Job Description
Sub-Division: Hospital Req ID: 25963 Schedule : Full Time Shift : Days Salary Range: Eskenazi Health serves as the public hospital division of the Health & Hospital Corporation of Marion County. Physicians provide a comprehensive range of primary and specialty care services at the 327-bed hospital and outpatient facilities both on and off of the Eskenazi Health downtown campus as well as at 10 Eskenazi Health Center sites located throughout Indianapolis. FLSA Status Non-Exempt Job Role Summary The Utilization Review Specialist interacts with customers in a caring and respectful manner in accordance with Eskenazi Health Core Values. The Specialist acts as a patient information liaison and interfaces with Transitional Support staff, providers and specialists to assist in problem-solving. Essential Functions and Responsibilities • Proactively contributes to Eskenazi Health’s mission: Advocate, Care, Teach and Serve with special emphasis on the vulnerable population of Marion County. Models Eskenazi’s values of Professionalism, Respect, Innovation, Development and Excellence. • Interacts with all internal and external customers in a caring and respectful manner in accordance with Eskenazi Health Core Values. • Performs pre-certification activities related to inpatient services in accordance with predetermined departmental criteria. • Interfaces with Pharmacy and Specialty Clinic staff to initiate authorization of biological and neoadjuvant medications. • Maintains timeliness of payor communication in regard to notification of admission, appeals , and retro-authorizations. • Determines validity of coverage following established authorization requirements and refers to the inpatient discharge planner and inpatient Financial Counseling teams for further determinations of coverage, as needed. • Communicates and negotiates with payers to obtain approvals for the appropriate care level • Maintains open collaborative active communication with the Utilization Review nurses' team to ensure timely patient progression through the episode/plan of care • Documents and maintains pre-certification/authorization information accessible by the healthcare system • Responsible for maintaining denial management processes in collaboration with UR Nurses, physicians, revenue cycle, and business partners. • Responsible for maintaining knowledge of provider manuals and payor practices regarding inpatient authorizations, denial management, and retro-authorizations • Research and responds provider inquires concerning unauthorized claims • Provides direct support to providers regarding utilization review and authorization. • Operates within program requirements in accordance with CMS standards. Job Requirements • High school diploma or General Equivalency Diploma (GED) • 2 years of experience in a healthcare related authorization required • Medicaid, Medicare, and Commercial experience required • Knowledge of computer and related software • Ability to discern numbers and names, paying specific attention to detail to ensure accuracy in data entry • Works as an effective team member • Knowledge of general office procedures and mandated retention periods for pre-services • Proficiency in document imaging processes, oral and written communications, customer service, and organization Knowledge, Skills & Abilities • Self-starter with strong analytical and organizational skills, and ability to work independently and under minimal direction/supervision • Demonstrates professional telephone etiquette, strong written and verbal communication skills, and ability to work collaboratively with others (both intra and interdepartmentally) • Ability to perform clerical functions in a health care setting • Proficiency in basic and intermediate word processing (MS Word and Office) • Proficiency in spreadsheet applications, reporting skills, managing processes, supply management, inventory control • Ability to determine member benefit coverage via Indiana Medicaid Portal, Atrezzo, Availity, and UHC Link, Cohere, Optum, VA, and other payor platforms. • Ability to provide direct support to providers regarding utilization, authorization, and referral activities • Knowledge of office procedures and Utilization Management Policies • Team player, verbal and written communication skills, ability to collaborate with the interdisciplinary medical staff, excellent telephone and reception skills, and able to work flexible hours • Ability to use age appropriate communication skills • Knowledge of Hospital policies and procedures, general office procedures, correct English grammar/punctuation/spelling and aptitude for basic mathematical functions • Responsible for maintaining knowledge of provider manuals and payor practices regarding authorizations, denial management, and retro-authorizations • Demonstrates a general understanding and use of Medical and Insurance terminology • Ability to prioritize workload/schedules and perform duties without direct supervision • Attention to detail and complete work with high rate of accuracy • Flexibility to changing departmental requirements • Ability to coordinate and organize multiple tasks and projects at once • Functions effectively under pressure of deadlines and work volume • Knowledge of medical terminology preferred Accredited by The Joint Commission and named one of the nation’s 150 best places to work by Becker’s Hospital Review for four consecutive years and Forbes list of best places to work for women, and Forbes list of America’s best midsize employers’ Eskenazi Health’s programs have received national recognition while also offering new health care opportunities to the local community. As the sponsoring hospital for Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, the city’s primary EMS provider, Eskenazi Health is also home to the first adult Level I trauma center in Indiana, the first verified adult burn center in Indiana, the first community mental health center in Indiana and the Eskenazi Health Center Primary Care – Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, just to name a few.