Precertification Specialist

SUN Houston; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Part time

Job summary

SUN Behavioral Houston is seeking a part-time Precertification Specialist to obtain pre-certifications and pre-authorizations for hospital service lines, coordinating with insurance carriers and hospital departments.

You will maintain payer files, track authorizations, ensure HIPAA compliance, document communications, and prioritize requests while upholding safety and teamwork in a fast-paced behavioral health setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.
• 1 year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting preferred; precertification experience a plus.
• Maintains up-to-date payer requirements and documentation for authorizations.

Responsibilities

• Request, track and obtain pre-authorizations from insurance carriers within time limits.
• Maintain payer files with current authorization requirements.
• Document all communications and contacts per hospital standards (HIPAA compliant).
• Prioritize requests by urgency and communicate insurance changes to the team.
• Answer insurance-related inquiries and support department workflows.

Skills

Payer requirements

Precertification processes

Medical terminology

HIPAA compliance

Communication skills

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associates or Bachelor's degree

Job description

Precertification Specialist# Precertification SpecialistSUN Behavioral Houston - Houston, TX 77054## OverviewPosition TypePart TimeJob ShiftDaysEducation LevelHigh School/GEDTravel PercentageNoneCategoryHealth Care## Description**Position Summary:**Responsible for obtaining pre-certifications and pre-authorizations for hospital service lines per assigned caseload by successfully completing the required authorization process in addition to effectively communicating details to appropriate departments.**Position Responsibilities:***Clinical / Technical Skills* (40% of performance review)* Maintain individual payer files to include up to date requirements needed to successfully obtain authorizations.* Request, track and obtain pre-authorization from insurance carriers within time allotted for assigned workload and follow up on regularly pending cases.* Ensure tracking programs and patient records are kept up to date through the pre-certification process.* Demonstrate and apply knowledge of medical terminology, high proficiency of general inpatient hospital understanding including HIPAA regulations.* Clearly document all communication and contacts with providers and personnel in standardized documentation requirements.* Communicate any insurance changes or trends among team.* Prioritize authorization requests according to urgency.* Answer insurance telephone inquiries pertaining to patient accounts.* Perform other duties as required.*Safety* (15% of performance review)* Strives to create a safe, healing environment for patients and family members* Follows all safety rules while on the job.* Reports “near misses”, as well as errors and accidents promptly.* Corrects minor safety hazards.* Communicates with peers and management regarding any hazards identified in the workplace.* Attends all required safety programs and understands responsibilities related to general, department, and job specific safety.* Participates in quality projects, as assigned, and supports quality initiatives.* Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.*Teamwork* (15% of performance review)* Works well with others in a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.* Responds willingly to colleagues and serves as an active part of the hospital team.* Builds collaborative relationships with patients, families, staff, and physicians.* The ability to retrieve, communicate, and present data and information both verbally and in writing as required* Demonstrates listening skills and the ability to express or exchange ideas by means of the spoken and written word.* Demonstrates adequate skills in all forms of communication.* Adheres to the Standards of Behavior*Integrity* (15% of performance review)* Strives to always do the right thing for the patient, coworkers, and the hospital* Adheres to established standards, policies, procedures, protocols, and laws.* Applies the Mission and Values of SUN Behavioral Health to personal practice and commits to service excellence.* Supports and demonstrates fiscal responsibility through supply usage, ordering of supplies, and conservation of facility resources.* Completes required trainings within defined time periods, as established by job description, policies, or hospital leadership* Exemplifies professionalism through good attendance and positive attitude, at all times.* Maintains confidentiality of patient and staff information, following HIPAA and other privacy laws.* Ensures proper documentation in all position activities, following federal and state guidelines.*Compassion* (15% of performance review)* Demonstrates accountability for ensuring the highest quality patient care for patients.* Willingness to be accepting of those in need, and to extend a helping hand* Desire to go above and beyond for others* Understanding and accepting of cultural diversity and differences## Qualifications**Education*** Required: High school diploma or GED. CPR and hospital-selected de-escalation technique certification.* Preferred: Associates or Bachelors degree.* Maintains education and development appropriate for position.* May substitute experience for education**Experience*** Required: One year of experience in a behavioral healthcare setting.* Preferred: Previous experience as Precertification Specialist* May substitute education for experience