Insurance Verification & Authorization Specialist

Texas Regional Physicians; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas Regional Physicians is seeking an Insurance Verification & Authorization Specialist to join our Houston-area team. The role focuses on verifying insurance coverage and benefits, obtaining prior authorizations and referrals, and managing a high-volume workload with accuracy.

You will support scheduling with timely eligible information and documentation for approvals. The ideal candidate is organized, detail-oriented, and proficient with payer portals and medical billing practices.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of prior insurance verification or medical billing experience required.
• Experience obtaining prior authorizations and referrals preferred.
• Strong computer skills including Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Verify patient insurance coverage, eligibility, and benefits prior to scheduled appointments.
• Verify COB and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Submit and manage prior authorization requests for applicable services.
• Obtain referrals and GAP exceptions as required by carriers.
• Track, prioritize, and follow up on pending authorizations to ensure timely completion.
• Provide required documentation to carriers to support authorization requests.
• Initiate appeals for upfront denials and follow through to resolution.
• Review payer policies to determine authorization requirements.
• Communicate status with clinical and scheduling teams.

Skills

Insurance verification

Prior authorizations

Payer policies knowledge

Time management

Multitasking

Communication skills

Customer service

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

2+ years in medical billing/insurance verification

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Payer portals

Job description

Description

About Texas Regional Physicians

Texas Regional Physicians (TRP) is a physician-led, multi-specialty medical group committed to providing coordinated, patient-centered care across our clinical network. Our team works collaboratively to create a streamlined patient experience while supporting providers and clinical operations with accuracy, efficiency, and exceptional service.

Position Summary

Texas Regional Physicians is seeking a dependable and detail-oriented Insurance Verification & Authorization Specialist to join our team.

This position is responsible for verifying patient insurance coverage and benefits, obtaining prior authorizations and referrals, processing GAP exceptions, and ensuring all required approvals are secured prior to scheduled services. The ideal candidate is highly organized, comfortable managing a high-volume and time-sensitive workload, and knowledgeable in insurance payer policies, authorization requirements, and online insurance portals.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify patient insurance coverage, eligibility, and benefits prior to scheduled appointments.
• Verify coordination of benefits (COB) and resolve discrepancies as needed.
• Submit and manage prior authorization requests for applicable medical services.
• Obtain referrals and GAP exceptions as required by insurance carriers.
• Track, prioritize, and follow up on pending authorizations to ensure timely completion.
• Provide required clinical documentation to insurance carriers to support authorization requests.
• Initiate appeals for upfront authorization denials and follow through until resolution.
• Review payer medical policies and guidelines to determine authorization requirements.
• Maintain consistent communication with clinical and scheduling teams regarding authorization status, approvals, denials, and outstanding requirements.
• Contact patients when necessary to verify or obtain updated insurance information.
• Accurately document insurance verification and authorization activity in applicable systems.
• Navigate insurance carrier websites and payer portals to obtain eligibility, benefit, authorization, and referral information.
• Provide professional and courteous customer service to patients and internal team members.
• Assist patients with insurance-related questions regarding their account when appropriate.
• Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 2 years of prior insurance verification or medical billing experience required.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a medical or healthcare-related environment required.
• Experience obtaining prior authorizations and referrals strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of payer medical policies, guidelines, and authorization requirements.
• Familiarity with commercial insurance portals and online payer systems.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Excel and Word.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain focused while managing a high-volume, time-sensitive workload.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Dependable attendance and the ability to consistently work scheduled shifts.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who understands that insurance verification is more than simply checking eligibility. The right candidate will take ownership of authorizations from submission through resolution, follow up consistently, recognize potential issues before they delay patient care, and communicate clearly with the appropriate team members throughout the process.

Texas Regional Physicians is an Equal Opportunity Employer.