Utilization Management Nurse, LVN/LPN (Work from home)

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital; United States; Remote; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization is seeking a full-time Utilization Management Nurse to oversee prior authorizations and ensure quality care outcomes. The successful candidate will collaborate with providers to evaluate authorization requests and ensure compliance with medical necessity criteria, requiring a strong background in clinical nursing and effective communication skills.

Benefits

Health benefits

Life and disability benefits

401(k) savings plan with match

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience.
• At least 1 year in utilization review or case management.
• Active, unrestricted California nursing license required.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and process prior authorization requests based on clinical guidelines.
• Act as a liaison between healthcare providers, patients, and health plans.
• Document all authorization activities in EMR or authorization systems.

Skills

Analytical skills

Critical thinking

Effective communication

Proficiency in medical terminology

Experience with EMR systems

Education

Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

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.

JOB SUMMARY

The Utilization Management (UM) Prior Authorization (PA) Nurse is a full-time role with NeueHealth, dedicated to promoting quality and cost-effective outcomes for the designated population. Working in collaboration with Medical Directors and the clinical team, the PA Nurse ensures members receive the appropriate benefit coverage for services requiring prior authorization. Responsibilities include reviewing prior authorizations for treatments, medications, procedures, and diagnostic tests to confirm alignment with contract requirements, coverage policies, and evidence-based medical necessity criteria. The PA Nurse also collects and analyzes utilization data and monitors the quality and appropriate use of services. This role demands clinical expertise, keen attention to detail, and strong communication skills to effectively engage with healthcare providers, patients, and health plans.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Authorization and Review
  • Evaluate and process prior authorization requests based on clinical guidelines such as Medicare, Medicaid/Medi-Cal criteria, MCG, or health plan-specific guidelines.
  • Assess medical necessity and the appropriateness of requested services using clinical expertise.
  • Verify patient eligibility, benefits, and coverage details.
• Collaboration and Communication
  • Act as a liaison between healthcare providers, patients, and health plans to facilitate the authorization process.
  • Communicate authorization decisions to providers and patients promptly.
  • Provide detailed explanations for denials or alternative solutions and collaborate with Medical Directors on adverse determinations.
  • Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements regarding adverse determination notices, including readability standards and appeal information.
• Documentation and Compliance
  • Accurately document all authorization activities in electronic medical records (EMR) or authorization systems.
  • Maintain compliance with federal, state, and health plan regulations.
  • Stay updated on policy and clinical criteria changes.
• Quality Improvement
  • Identify trends or recurring issues in authorization denials and recommend process improvements.
  • Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and audits to ensure high-quality performance.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Education: Licensed Vocational/Practical Nurse (LVN/LPN) with an active, unrestricted California nursing license required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of 2-3 years of clinical nursing experience, with at least 1 year in utilization review, case management, or a related field.
  • Experience in a managed care setting with medical necessity reviews is strongly preferred.
• Certifications:
  • Preferred: Certified Professional in Utilization Review (CPUR), Certified Case Manager (CCM), or Accredited Case Manager (ACM).
  • Additional clinical nursing or case management certifications are a plus.

PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCIES

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Proficiency in medical terminology and pharmacology.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Adaptable and self-motivated.
• Experience with EMR systems and prior authorization platforms.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).

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 $27.10-$40.65 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.