Prior Authorization Specialist

EngageMED, Inc.; Little Rock (AR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

EngageMED, Inc. in Little Rock, AR is seeking a Prior Authorization Specialist to verify insurance and secure precertifications for inpatient, outpatient and ED procedures. You will review demographics, correct errors, and communicate benefits to patients.

The role requires experience with payor guidelines, strong problem solving, and proficiency in Microsoft Office. You will navigate payer portals and collaborate with care teams to minimize delays and denials.

Qualifications

• Two years hospital or medical office experience in billing, pre-certification and authorization.
• Extensive knowledge of authorization processes and payer guidelines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and medical terminology.

Responsibilities

• Review demographic, billing and insurance information for accuracy.
• Verify insurance eligibility and obtain precertification/authorization.
• Communicate policy benefits to patients and respond to inquiries.
• Navigate payer websites to request approvals and manage denials.
• Prepare documentation for authorization and ensure timely submissions.
• Support revenue cycle activities and maintain confidentiality.

Skills

Teamwork Orientation

Service Orientation

Achieves Results

Learning and Growth

Communication

Analytical Thinking

Education

LPN or RN license

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Internet navigation

Database management

Spreadsheet software

Graphic presentation software

Job description

Position Title: Prior Authorization SpecialistDepartment: ClinicalFLSA Status: Non-ExemptReports To: ManagerI. Job Summary / Job PurposeThe Prior Authorization Specialist is responsible for obtaining appropriate insurance verification, prior approval and all authorization requirements prior to a patient's arrival for a procedure. To perform authorization activities of inpatient, outpatient and emergency department patients, denial management and all revenue functions. Need to demonstrate, through actions, a consistent performance standard of excellence to which all work is to conform. The expertise of the Authorization Specialist shall include working knowledge in the area of authorization related activities including pre-authorizations, notifications, edits, denials, etc. The Authorization Specialist shall demonstrate the philosophy and core values of EngageMED in the performance of duties.II. Key ResponsibilitiesReview demographic, billing and insurance information for accuracy.Verify insurance eligibility. Make necessary corrections.Obtain Precertification and authorization.Communicate detailed policy benefits to patients.Respond to phone calls and correspondence relating to patient accounts.Professional and Positive communication skills internally and externallyWork under pressure and resolve problemsAbility to navigate insurance carrier websitesReviews and interprets medical record documentation for patient history, diagnosis, and previous treatment plans to pre-authorize insurance plan determined procedures to avoid financial penalties to patient, provider and facility.Utilizes payor-specific approved criteria or regulations to determine medical necessity or the clinical appropriateness for inpatient admissions, outpatient facility, office services, and drugs in terms of type, frequency, extent, site and duration, and considered effective for the patient's illness, injury, or disease.Provides referral/pre-notification/authorization services timely to avoid unnecessary delays in treatment and reduce excessive nonclinical administrative time required of providers. Submits pertinent demographic and supporting clinical data to payor to request approval for services being renderedIII. EngageMED Core ExpectationsAt EngageMED, we expect all our employees to live the values of Reverence, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence at work by:Honoring and caring for the dignity of all persons in mind, body, and spiritEnsuring the highest quality of care for those we serveWorking together as a team to achieve our goalsImproving continuously by listening, and asking for and responding to feedbackSeeking new and better ways to meet the needs of those we serveUsing our resources wiselyUnderstanding how each of our roles contributes to the success of EngageMED.IV. Core Job CompetenciesCore EngageMED Behaviors: The following behaviors have been identified as critical to all staff roles at EngageMED:Teamwork Orientation: works cooperatively & collaboratively with others toward the accomplishment of shared goals.Service Orientation: desire to serve and focus one’s efforts on discovering and meeting the needs of internal and external customers.Achieves Results: reflects a drive to achieve and outperform. Continuously looking for improvements. Accepts responsibility for actions and results.Learning and Growth: has a commitment to continuous professional and organizational learningCommunication: practices attentive and active listening and can restate opinions of others; communicates messages in a way that has the desired effect.Role-Specific Behaviors: these additional behaviors are necessary in the role:Knowledge of clinic referral and scheduling processes and billing/authorization requirements.Knowledge of federal and state pay requirements, including Medicare, DSHS, HMO/PPO Contracts.Ability to communicate effectively and to maintain strict confidentiality.Ability to respond to people and issues promptly and appropriately, to resolve problems.A team player who handles multiple projects simultaneously in a fast paced environment.Possess a strong work ethic and a high level of professionalism.Skills, Knowledge or Abilities critical to this role:Language Ability: Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to common inquiries or complaints from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.Computer Skills: Must be proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite, Internet navigation, database management, desktop publishing, spreadsheet, and graphic presentation packages.V. Job Requirements / Qualificationsa. Education / Accreditation / Licensure (required & preferred):LPN or RN license required.b. Experience (required and preferred):Minimum of two years previous hospital or medical office experience in billing, pre-certification and authorization.Extensive knowledge of authorization processes, insurance guidelines, third party payors, and reimbursement practicesKnowledge and understanding of billing practicesKnowledge and interpretation of medical terminology, ICD-10, and CPT codesMust be proficient in Microsoft Office applicationsExcellent communication and interpersonal skillsAbility to analyze data and use independent judgmentVI. DisclaimersThis job description reflects EngageMED’s assignment of essential functions, it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.Critical features of this job are listed above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.