Prior Authorization Specialist (Certified Medical Assistant or Pharmacy Technician)

TriHealth; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

TriHealth Corporate Office is seeking a skilled Prior Authorization Specialist (Certified Medical Assistant or Pharmacy Technician) to join the team. This role supports patients, providers, and care teams by ensuring timely access to medications and efficient prior authorizations.

The position offers opportunities to expand clinical knowledge and collaborate with a high-performing team at the Cincinnati location.

Qualifications

• High School Degree or GED in Pharmacy; Pharmacy Technician or Medical Assistant.
• Certified Pharmacy Technician or Certified Medical Assistant desired.
• Prior experience with Epic and/or prior authorizations desirable.
• 2-3 years’ experience as Clinical Pharmacy Technician or Medical Assistant.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate all aspects of the prior authorization process with insurance verification.
• Gather necessary clinical information from EMR and communicate with patients and prescribers.
• Review PA denials and inform physicians and patients of reasons for denial.
• Serve as a subject matter expert for drug formularies and PA processes.
• Follow up with insurers on PA status and maintain documentation in EMR.

Skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Problem solving

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or GED in Pharmacy

Pharmacy Technician certification

Medical Assistant certification

Tools

Epic EHR

Job description

Prior Authorization Specialist (Certified Medical Assistant or Pharmacy Technician)

TriHealth Corporate Office

At TriHealth, you’ll join a growing, forward-moving health system that invests in its people and creates meaningful opportunities for career advancement. As a Prior Authorization Specialist, you’ll play a key role in supporting patients, providers, and care teams by ensuring timely access to medications and delivering exceptional service across the organization.

This role offers the chance to expand your clinical knowledge, strengthen your expertise in insurance and reimbursement processes, and collaborate with a supportive, high-performing team. TriHealth’s commitment to quality, innovation, and continuous improvement makes it an ideal place to build a rewarding and impactful career.

Location

• TriHealth Corporate Office at 625 Eden Park Drive, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Work Schedule

• Full-time (80 hours biweekly)
• Day Shift (M - F, 8am - 5pm)
• Hybrid (in office 3 days a week)
• No Weekends, Holidays or On Call Commitment

Incentives & Benefits

• TriHealth offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement.
• Please view our benefits page https://careers.trihealth.com/what-we-offer/benefits

Job Requirements

• High School Degree or GED in Pharmacy; Pharmacy Technician or Medical Assistant
• Certified Pharmacy Technician or Certified Medical Assistant desired
• Prior experience with medication Epic and/or prior authorizations desirable
• 2-3 years’ experience Clinical Pharmacy Technician or Medical Assistant

The prior authorization specialist is responsible for coordinating all aspects of the prior authorization process, including insurance verification, formulary reviews, gathering necessary clinical information from electronic medical record, and timely communication with patients, prescribers and physician office staff. Candidates should possess knowledge of third-party reimbursement regulations and medical terminology as well as seek out assistance from a pharmacist or physician as necessary. Success in this role will require strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. This person should be able to interact and communicate effectively with internal and external customers, physician office staff, and all members of the organization.

Essential Functions

• Research and investigate Prior Authorization (PA) requirements by insurance company
• Obtain Prior Authorization status updates from the insurance company and communicate to patient, pharmacy, or physician’s office as necessary
• Submit Prior Authorization application forms and all required supporting documentation to the insurance company
• Review medical record to obtain necessary patient demographic and clinical information and seek timely clarification from pharmacist or physician as necessary
• Review Prior Authorization denials and communicate reasons for denial to physicians and patients
• Serve as a subject matter expert for drug formularies and the prior authorization process in general
• Follows up with insurance companies in a timely manner regarding Prior Authorizations
• Provides excellent customer service as evidenced by a willingness and ability to assist customers (both internal and external) with their questions/concerns, treating customers in a friendly and helpful manner, and maintaining a positive attitude

Job Responsibilities

• Demonstrates the ability to prioritize daily tasks and has a working knowledge of department’s day-to-day operations and initiatives.
• Is an active participant in meetings, work groups, and committees.
• Participates in departmental and organizational feedback opportunities.
• Assists in the training of new employees.
• Meets or exceeds department's internal quality performance metrics.
• Participates in quality improvement activities and projects to monitor the effectiveness of department's services.
• Meets or exceeds department’s customer satisfaction targets and goals.
• Assumes responsibility for achieving department satisfaction goals and demonstrates a commitment to service excellence for internal and external customers.
• Proactively communicates with patients and physician office staff.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for the prior authorization process.
• Meets or exceeds department’s goals for formulary adherence measures, and other cost control initiatives identified as a priority for the department.
• Works collaboratively with pharmacists, prescribers, physician office staff and all members of the health care team to coordinate all aspects of the prior authorization process and documents activities appropriately in the electronic medical record.

Working Conditions

• Climbing - Rarely
• Concentrating - Frequently
• Continuous Learning - Consistently
• Hearing: Conversation - Consistently
• Interpersonal Communication - Consistently
• Kneeling - Rarely
• Lifting <10 Lbs - Occasionally
• Lifting 50+ Lbs - Rarely
• Lifting 11-50 Lbs - Rarely
• Pulling - Rarely
• Pushing - Rarely
• Reaching - Rarely
• Reading - Consistently
• Sitting - Consistently
• Standing - Occasionally
• Stooping - Rarely
• Thinking/Reasoning - Consistently
• Use of Hands - Consistently
• Color Vision - Consistently
• Walking - Rarely

TriHealth SERVE Standards and ALWAYS Behaviors

At TriHealth, we believe there is no responsibility more important than to SERVE our patients, our communities, and our fellow team members. To achieve our vision and mission, ALL TriHealth team members are expected to demonstrate and live the following:

Serve: ALWAYS

• Welcome everyone by making eye contact, greeting with a smile, and saying "hello"
• Acknowledge when patients/guests are lost and escort them to their destination or find someone who can assist
• Refrain from using cell phones for personal reasons in public spaces or patient care areas

Excel: ALWAYS

• Recognize and take personal responsibility to address and recover from service breakdowns when a customer's expectations have not been met
• Offer patients and guests priority when waiting (lines, elevators)
• Work on improving quality, safety, and service

Respect: ALWAYS

• Respect cultural and spiritual differences and honor individual preferences.
• Respect everyone’s opinion and contribution, regardless of title/role.
• Speak positively about my team members and other departments in front of patients and guests.

Value: ALWAYS

• Value the time of others by striving to be on time, prepared and actively participating.
• Pick up trash, ensuring the physical environment is clean and safe.
• Be a good steward of our resources, using supplies and equipment efficiently and effectively, and will look for ways to avoid waste.

Engage: ALWAYS

• Acknowledge wins and frequently thank team members and others for contributions.
• Show courtesy and compassion with customers, team members and the community