Authorization Specialist I

Albany Medical College; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 49,763 - 69,668; Full time

Job summary

Albany Med Health System is seeking an Authorization Specialist I to secure referrals and authorizations, verify insurance, and interpret benefits for ambulatory and surgical services.

The role requires strong customer service skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage high volumes while maintaining compassionate patient care. A related degree and CHAA certification are preferred.

Qualifications

• Associates Degree required; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• CHAA certification or to be acquired within 2 years of hire.
• 3–5 years’ experience in hospital/physician office or call center preferred.
• Experience with insurance guidelines and authorization processes.

Responsibilities

• Secure referrals and patient authorizations for ambulatory, ancillary, surgical and procedural services.
• Verify insurance eligibility and interpret benefits to determine coverage.
• Apply contractual benefits to services and collect patient financial obligations pre-services.
• Interact with patients, providers, and insurer representatives to facilitate financial clearance.
• Work effectively in a high-volume, fast-paced environment while maintaining empathy.

Skills

Customer service

Insurance verification

Authorization management

Attention to detail

Multi-tasking

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Associate degree

Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Eligibility portals

Job description

## Authorization Specialist IApplylocations: 1275 Broadway Albany, NY 12204time type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: 70776Department/Unit:Patient Engagement CenterWork Shift:Day (United States of America)Salary Range:$49,763.00 - $69,668.00Salary Range: $17.97 - $28.76 The Patient Engagement Authorization Specialist I (IAS II) The IAS II is responsible for financially securing Ambulatory, Ancillary, Surgical and Procedural services. This includes securing Referral and Authorization. Insurance Verification and Benefit interpretation to discern insurance guidelines are being adhered to. Ability to interact with patients and stakeholders for the successful financial clearance will be critical to be successful in the compliance of authorization and referral guidelines. Position requires ability to work in a high-volume, fast paced environment. Understanding of complex scheduling needs of our patients in an empathetic, compassionate manner is critical. Position is required to use eligibility application and authorization portals to invoke request to verify insurance eligibility, interpret response and capture appropriate health insurance information as it pertains to the service being rendered. The position requires ability to understand and apply contractual benefits to the service being rendered, with ability to collect patient financial obligation pre-services.Education:* Associates Degree; Bachelor Degree preferredLicensure, Certification & Registration:* CHAA (or acquired within 2 years of hire)Experience:* Winning customer service personality with ability to engage patients, provider and provider staff as well as insurance company representatives via telephone with superior patient experience.* 3 – 5 years’ experience in Hospital or Physician office experience or call center environment, preferred* Strong insurance knowledge specific to complex scheduling needs and authorization managementSkills, Knowledge & Abilities:* Proven customer service skill with ability to exceed expectations* Demonstrated knowledge payer authorization requirements* Strong attention to detail* Ability to multi-task in stressful and high patient volume unit* Must be able to manage pressure of very tight timeframes to execute task* Ability to learn in classroom, utilizing resources* Ability to remain composure under pressure* Ability to train and onboard colleague* Ability to review information and draw appropriate conclusion* Good judgement and ability to be resourceful to problem solve; escalate issues as needed* Team minded worth ethic* Demonstrated ability interpret patient’s insurance benefits and apply the applicable contractual obligations* Critical thinking ability regarding issues with financially securing paymentThank you for your interest in Albany Med Health System!Albany Med Health System is an equal opportunity employer.This role may require access to information considered sensitive to Albany Med Health System, its patients, affiliates, and partners, including but not limited to HIPAA Protected Health Information and other information regulated by Federal and New York State statutes. Workforce members are expected to ensure that:Access to information is based on a “need to know” and is the minimum necessary to properly perform assigned duties. Use or disclosure shall not exceed the minimum amount of information needed to accomplish an intended purpose. Reasonable efforts, consistent with Albany Med Health System policies and standards, shall be made to ensure that information is adequately protected from unauthorized access and modification.