Utilization Management Coordinator (Work from home)

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital; United States; Remote; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital is seeking a Utilization Management (UM) Coordinator to support the administrative functions of the utilization review process. This role involves processing authorizations, coordinating with healthcare professionals, and ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines. Ideal candidates will possess knowledge of medical terminology, strong organizational skills, and 2+ years of experience in a health plan environment, along with the ability to communicate effectively in both English and Spanish.

Benefits

Health benefits

Life and disability benefits

401(k) savings plan with match

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in health plan environment preferred.
• Bilingual required (English/Spanish).
• Certification as a Medical Assistant preferred.

Responsibilities

• Process incoming requests for authorization of medical services.
• Collaborate with providers and members to gather documentation.
• Track and monitor pending authorizations for timely decisions.

Skills

Medical terminology

Healthcare authorization processes

Communication

Organization

Customer service

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Associate’s degree or healthcare certification

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Medical management systems (e.g., MCG)

Job description

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We are transforming healthcare to be value-driven, creating a seamless, consumer-centric care experience that maximizes value for all.

We believe that all health consumers are entitled to high quality, coordinated healthcare. We uniquely align the interests of health consumers, providers, and payors to make high-quality healthcare accessible and affordable to all populations across the ACA Marketplace, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The Utilization Management (UM) Coordinator supports the coordination, processing, and administrative functions of the utilization review process. This role ensures timely and appropriate review of healthcare services in accordance with established guidelines and regulatory requirements, working closely with UM nurses, physicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Receive, review, and process incoming requests for authorization of medical services.
• Coordinate with providers, members, and internal clinical staff to gather necessary documentation for utilization reviews.
• Enter authorization requests and updates into the utilization management system accurately and promptly.
• Track and monitor pending authorizations to ensure timely processing and communication of decisions.
• Collaborate with nurses and physicians to facilitate medical necessity reviews and ensure compliance with clinical guidelines.
• Provide notification of determination (approvals or denials) to providers and members in accordance with regulatory timeframes.
• Maintain accurate and organized records to ensure compliance with accreditation and regulatory bodies (e.g., NCQA, CMS, Health Plans).
• Assist in audits and quality improvement activities as needed.
• Serve as a liaison between internal departments, providers, and external vendors.
• Ensure compliance with HIPAA and confidentiality standards at all times.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree or healthcare certification preferred.
• 2+ years of experience in health plan environment; experience in utilization management or case management support strongly preferred.
• Capacity To Interpret Health Plan Benefit Decisions.
• Bilingual Required (English/ Spanish)
• Certification As a Medical Assistant preferred.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of medical terminology and healthcare authorization processes.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and medical management systems (e.g., MCG, or similar UM platforms).
• Excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

For individuals assigned to a location(s) in California, NeueHealth is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this position. Actual compensation will vary based on the applicant’s education, experience, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity. A reasonable estimate of the range is $19.27-$28.91 Hourly.

Additionally, employees are eligible for health benefits; life and disability benefits, a 401(k) savings plan with match; Paid Time Off, and paid holidays.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome and employ a diverse employee group committed to meeting the needs of NeueHealth, our consumers, and the communities we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.