Utilization Management Auditor

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital; United States; Remote; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a Utilization Management Auditor to ensure the accuracy and compliance of UM processes. The role involves auditing workflows, compiling reports, and recommending improvements to ensure high-quality care and operational excellence. Ideal candidates should have a background in healthcare and strong analytical skills to support process improvements.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in healthcare operations or auditing roles required.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Licensed RN or similar qualification required.

Responsibilities

• Audit Utilization Management processes for compliance and accuracy.
• Conduct cross-departmental audits and optimize workflows.
• Compile findings and recommend improvements.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Customer service orientation

Education

Licensed RN, LPN, or LVN

Additional certifications in auditing or quality improvement

Tools

MS Office Suite

Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems

Job description

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

HealthAxis is a prominent provider of core administrative processing system (CAPS) technology, business process as a service (BPaaS), and business process outsourcing (BPO) capabilities to healthcare payers, risk-bearing providers, and third-party administrators. We are transforming the way healthcare is administered by providing innovative technology and services that uniquely solve critical healthcare payer challenges negatively impacting member and provider experiences.

We live and work with purpose, care about others, act with integrity, communicate with transparency, and don’t take ourselves too seriously.

We're not just about business – we're about people. Our commitment to a people-first approach shapes everything we do, from collaborating as a team to serving our valued clients. We believe that creating a vibrant and human-centric environment can inspire engagement, empower our team members, and ignite a sense of purpose in all that we accomplish.

PURPOSE AND SCOPE:

The Utilization Management Auditor plays a critical role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and effectiveness of the Utilization Management (UM) processes within the health plan. This position is responsible for auditing the results of the full UM lifecycle, including intake, authorization creation, and authorization review and determination. The auditor also evaluates processes impacting other departments such as claims, call centers, administrative & governance (A&G), and others to ensure that operations align with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and organizational policies. By identifying inefficiencies, gaps in compliance, and opportunities for improvement, the Utilization Management Auditor supports the organization's commitment to providing high-quality and cost-effective care while ensuring operational excellence.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Audit Utilization Management (UM) Processes

• Review and assess all stages of the UM process, including intake, authorization creation, authorization review, and determination, to ensure they comply with internal policies, regulatory guidelines, and industry best practices.

• Conduct audits of authorization requests and reviews for accuracy, completeness, and timely decision-making in accordance with applicable healthcare regulations.

• Monitor and audit workflows for intake and authorization activities to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency improvements.

Audit Cross-Departmental Processes

• Evaluate workflows and tickets impacting other departments such as Claims, Call Center, Administrative & Governance (A&G), and other operational areas.

• Identify systemic issues that may affect multiple departments and recommend corrective actions.

• Ensure that cross-departmental communications and processes are streamlined, accurate, and consistent with UM standards.

Reporting and Documentation

• Compile audit findings into detailed reports, outlining key observations, discrepancies, and areas of concern.

• Provide actionable recommendations for improving processes, resolving discrepancies, and ensuring compliance.

• Maintain clear and accurate records of audit results, follow-up actions, and resolutions.

Compliance and Quality Assurance

• Ensure all audits align with internal and external compliance requirements, including CMS, state regulations, and industry standards.

• Track and analyze audit outcomes to ensure continuous improvement and adherence to best practices in UM.

• Actively participate in quality assurance activities to identify gaps and collaborate with leadership to address areas for improvement.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with Utilization Management leadership, Claims, A&G, and other operational departments to facilitate the resolution of audit findings and process improvements.

• Provide training, guidance, and feedback to departments and teams to improve UM processes and minimize errors.

• Act as a liaison between departments to ensure smooth coordination of UM and related operations.

Continuous Improvement and Training

• Stay informed of changes in healthcare regulations, industry standards, and best practices related to Utilization Management and healthcare operations.

• Recommend process improvements and best practices based on audit outcomes, industry trends, and new regulatory guidance.

• Support ongoing training efforts for UM staff and other departments impacted by audit results.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Licensed RN, LPN, or LVN required.

• Additional certifications or training in auditing or healthcare quality improvement is a plus.

Experience

• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in healthcare operations, Utilization Management, or auditing roles within health plans or managed care organizations.

• In-depth knowledge of UM processes, including intake, authorization creation, and determination, as well as familiarity with cross-departmental functions like claims, A&G, and call center operations.

• Experience with healthcare regulations and standards (e.g., CMS, state-specific guidelines, NCQA) and their impact on utilization management.

• Proven track record in auditing and identifying areas for process improvement within a complex healthcare environment.

• Experience in developing and implementing reporting systems and documentation related to audit activities.

Required Skills

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to identify patterns, discrepancies, and opportunities for improvement.

• Excellent attention to detail and the ability to maintain high levels of accuracy in all work products.

• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, to present audit findings clearly and persuasively to stakeholders at all levels.

• Ability to work collaboratively across departments, with a customer service-oriented approach to problem-solving.

• Proficiency in using audit management tools, electronic health records (EHR) systems, and MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Knowledge of healthcare claims processing and call center operations is a plus.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.