Travel RN Case Manager (Utilization Review) - $3,478 per week

Voca Healthcare; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in California is looking for a Utilization Review Nurse II to handle discharge planning and utilization reviews. The ideal candidate will have a valid RN license in California and substantial experience in acute care nursing or case management. Responsibilities include evaluating medical records, coordinating with multiple services, and ensuring adherence to documentation requirements. This position is essential for optimizing resource use within the hospital and maximizing reimbursement from payors.

Qualifications

• Two years of experience in acute care hospital as a registered nurse.
• One year of utilization review/discharge planning experience in acute care.
• Five years as a Case Manager in alternate medical settings preferred.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate medical records for inpatient admissions.
• Coordinate discharge plans and ensure hospital resources are used efficiently.
• Teach documentation requirements for reimbursement.

Skills

Utilization review

Care coordination

Medical record evaluation

Communication skills

Data analysis

Education

Valid Registered Nurse license in California

Job description

Responsibilities

• Utilization Review Nurse II represents the fully experienced level in utilization review and discharge planning activities.
• Obtains and evaluates medical records for in-patient admissions to determine if required documentation is present.
• Obtains appropriate records as required by payor agencies and initiates Physician Advisories as necessary for unwarranted admissions.
• Conducts on-going reviews and discusses care changes with attending physicians and others.
• Formulates and documents discharge plans.
• Provides on-going consultation and coordination with multiple services within the hospital to ensure efficient use of hospital resources.
• Identifies pay source problems and provides intervention for appropriate referrals.
• Coordinates with admitting office to avoid inappropriate admissions.
• Coordinates with clinic areas in scheduling specialized tests with other health care providers, assessing pay source and authorizing payment under Medically Indigent Adult program as necessary.
• Reviews and approves surgery schedule to ensure elective procedures are authorized.
• Coordinates with correctional facilities to determine appropriate use of elective procedures, durable medical goods and other services.
• Answers questions from providers regarding reimbursement, prior authorization and other documentation requirements.
• Learns the documentation requirements of payor sources to maximize reimbursement to the hospital.
• Keeps informed of patient disease processes and treatment modalities.
• Level II teaches providers the documentation requirements of payor sources to maximize reimbursement to the hospital.
• Level II may assist in training Utilization Review Nurse I's.
• Knowledge of payor source documentation requirements and governmental regulations affecting reimbursement; knowledge of acute care nursing principles, methods and commonly used procedures; knowledge of common patient disease processes and the usual methods for treating them; knowledge of medical terminology, hospital routine and commonly used equipment; knowledge of acute hospital organization and the interrelationships of various clinical and diagnostic services.
• Ability to effectively evaluate the medical records of hospital admissions regarding continuing stay necessity, appropriateness of setting, delivered care, use of ancillary services and discharge plans.
• Ability to assess and judge the clinical performance of physicians and other health professionals.
• Ability to communicate documentation needs in an effective and tactful manner that promotes cooperation.
• Ability to teach co-workers what is needed and required in the medical record for reimbursement and audit purposes.
• Ability to gather and analyze data and prepare reports and recommendations based thereon.
• Ability to get along with physicians, other health providers, outside payor sources and the general public.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.
• Level I: two (2) years of experience or its equivalent as a registered nurse in an acute care hospital, at least one (1) of which was on a medical/surgical ward or unit.
• Level II: one (1) year of utilization review/discharge planning experience in an acute care hospital or as a Case Manager in an alternate medical setting such as a clinic or physician’s office performing utilization review or discharge planning.
• Alternatively, possession of a valid license as a Registered Nurse in the State of California and five (5) years of experience as a Case Manager in an alternate medical setting such as a clinic or physician’s office performing utilization or discharge planning.
• Incumbents may be required to possess and maintain specific certificates competency based on unit specific requirements as a condition of employment.
• Case management experience in California (excluding Kaiser), preferably more than 1 assignment.
• Able to do both Utilization review and Care Coordination/Discharge planning.