Prior Authorization Specialist

Putnam County Hospital; Greencastle (IN); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Putnam County Hospital seeks a dedicated Prior Authorization Specialist to manage imaging and procedure authorizations, maintain accurate patient registration, and coordinate with payors and reviewers.

The role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and attention to medical terminology, with a focus on timely processing and patient safety.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service focus.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work as part of a team and independently.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Able to prioritize effectively including medical triage prioritization.
• Good judgement, resourcefulness, and problem solving abilities.
• Able to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Proficiency in medical terminology & abbreviations.

Responsibilities

• Obtain prior authorizations for imaging and procedures from appropriate payors.
• Maintain ongoing tracking and appropriate documentation on prior authorizations to promote team awareness and ensure patient safety.
• Ensure complete and accurate registration, including patient demographic and current insurance information.
• Assemble information concerning patient’s clinical background and referral needs.
• Provide clinical information to review organizations and insurance companies to ensure prior approval requirements are met.
• Present medical information such as history, diagnosis and prognosis to support prior authorization.
• Review details and expectations about the prior authorization with patients as needed.
• Identify and utilize cultural and community resources; establish relationships with service providers.
• Abide by HIPAA and hospital policies; assist with referrals as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team player

Time management

Prioritization

Attention to detail

Medical terminology

Problem solving

Integrity

Job description

Job Summary: The prior authorization specialist is responsible for prior authorization operations within the primary care clinics, establishing and standardizing systems and procedures for the distribution and use of health information throughout the organization, coordinating prior authorization functions with all other departments.Job Duties:Obtain prior authorizations for imaging and procedures from appropriate payors.Maintain ongoing tracking and appropriate documentation on prior authorizations to promote team awareness and ensure patient safetyEnsure complete and accurate registration, including patient demographic and current insurance informationAssemble information concerning patient's clinical background and referral needs. Per referral guidelines, provide appropriate clinical information to specialist-Contact review organizations and insurance companies to ensure prior approval requirements are met. Present necessary medical information such as history, diagnosis and prognosis. Provide specific medical information to financial services to maximize reimbursement to the hospital and physiciansReview details and expectations about the prior authorization with patients as neededEnsure that prior authorizations are addressed in a timely mannerIdentify and utilize cultural and community resources. Establish and maintain relationships with identified service providersAbide by HIPPA and Hospital policies & proceduresAssists with Referrals as neededPerforms other duties as assignedJob Requirements:• Strong customer service focus• Strong verbal and written communication skills• Able to work as part of a team and independently• Strong organizational and time management skills• Able to prioritize effectively including medical triage prioritization• Good judgement, resourcefulness, and problem solving abilities• Able to take initiative and follow through with delegated tasks• Able to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality• Strong attention to detail• Strong proficiency in medical terminology & abbreviationsPreferred Skills:• Knowledge of prior authorizations process for different services (radiology, pharmacology & laboratory services) and insurance providers (commercial, Medicare & Medicaid), solid understanding and knowledge of payer contractual requirements, experience with insurance verification, experience and familiarity with using insurance portals• Previous clinical support experience in a healthcare setting with basic knowledge of CPT & ICD 10 codes, working knowledge of anatomy, physiology & the disease process to effectively communicate medical necessity criteria for procedures ordered or to effectively appeal an adverse determination