Full Time Utilization Review Specialist

Canyon Vista Recovery Center; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Canyon Vista Recovery Center in Mesa, Arizona is seeking a Utilization Review Specialist to manage admissions, reviews, and discharge planning using clinically valid criteria. This role collaborates with insurers and physicians to obtain approvals and ensures accurate medical necessity documentation.

The ideal candidate has a background in substance abuse settings, experience with utilization review, and the ability to coordinate pre-certifications and appeal processes.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Bachelor's degree in social work, behavioral or mental health, or related health field preferred.
• One+ year direct clinical experience in a substance abuse setting required; ASAM experience preferred.
• At least one year experience in utilization review preferred.

Responsibilities

• Performs admissions, concurrent, continued stay, and retrospective reviews using established criteria.
• Communicates with insurers (HMOs) for approvals and provides concise clinical information.
• Coordinates with physicians and staff regarding utilization trends and issues.
• Appeals denials and coordinates appeal process with providers and payers.
• Assists admissions with pre-certifications; conducts pre/post admission benefit verification.
• Maintains documentation on utilization management and charts.
• Supports staff training on documentation and medical necessity updates.
• Participates in discharge planning and length-of-stay monitoring.

Skills

Utilization Review

Documentation

Communication

Appeals

Education

Bachelor's degree

High School diploma

Job description

Full Time Utilization Review Specialist | Canyon Vista Recovery Center | Mesa, ArizonaAbout the Job:PURPOSE STATEMENT:The Utilization Specialist is responsible for reviewing of assigned admissions, continued stays, utilization practices and discharge planning according to approved clinically valid criteria which meets the daily deadlines to obtain authorizations and complete other pertinent processes. Coordinates, performs, and monitors all utilization review/management activities of the hospital to continuously improve the collection, reimbursement, coordination, and presentation of utilization review information; Educates hospital staff about requirements and trends.Schedule: Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pCompensation: $24/hr-$29/hr BOERoles and Responsibilities:ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Performs admission, concurrent, continued stay, and retrospective reviews using the established hospital criteria. Communicates effectively with insurance companies, health maintenance organization (HMOs) and other similar entities for approval of initial or additional days for treatment. Provides information they need in a logical, concise manner using technical language that accurately describes client’s condition and need for hospitalization.Communicates directly with physicians and other providers with respect to specific inquires and perceived trends of issues as they relate to utilization management.Appeals all denials ensuring accuracy of information and effective coordination of correspondence. Initiates, coordinates, and monitors the appeal process. Provides information to physicians to assist them in their role in appeals.Assists the admissions department with pre-certifications of care. Performs pre and post admission benefit verification with managed care organizations.Maintains accurate documentation and files as it relates to utilization management.Provides ongoing support and training for staff on documentation or charting requirements, continued stay criteria and medical necessity updates.Communicates effectively with co-workers, program, and nursing staff regarding charting deficiencies and problems/issues identified. Follows up in each instance to determine if corrective action was taken. Notifies supervisor if corrective action is not completed.Coordinates information and findings with the business office to help recognize or resolve possible payment problems.Monitors client length of stay and extensions and informs clinical and medical staff on issues that may impact length of stay. Investigates short term length of stays and endeavor to create alternate financial planning which would offer the client extended days of treatment. Participates in discharge planning as required.Gathers and develops statistical and narrative information to report on utilization, non-certified days (including identified causes and appeal information), discharges and quality of services, as required by the facility leadership or corporate office.Conducts quality reviews for medical necessity and services provided. Facilitates peer review calls between facility and external organizations. Identifies potential review problems and discuss them with multi-disciplinary team and/or administration.Acts as liaison between managed care organizations and the facility professional clinical staff.Assists with any problems encountered during on-site or telephone reviews by the third-party payers or review organization, when necessary.EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:High School diploma or equivalent required. Graduation from an approved/accredited school of nursing or a Bachelor's degree in social work, behavioral or mental health, or other related health field preferred.One or more years of direct clinical experience in a substance abuse setting required and ASAM experience preferred.At least one year experience in utilization review preferred.LICENSES/DESIGNATIONS/CERTIFICATIONS:Current licensure as an LPN or RN within the state where the facility provides services; or current clinical professional license or certification, as required, within the state where the facility provides services.SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS:This position is an Individual Contributor.Why Canyon Vista Recovery Center?Canyon Vista Recovery Center offers a comprehensive benefit plan and a competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications. Qualified candidates should apply by submitting a resume. Canyon Vista Recovery Center is an EOE.Veterans and military spouses are highly encouraged to apply. Summit BHC is dedicated to serving Veterans with specialized programming at our treatment centers across the country. We recognize and value the unique strengths of the military community in supporting our mission to serve those who have served.