Prior Authorization Specialist

Paycom - ATS; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Paycom - ATS in Sterling Heights, MI is seeking a Prior Authorization Specialist to obtain insurer pre-approvals for medications and treatments. This role blends healthcare knowledge with administrative accuracy and a compassionate approach for patients awaiting critical care.

Responsibilities include reviewing orders, verifying coverage, submitting requests, and tracking authorizations while ensuring HIPAA compliance and timely communication with patients and providers.

Qualifications

• Proficiency in using electronic health records systems.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and ICD-10/CPT codes.
• Strong organizational skills in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service with empathy.
• Ability to multitask and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Review physician orders and patient records to determine necessity of prior authorization.
• Contact insurers to verify coverage and benefits for prescribed medications and treatments.
• Submit authorization requests through EHR systems, portals, or phone.
• Collaborate with providers to gather additional information for submissions.
• Monitor status of submissions and follow up within 48 hours to resolve delays.

Skills

EHR proficiency

Medical terminology & ICD-10/CPT

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking under deadlines

Team collaboration

Independent worker

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Medical Assistant Certification (optional)

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR) platforms

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Silver Pine Medical Group PLC - CANAL - Sterling Heights, MI 48313, Salary Range: $18.93 - $26.00 Hourly, Job Title: Prior Authorization Specialist

Job Summary:

The Prior Authorization Specialist is a key member of the healthcare team, primarily responsible for obtaining pre-approval from insurance companies for patient medications and treatments. This role is crucial in ensuring that patients receive the necessary healthcare services without undue delay or financial burden. The position requires a balance of healthcare knowledge, administrative skills, and the ability to maintain a compassionate approach when dealing with patients awaiting critical care or medications. Attention to detail and strong customer service skills to ensure all necessary steps are taken to accurately identify or process a request for prior authorization.

Job Responsibilities/Tasks:

• Review and interpret physician orders and patient medical records to determine the necessity and accuracy of prior authorization requests.
• Contact insurance providers to verify patient coverage and benefits specific to prescribed medications and treatments.
• Submit detailed authorization requests through electronic health records (EHR) systems, online portals, or via telephone.
• Collaborate with healthcare providers to gather additional information or clarification needed for prior authorization submissions.
• Monitor and track the status of submitted authorizations, following up within 48 hours to resolve delays or issues that may arise.
• Communicate effectively with patients regarding the status of their authorization, including any additional information or action required on their part.
• Adhere to all healthcare regulations, including HIPAA, to ensure patient privacy and the confidentiality of medical information.
• Obtain approval/ denial letters and other Prior Authorization forms.
• Submit appeal letters to the insurance carrier.
• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of medical terminology and pharmacology.
• Clearly document all communications in standardized documentation requirements (EHR, Cover My Meds, and Access Log).
• Respond to urgent messages submitted by the SPMG team or Clinical Manager.
• Monitor voicemail and returning call requests within 24 hours.

Qualifications: Required Skills/Abilities:

• Proficiency in using electronic health records systems.
• Familiarity with medical terminology and understanding of ICD-10 and CPT codes.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills, with empathetic regard for patient needs.
• Experience with multitasking and meeting strict deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team, with a commitment to collaborative problem-solving.
• Effective written and verbal communication
• Ability to convert a prescription into an authorization request based on payer requirements
• Knowledge of Pharmacy Benefit
• Able to use a computer and related software

Education:

• High School Diploma or Equivalent (Required)
• Medical Assistant Certification (Optional)

Experience:

2+ Years’ Medical Office Experience: Insurance Verification & Authorization.

Disclaimer:

This description is intended to provide only basic guidelines for meeting job requirements. Responsibilities, knowledge, skills, abilities and working conditions may change as needs evolve.