Authorization Specialist

Remote Jobs; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision plans

PTO & holidays

401(k) matching

Tuition reimbursement

Volunteer days off

Life insurance (basic)

Disability insurance (long-term)

Employee assistance program

Employee referral program

Job summary

Vital Care Infusion Services is seeking a dedicated Authorization Specialist to initiate authorizations, focusing on accuracy and timely processing to reduce denials and improve collection rates. You will work with franchise partners, payers, and internal teams to ensure complete documentation and prompt responses to insurers.

The role requires two years of intake/authorization and home infusion therapy experience, with strong communication and organizational skills, and proficiency in MS Office

Qualifications

• Two years’ experience in intake/authorizations and home infusion therapy.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Review patient files for completeness and accuracy, ensure all revenue opportunities are included to complete and submit prior authorizations timely for payer reimbursement.
• Communicate effectively with franchise partners, payers, and other departments regarding the status of authorizations.
• Document case activity, communications, and correspondence in the system to ensure completeness and accuracy of account activity and actions taken to resolve outstanding authorization issues; schedule follow-ups as required.
• Investigate and verify benefits for pharmacy and medical third-party claims.
• Obtain reauthorizations; initiate requests, follow up to provide additional required information, and track progress with payers; maintain contact with customers to keep them informed.
• Track, report, and escalate service issues arising from authorization requests or other issues delaying service to ensure patient access and avoid therapy interruptions.
• Communicate financial obligation information with patients so they understand therapy costs before starting service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication skills

Billing & collections

Documentation & records

Organizational skills

MS Office & pharmacy apps

Education

High school diploma

Tools

MS Office

Pharmacy software

Job description

Recognized as a "Best Place to Work Modern Healthcare" - Join a team where people come first. At Vital Care, we are committed to creating an inclusive, growth-focused environment where every voice matters.

Vital Care is the premier pharmacy franchise business with franchises serving a wide range of patients, including those with chronic and acute conditions. Since 1986, our passion has been improving the lives of patients and healthcare professionals through locally-owned franchise locations across the United States. We have over 100 franchised Infusion pharmacies and clinics in 35 states, focusing on the underserved and secondary markets. We know infusion services, and we guide owners along the path of launch, growth, and successful business operations.

What we offer:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, plus flexible spending, and health savings accounts.
• Paid time off, personal days, and company-paid holidays.
• Paid Paternal Leave.
• Volunteerism Days off.
• Income protection programs include company-sponsored basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance, as well as employee-paid voluntary life, accident, critical illness, and short-term disability insurance.
• 401(k) matching and tuition reimbursement.
• Employee assistance programs include mental health, financial and legal.
• Rewards programs offered by our medical carrier.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.
• Employee Referral Program.

Job Summary:

Perform duties to initiate authorizations, focusing on accuracy, timeliness, and adherence to processes to reduce denial rate, DSO, and bad debt. Minimize turnaround time and errors to improve collection rates while working within the limits of standard or accepted practice, credentialing/re-credentialing, and Contract applications.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Review patient files for completeness and accuracy, ensure all revenue opportunities are included to complete and submit prior authorizations timely for payer reimbursement.
• Communicate effectively with franchise partners, payers, and other VCI departments regarding the status of authorizations.
• Document case activity, communications, and correspondence in the computer system to ensure completeness and accuracy of account activity and actions taken to resolve outstanding authorization issues. Schedule follow-ups in required intervals.
• Investigate and verify benefits for pharmacy and medical third-party claims.
• Obtain reauthorizations; initiate requests, follow up to provide the additional required information, track progress, expedite responses from insurance carriers and other payers, and maintain contact with customers to keep them continuously informed.
• Track, report, and escalated service issues arising from requests for authorizations or other issues that delay service to ensure patient access and to avoid delays that may interrupt therapy.
• Communicate financial obligation information with patients so that they clearly understand all therapy costs before starting service.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent communication skills: listening, speaking, understanding, and writing English while influencing patients, caregivers, and payer representatives, answering questions, and advancing reimbursement and collection efforts.
• Proven understanding of processes, systems, and techniques to ensure successful billing and collection efforts collaborating with all payer types.
• Proven ability to identify gaps and problems from a documentation review, determine lasting solutions, make effective decisions, and take necessary corrective action.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to track and maintain clear, complete records of activities, cases, and related documentation.
• Proven knowledge and skill in utilizing the MS Office suite of software and pharmacy applications.

Education and Experience:

• Two years' experience in intake/authorizations and home infusion therapy is required.
• High school diploma or equivalent.

Physical Requirements:

• Sitting: Prolonged periods of sitting are typical, often for the majority of the workday.
• Keyboarding: Frequent use of a keyboard for typing and data entry.
• Reaching: Occasionally reaching for items such as files, documents, or office supplies.
• Fine Motor Skills: Precise movements of the fingers and hands for tasks like typing, using a mouse, and handling paperwork
• Visual Acuity: Good vision for reading documents, computer screens, and other detailed work.

Be part of an organization that invests in you! We are reviewing applications for this role and will contact qualified candidates for interviews.

Vital Care Infusion Services is an equal-opportunity employer and values diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of color, race, sex, age, religion, national origin, disability, genetic information, gender identity, sexual orientation, veterans' status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Vital Care is a U.S.-based employer and hires only individuals who are authorized to work in the United States and who perform their work from within the United States. Applicants and employees must accurately disclose their current work location and work authorization status during the application and hiring process. Any material misrepresentation or omission regarding identity, location, work authorization, qualifications, or other employment-related information may result in withdrawal of a job offer, immediate termination of employment, and pursuit of any remedies available under applicable law.

Vital Care Infusion Services participates in E-Verify.

This position is full-time.