Advanced Authorization Specialist

Advocate Aurora Health; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking an Advanced Authorization Specialist to secure highly complex authorizations for inpatient and outpatient oncology services. You will interpret complex medical records, coordinate with clinic staff, physicians, pharmacists and insurers, and ensure timely, accurate submissions.

The role requires strong knowledge of CPT/HCPCS coding, medical terminology, and experience with payer policies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree or 3 years of authorization experience required.
• Proficiency in CPT/HCPCS coding and medical terminology.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; Excel, Word, and Epic experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assess time-sensitive Referral Work Queues to obtain highly complex authorizations including IP/OP Chemotherapy, Radiology, Oncology treatment plans, IP/OP Surgeries, Molecular and Genetic Laboratory Testing, PT/OT and Speech Therapy, Psychiatry, Neuro/Psych Evaluations, and Rehab evaluations.
• Manage high-volume Stat request mailbox for all oncology facilities with a 1–3 day turnaround.
• Interpret medical records to determine medical necessity and complete online clinical requests for advanced authorization.
• Manage Atrium Health preferred drug list with payors and correlate changes with oncology pharmacy.
• Review laboratory panels for Bone Marrow Biopsies to authorize Molecular Lab Studies.
• Review and address monthly denials for Chemotherapy Drugs, Molecular Labs and surgeries with payors and Atrium Health Denial Management Teams (HBO/PBO).

Skills

CPT/HCPCS coding

Medical terminology

Written & verbal communication

Billing systems

Microsoft Excel/Word

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Authorization experience

Tools

Epic

Job description

Primary Purpose

The Advanced Authorization Specialist is responsible for all aspects involved in obtaining highly complex authorizations for a multitude of In-patient and Out-patient Services. The Advanced Authorization Specialist must be knowledgeable and have a thorough understanding of Commercial and Government payors with regards to Coordination of Benefits, Authorization guidelines, Pharmacy and Medical Benefit variances, as well as Medical Necessity Policies. The Advanced Authorization Specialist is responsible for reading and interpreting various complex medical records to obtain authorizations for requested services and treatment plans. Communication with clinic staff, providers, Pharmacists, and insurance companies is essential to ensure completed peer reviews, relay updated medical and specialty drug policies, and appeals. They work closely with the Hospital and Provider Denial Management Teams to review monthly denials and assess opportunities for retro-active authorizations and determine root cause analysis.

Major Responsibilities

• Assess time sensitive Referral Work Queues to obtain highly complex authorizations including IP/OP Chemotherapy, Radiology, specifically related to Oncology treatment plans, IP/OP Surgeries, Molecular and Genetic Laboratory Testing, specialty related PT/OT and Speech Therapy, Psychiatry, Neuro/Psych Evaluations, and Rehab evaluations.
• Manage high volume Stat request mailbox for all oncology facilities for potential life altering, high-cost treatment and procedures within a short time frame. Expected treatment within 1-3 days.
• Interpret medical records to determine initial and disease progression to prove medical necessity for ordered services and complete on-line clinical requests for advanced authorization.
• Manage Atrium Health preferred drug list (chemotherapy/immunotherapy/supportive drugs) with payors and correlate changes with oncology pharmacy.
• Manage Atrium Health drug formulary changes with authorization updates with payors.
• Review laboratory panels for Bone Marrow Biopsies to authorize Molecular Lab Studies, diagnosis specific.
• Review and address monthly denials for Chemotherapy Drugs, Molecular Labs and surgeries with payors and Atrium Health Denial Management Teams (HBO/PBO).

Minimum Job Requirements

Education

Bachelor's Degree or 3 years of authorization experience required.

Work Experience

Bachelor's Degree or 3 years of authorization experience required.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• General knowledge and background in CPT and HCPCS Coding.
• Must be proficient with medical terminology and be familiar with clinical considerations as these relate to oncology services.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills required.
• Microsoft Excel, Word, Epic experience preferred.
• Databases, hospital registration, billing and clinical systems preferred.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Work requires typing, filing, use of telephone and sitting for prolonged periods of time.
• Should be able to bend and lift up to 10lbs.

DISCLAIMER

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job or position. Employees must follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their leaders.