 5+ years’ experience in healthcare insurance authorizations.

KNOWLEDGE:

• Knowledge of clinic policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of managed care contracts and utilization to understand patient responsibility.
• Knowledge of computer systems, programs and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of medical terminology.
• Knowledge of CPT/ICD-9
• Knowledge of Excel and Word

SKILLS:

• Skill in gathering and reporting auth information.
• Skill in solving utilization problems.
• Skill in written and verbal communication and customer relations.
• Skill in organization and managing workload

ABILITIES:

• Ability to work effectively with medical staff and external agencies.
• Ability to identify, analyze and solve possible medical policy issues pre-denial.
• Ability to remain positive in a busy environment.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS:

Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS:

Busy office environment with much telephone and email communication.

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.