Clinical Navigator (Remote)

CareFirst, Inc.; Baltimore (MD); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 144,000; Full time

Job summary

The Clinical Navigator (RN) role at CareFirst, Inc. focuses on concurrent review of inpatient care and discharge planning, ensuring timely transitions to home or other levels of care.

You will work telephonically with hospital care teams, case managers and discharge planners, applying MCG guidelines and regulatory requirements to determine medical necessity and appropriate level of care. This position is remote within the greater Baltimore area with periodic on-site meetings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in nursing; or equivalent with 4 additional years of relevant work experience.
• RN license in MD, VA or DC required at hire.
• 5 years of clinically related experience in care management or utilization review.

Responsibilities

• Analyze clinical information to determine appropriateness and authorization of inpatient services.
• Coordinate discharge planning telephonically with hospital teams and families.
• Collaborate with medical directors and participate in case rounds to determine level of care.
• Refer to other care management programs as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Clinical documentation

MS Office

Analytical thinking

Telephonic communication

Time management

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Nursing

4 years relevant work experience in lieu of a Bachelor's

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Resp & Qualifications

PURPOSE: The Clinical Navigator (RN) conducts concurrent review of inpatient level of care, managing the timely and smooth transition from inpatient care to home or other levels of care. Utilizing experience and skills in both care management and utilization management, the Clinical Navigator will leverage proficiency in established MCG, in addition to administrative/regulatory considerations, to determine medical necessity, appropriate level(s) of care, and case management to engage members/enrollees, their families and other support systems in discharge planning. The role will function as a liaison working telephonically with the hospital care team including case managers, social workers and discharge planners to ensure CareFirst members/enrollees receive the appropriate level of care and partner to address any potential barriers to discharge. We are looking for an experienced professional to work remotely from within the greater Baltimore metropolitan area. The incumbent will be expected to come into a CareFirst location periodically for meetings, training and/or other business-related activities. The ideal candidate will have previous experience performing utilization review within a healthcare payor organization.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Utilize clinical expertise and critical thinking skills to analyze available clinical information, Electronic Medical Records (EMRs), benefit contracts, mandates, medical policy, evidence based published research, national accreditation and regulatory requirements to aid in determination of appropriateness and authorization of inpatient clinical services. Engages telephonically with member, family and providers to identify key strategic interventions, discharge planning and coordination to address members' medical, behavioral and/or social determinant of health needs to promote a safe transition to the appropriate level of care and/or home.
• Collaborates with CareFirst medical directors and participates in internal case rounds/discussions to determine appropriate course of action and level of care. Applies sound clinical knowledge and judgment throughout the review process. Follows member benefit contracts to assist with benefit determination.
• Makes referrals to other care management programs as appropriate for chronic, long-term care coordination.
• Works collaboratively with hospital teams to develop positive working relationships to decrease provider abrasion and improve the member experience.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education Level: Bachelor's Degree in Nursing OR on lieu of a Bachelor's degree, an additional 4 years of relevant work experience is required in addition to the required work experience.

Licenses/Certifications Upon Hire Required:

• RN - Registered Nurse - State Licensure And/or Compact State Licensure RN- Registered Nurse in MD, VA or Washington, DC

Experience:

5 years clinically related experience working in Care Management, Home Health, Discharge Coordination and/or Utilization Review.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Direct experience with utilization review in a healthcare payor organization.
• Knowledge and experience with MCG
• Experience working with Commercial Employee group member and Medicare/Medicaid enrollees and benefits contracts
• CCM certification
• MCG certification

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to engage in a member facing environment (telephonically) while at the same time building relationships and partnerships with hospital care team and alternative care delivery partners to meeting member/enrollee needs.
• Strong clinical documentation skills along with the ability to type on a computer keyboard with ease and speed.
• Proficient in the use of web-based technology and Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel and Power Point.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to judge appropriateness of member services and treatments on a case-by-case basis.
• Knowledge of clinical standards of care and disease process and national, evidence based clinical guidelines and hospital operations.
• Knowledge of available community resources and programs.
• Basic understanding of the strategic and financial goals of a health care system, payer organization, health plan and/or health insurance operations (e.g. networks, eligibility, benefits).
• Must be able to meet established deadlines and handle multiple customer service demands from internal and external customers, within set expectations for service excellence. Must be able to effectively communicate and provide positive customer service to every internal and external customer, including customers who may be demanding or otherwise challenging.

Salary Range:

$72,360 - $143,715

Salary Range Disclaimer

The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the work is being performed. This compensation range is specific and considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, internal peer equity, and market and business consideration. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at the top of the range, as compensation decisions depend on each case's facts and circumstances, including but not limited to experience, internal equity, and location. In addition to your compensation, CareFirst offers a comprehensive benefits package, various incentive programs/plans, and 401k contribution programs/plans (all benefits/incentives are subject to eligibility requirements).

Equal Employment Opportunity

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of theCompany to provide equal employment opportunities to allqualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

Federal Disc/Physical Demand

Note: The incumbent is required to immediately disclose any debarment, exclusion, or other event that makes him/her ineligible to perform work directly or indirectly on Federal health care programs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The associate is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position. Occasional walking or standing is required. The hands are regularly used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The associate must frequently talk and hear. Weights up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted.

Sponsorship in US

Must be eligible to work in the U.S. without Sponsorship